Featured Image: Professor Brian Ray performs a complex piece on the piano on Sunday, Feb. 22, in the Blankenship Recital Hall in Martin, Tennessee. (Pacer Photo / Ethan Tanner)
University of Tennessee at Martin adjunct piano professor Brian Ray, Ph.D., performed in his first faculty recital at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22, in the Blankenship Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Building.
As an alum of UT Martin who grew up in South Fulton, Tennessee, Ray returned to his childhood home last semester due to family concerns after serving as a music professor at Rhodes College.
After providing piano accompaniment for instrumental and vocal students during the fall 2025 semester, Ray organized a recital of his own that comprised pieces by some of his favorite classical artists.
“I like French music very much, so Debussy and Ravel were obvious choices. I also like playing Bach, and since there are Baroque references in the Debussy and the Ravel suite, I made sure it echoed back to the Bach suite that I entered and started the program with,” said Ray.
He started the recital with “Partita in B-flat Major, BWV 825” by Johann Sebastian Bach, which consisted of six different segments. Throughout each segment, Ray kept his composure and played the complex piano pieces at fast tempos without hesitation for almost 20 minutes.
He then proceeded to play “Images I” by Claude Debussy. Many parts of this piece were very gentle and soothing as Ray drifted across the keyboard, and the vast range of piano keys resonated within the building’s walls. He displayed a great use of dynamics throughout the song, especially during the quiet, soothing segments at the beginning and the haphazard, chaotic moments near the end.
As a finale, he performed an exquisite rendition of “Le tombeau de Couperin” by Maurice Ravel. Ray’s rendition of this piece was nothing short of masterful, as he played the tune at a rapid pace, crossing his hands as he played the complex melody. The piece only grew faster as it went on, until Ray at last played a deep final chord and took a satisfying breath.
Voice Professor Amy Yeung, Ph.D., was pleased with Ray’s performance, taking note of his skill.
“The music is demanding, and Dr. Ray played it flawlessly. He articulated very cleanly and it was superb,” said Yeung.
“I mean, it is a demanding job and he does it without complaints. He’s always willing to work with students of all levels, whether they are young students or more experienced students. We are so privileged to have such caliber of pianists with us this school year,” Yeung said.
Ray also showed appreciation to the Department of Music for giving him the opportunity to perform in this recital and serve as part of the department.
“It’s been wonderful working here at UTM with all the wonderful students. I have an undergraduate degree from here, so it’s nice to come back and be a part of the undergraduates’ experience,” he said.
You can view the recital below.
