Richard J. Agee *82

Richard died April 30, 2023, in Denver, a few days before his 70th birthday.

Born May 2, 1953, in Oakland, Calif., Richard graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in music as a regents scholar. He earned a Ph.D. in music from Princeton in 1982. 

He spent the 1981-82 academic year as a visiting assistant professor at Reed College before joining the music faculty of Colorado College, where he served until 2015.

At Colorado College, Richard taught early music history, theory (counterpoint and harmony), and subjects including the symphony, Beethoven, the operas of Verdi, and Wagner’s Ring. His research interests included music printing and publishing during the Renaissance, music patronage during the same period, and the transmission of Gregorian chant in the 16th and 17th centuries. His book The Gardano Music Printing Firms, 1569-1611, was published by the University of Rochester Press in 1998.

A skilled craftsman, Richard built his own harpsichords and spinets. He accompanied the Colorado College chamber orchestra, chamber chorus, and the Collegium Musicum with harpsichord and organ basso continuo.

Richard is survived by his sister, Linda; brother James; a nephew; and a niece.

Graduate alumni memorials are prepared by the APGA.