Leon Stein, 91, a composer, conductor and educator who was a fixture in Chicago's classical music community for half a century, died in his sleep Thursday, May 9, in Laguna Woods, Calif., after suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Mr. Stein composed more than 100 published works, including four symphonies and two one-act operas. More than 90 orchestras performed his music, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which recorded his string quartets. "He was a person who made his mark on the musical life of the city. There aren't many of us who can say that," said Thomas A. Brown, professor emeritus of music at DePaul University.
Mr. Stein established a relationship in the 1920s with DePaul University, where he received three degrees. Mr. Stein taught at DePaul for 47 years and served as dean of the school of music from 1966 to 1976. He retired in 1978. Brown said Mr. Stein honed his musical expertise by attending concerts and immersing himself in the art. "He was a homemade talent. ... He was self-taught and self- motivated," Brown said. "I have great respect for that."
Mr. Stein received DePaul's highest awards for faculty and alumni. The DePaul University Library houses his complete musical and literary works. His son Kenneth said his father forged a strong connection between his music and his Jewish faith. Even while directing some of the city's top symphonies, Mr. Stein served as music director of the Niles Township Jewish Congregation in Skokie. He also wrote a book, "The Racial Thinking of Richard Wagner," which tried to reconcile the German composer's musical genius with his anti-Semitism. The significance of Mr. Stein's music to his own life and his family's was evident in his later years, his son said.
After moving to California in 1984, Mr. Stein suffered a series of health problems but maintained his sense of creativity. Shortly after breaking his hip four years ago, Mr. Stein composed two works that he dedicated to his granddaughter Emily as she learned to play the flute. Last year, she performed the more difficult work for him at his 90th birthday party. The flute solos were "a real beautiful gift to me and my daughter," his son said.
And even as Mr. Stein suffered from Alzheimer's, he enjoyed playing the piano in his final weeks of life, his son said.
Mr. Stein also is survived by his wife, Anne; another son, Robert; and four grandchildren. Services will be held in California.
Chicago Tribune, May 13, 2002, pg.5, Oscar Avila, Tribune staff reporter
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