Aldo Mancinelli

Birth date: Jul 29, 1928 Death date: Jul 27, 2020

Aldo Mancinelli, 91, passed away peacefully in his home on July 27th, 2020, surrounded by family and a close friend. Aldo was born on July 29, 1928, in Steubenville, Ohio. After serving three years in the Army Air Forces during W Read Obituary

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Bob Baker

263w ago

I am very saddened by the loss of Aldo and I know he will be missed by so many musicians! I learned more in those two years of studying with him at Tulsa University than all my other teachers combined! I found out soon that one dare not come to a piano lesson unprepared or he would wreak havoc on you that you might need to seek out a trauma counselor for a few weeks! Wow, he was tough but he knew how to bring out the best in his students. I remember once that I thought a little shot if whiskey might take the edge off before I went to my lesson with him so I went to my lesson and played my scales perfectly and played a couple of pieces that I was to perform at my graduate recital. I remember thinking that this really went well today. Before I left he said , “ By the way, Mr. Baker, what is that cologne you’re wearing? It smells good enough to drink! We both smiled and I left thinking to myself that I’ll never do that again! The year was 1975 and I remember it like it was yesterday. He was the “best of the best” and I will never forget his toughness, his humor, his genuine nature, and his way of teaching that only brings out the best in students. Rest In Peace Mr. Mancinelli!

Daniel Matthews

269w ago

To the family of Aldo Mancinelli,

I was sorry to hear of the passing of Professor Mancinelli. I met him when he was Artist in Residence at Tulsa University. One of my proudest experiences was being accepted to study piano with him (after more than one audition, I'll admit!). I had the pleasure (along with the demanding teaching that came with it, of course) of being one of his piano students during my junior and senior years (1974-1976) at Tulsa. It was great to have such wonderful people and musicians as Aldo and Judith at Tulsa during those years.

Dan Matthews
White Heath, IL

Michael Waltenberger

269w ago

Our sympathy and prayers are with you and your family. God's peace be with you now and in the days to come. Mike and PJ Waltenberger

Jessica Madsen

270w ago

Aldo was such a towering figure during my years at Millikin. He was a brilliant pianist, a scholar, a great teacher, and, I’m very honored to have experienced it personally: a conductor who is every pianist’s dream. He stepped in to conduct the orchestra when I played Rachmaninoff Paganini Rhapsody. Who better to conduct a pianist than a pianist? When I had a slip, he didn’t blink an eye. Backstage, he was as excited as I was, “Isn’t it great, you’re out there on stage playing as loud as you can, surrounded by a bunch of musicians playing as loud as they can? Isn’t it great? Isn’t it GREAT?! It’s better than sex!” What can I say, it was the 80s ;) This was certainly one of the highlights of my life. He was funny, demanding, and had no patience for mediocrity or anyone wasting his time. I’ll never forget when Philip Glass played a minimalist concert with he and his band all playing electronic keyboards. At intermission, Aldo walked right by us, a row of pianists, and proclaimed, “I’ve never heard such insipid music in all my life.” We were shocked, but he was right. We would all have gotten more out of any single one of his concerts. He was brutally honest, and made us all tougher and more resilient, necessary life skills for musicians. When I visited with him and Judy several years ago after he recovered from his stroke, he was just as excited about the music he was working on at that moment as when he was playing an excerpt of the “Emperor” Concerto in Piano Lit Class. Music was his passion, and he passed that excitement on to all of us. He so loved Judith and his kids, and would just exude pride whenever he spoke of them. I will miss him. I will miss his stories. Who could ever forget the image of he and Leon Fleischer tying a string around a nickel to take the freight elevator for free while students at Oberlin? We did the same thing to the washing machine in Walker Hall! It’s hilarious to think of this towering figure sneaking rides on an elevator with his schoolmate, another legendary pianist and teacher. I have many fond memories of my time at Millikin, and many of the funniest involve Aldo. My thoughts go out to Judy and the kids. May you treasure your memories of him always.
Jessica Madsen
MU Class of ‘87

Janet Hall

270w ago

I met Aldo years ago at McDonalds. He loved to have his coffee and work crossword puzzles. He was so friendly and one day we were talking about music and that's when I found he was a Concert Pianist. He gave me some of his tapes and I bought a couple which I thoroughly enjoyed. We both enjoyed talking politics and we agreed on everything, making it enjoyable. One day he decided to start gong to Hardee's and he never came back to McDonald's, but we kept in contact by computer. Plus I went to a couple of his wife's concerts at Millikin and would see him there, and also the last time at his church, where one of his friends who also played the piano and had the program that night. Was so nice seeing him again along with his precious wife Judy.
such a perfect couple, both enjoying and playing their pianos at home. I was always sending him some kind of cute joke or story or something on politics.He never complained so I just enjoyed getting to keep in touch that way. I will miss him on line, and now that I live in Texas and no longer in Decatur, I will miss him that much more. He will always have a special place in my heart. Rest in Peace Aldo!!!!!! My love, Jan Hall

Shirley Blickensderfer

270w ago

Dear Judy,

My deepest, heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your husband, Aldo.. Al and I always enjoyed the piano recitals Aldo played. I always marveled that you played piano duets together.so well. Gifted musicians!
I remember MANY years ago Al and I invited your family over for a St. Patrick's Day dinner. I told him I was preparing the traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner; he was quite frank saying, "I'm nix on the cabbage." so I fixed green beans (something green for him).
Hope you are comforted by the kind, well-meaning words of family and friends who want to support you.
Shirley Blickensderfer

Jessica Madsen

270w ago

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