By Janelle Gelfand
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Richard Fields was an exceptional pianist, a master teacher and a champion of music by African-American composers.

But his friends and colleagues also remember him as a loyal and caring friend with a sense of humor.

Mr. Fields, associate professor of piano at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music since 1991, was found dead in his College Hill home on Dec. 24. He had cardiac problems and diabetes, and died of natural causes.

He was 57.

His loss leaves a void, said CCM faculty pianist Elizabeth Pridonoff. "His students were his family.... He brought such a sense of Americana to his teaching."

Mr. Fields performed as soloist with numerous national symphonies.

He performed works by African-American composers such as William Grant Still on nearly every recital program. He recorded for Orion, CRS and Centaur labels.

In 1995, he recorded Still's Kaintuck' and Dismal Swamp with the Cincinnati Philharmonia Orchestra (Centaur), now neglected works that were commissioned by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra under Eugene Goossens.

Donald Dillard of Lansdowne, Pa., composed three works for Mr. Fields. His interpretations were individual, Mr. Dillard said. "He managed to get meaning out of the music that other performers don't seem to find."

He is also remembered for his performances of Liszt, said CCM faculty member Sandra Rivers. His New York recital debut in 1988 was highly praised by The New York Times. He won many prizes, including the Viotti International Piano Competition in Italy.

Walter Richard Fields was born in Oakland, Calif. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from New York's Juilliard School.

Mr. Fields served in the Army Reserves.

He is survived by cousins.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

E-mail jgelfand@enquirer.com

Obituary