R. Larry Todd

R. Larry Todd is the Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor of Music at Duke University, affiliated with the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. His academic career spans over four decades, from his appointment as an Instructor in 1978 to his current role since 1989. He has held leadership positions including Department Chair (1996–2002) and Director of Graduate Studies (2019–2020).

Education: Todd earned his B.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in Music from Yale University between 1974 and 1979. His scholarly expertise focuses on 19th-century music, particularly Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and his sister Fanny Hensel. He has written extensively on Mendelssohn’s life, compositions, and historical context, including the acclaimed biography Mendelssohn: A Life in Music (2003).

Research interests include Romantic-era composition techniques, performance practice, and the intersection of music with cultural and religious contexts. His work often bridges scholarship and performance, as evidenced by his artistic collaborations in chamber music and piano recitals.

Awards: Todd has been honored with prestigious accolades such as the Guggenheim Fellowship (2007), the Deutscher Musikeditions Preis (2008), and the Nicholas Slonimsky Award (2011). His editions of Mendelssohn’s works have been widely praised for scholarly rigor.

Teaching: He instructs courses on music history (e.g., Music History III: Beethoven through WWI), performance studies, and specialized topics like Music in the Classic Era. His mentorship has shaped generations of music scholars.

Artistic Performances: Todd actively performs in chamber music recitals, including works by Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Schumann. Notable performances include his 2011 series of Brahms violin sonatas and Mendelssohn cello sonatas across North Carolina venues.