In Memoriam

Herman Godes

“May his memory be for a blessing”

Dr. Herman Godes, prominent pianist, teacher, and beloved husband of Catherine, director of piano studies at Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN., died in his home on February 3, 2007.

The son of a prominent pianist, Godes was born in Riga, Latvia in 1917. A prodigious talent, Godes concertized publicly during his teens. Among his illustrious teachers were Walter Gieseking and Robert Casadesus. Barely out of his educational period; (he received his early training at the Latvian Music Academy), his career was prevented from flourishing by the outbreak of WW II in 1939. Two years of military service and four years of incarceration by the Nazis kept Godes from the piano. Four years of nightmarish experiences at German Concentration Camps included the brutal execution of his parents and brother. He emerged from the ordeal miraculously in 1945 when he was liberated by U.S. troops, barely escaping execution himself.

Settling in West Germany upon liberation, Godes quickly resumed his musical career: six months after liberation, he performed the Fifth Beethoven Concerto with the Hamburg Philharmonic, and within a few years he was a much sought-after pianist in Germany, as well as other European countries. In 1950, Godes immigrated to the USA. He was offered a contract by one of the largest American managers: Columbia Artists Management, under whose auspices Godes toured the North American continent for ten years as a Steinway Artist.

In 1960 he accepted the position Artist-in-Residence at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, where he continued a long and distinguished performing and teaching career. He was a member of the American Arts Trio while in residence at WVU, and his long list of MM and DMA students have themselves gone on to distinguished musical careers. From 1981-1988, PBS featured a series entitled "Godes Plays". These televised recitals were broadcast in the US and Canada.

The recipient of numerous awards and an honorary doctorates, Godes retired from WVU in the early 90"s.

When his wife Catherine accepted the position of Professor of Piano at Tennessee Technological University, the Godes's moved to Cookeville, where the two quickly established themselves as soloists and as a duo piano team. Dr. Godes remained active as a teacher, clinician and performer until the late 1990's, when Alzheimer's slowly progressed. He remained at home with his beloved wife, where he enjoyed music, friends, and the loving care of two very special friends Lin Birdwell and Jeanette Seymour and the wonderful support provided by Caris Hospice. According to Catherine, " Herman's decline has been a journey, and I am honored to have been able to travel this part of his precious life by his side. He lived a remarkable life, and his spirit and passion for music, art, friends, colleagues and students will be his legacy. His life is to be celebrated; he was a survivor, and lived each day with grace and dignity.  A Memorial Concert in his honor will take place in the near future.

Cathy's address is: 1329 Hillsdale Drive, Cookeville, TN 38506