pubblichiamo la comunicazione della Lute Society of America sulla scomparsa di Douglas Alton Smith
Douglas Alton Smith
1944-2018
It is my sad duty to relay to you that, after a long illness, Doug Smith died at his home, on August 9th. Over the decades, Doug made numerous contributions to the LSA in a variety of roles, most recently as a member of the Board of Directors and both Guest Editor and Interim Editor of the Journal of the LSA. His contributions to lute scholarship cannot be overstated–the History of the Lute remains the only book of its kind and his work on the music of Silvius Leopold Weiss helped bring baroque lute music into the prominence it enjoys today. Doug was not only a lutenist, but played other instruments and recently finished composing a folk opera, while also spearheading the JLSA issues devoted to the life and work of Patrick O'Brien–two issues have been published, with more to follow. His loss leaves a hole that cannot be filled, not only in the lute world, but in our minds and hearts.
Funeral arrangements are not yet finalized and I doubt Doug would want anyone to spend money on flowers for him. I do know he was very interested in getting his book into the hands of readers, so, perhaps, buying one and reading it, if you haven't already, is the best way to pay tribute to him. The LSA will be devoting JLSA, issue 52 to Doug as a festschrift in his memory.
Farewell Doug,
Michael Grant, LSA President