John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
William P. "Bill" Mahrt, an associate professor emeritus of music at Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences, passed away on January 1 at the age of 85. Known for his expertise in Gregorian chant, Mahrt directed Stanford's Early Music Singers for many years and was a significant figure in the field of early music.
Mahrt's academic career was marked by a dedication to early music, both as a scholar and practitioner. He guided numerous singers in Gregorian chant and sacred liturgy, sharing this ancient form of music with generations of students. In 2007, he remarked on his work, saying, "It’s worth it... Somebody’s got to keep it. It has to be kept alive in various places throughout the world."
His former student and successor as director of the Early Music Singers, Eric Tuan, praised Mahrt's contributions: “Bill’s extraordinary erudition, kindness, and passion for the music made each rehearsal a delight.” Tuan recalled an opportunity given by Mahrt to sing a solo with The Whole Noyse ensemble as a testament to his generosity.
Mahrt completed his doctoral degree at Stanford in 1969 and returned in 1972 as an acting associate professor. He became an associate professor in 1980 until retiring in 2024. Outside academia, he served as president of the Church Music Association of America from 2005 and edited Sacred Music starting in 2006.
He published extensively on early songs' musicality and religiosity and received several awards throughout his career. Stephen M. Sano highlighted Mahrt's understanding of how "music, liturgy, and architecture interfaced," describing it as enlightening for students.
Kerry McCarthy noted that "everything Bill did was driven by pure love of early music," emphasizing his influence on students. His devotion stemmed from religious commitments that began during his undergraduate studies at the University of Washington.
Mahrt co-founded the St. Ann Choir at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Palo Alto to focus on Gregorian chant performance. A profile suggested that Palo Alto likely had more chant sung than most places due to Mahrt's influence.
In addition to his musical achievements, he was known for cultivating orchids—a hobby shared by his sister Susan Perkins who survives him along with other family members.
A concert by Stanford Early Music Singers will honor Mahrt on March 12, followed by a memorial service at Stanford's Memorial Church on March 20.
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