Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

December 21, 1896

Death

:

July 25, 1971

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Baroque

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

Leroy Robertson was an American composer of classical music who was born on October 21, 1896, in Fountain Green, Utah. He was the son of a farmer and a schoolteacher, and he grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist, and his father played the violin. Robertson began playing the piano at a young age, and he showed a talent for music early on. Robertson attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he studied music theory and composition. He graduated in 1917 and went on to study at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. While in Boston, he studied with George Whitefield Chadwick, a prominent American composer of the time. After completing his studies, Robertson returned to Utah and began teaching music at Brigham Young University. He also served as the director of the university's music department from 1921 to 1927. During this time, he continued to compose music and became known for his choral works. In 1927, Robertson moved to New York City to study with the composer Ernest Bloch. While in New York, he also worked as a freelance composer and arranger. He wrote music for radio programs, films, and Broadway shows. Robertson's most famous work is his oratorio "The Book of Mormon," which he composed in 1947. The oratorio tells the story of the founding of the Mormon religion and is based on the text of the Book of Mormon. The work was premiered in Salt Lake City in 1947 and was later performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In addition to "The Book of Mormon," Robertson composed a number of other choral works, including "The Passion of Our Lord According to St. Matthew," "The Passion of Our Lord According to St. John," and "The Passion of Our Lord According to St. Mark." He also wrote a number of instrumental works, including a piano concerto, a violin concerto, and a symphony. Robertson's music is characterized by its use of traditional forms and harmonies. He was influenced by the music of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, as well as by the folk music of his native Utah. His music is often described as lyrical and melodic, with a strong sense of rhythm and harmony. In addition to his work as a composer, Robertson was also a respected music educator. He taught at a number of universities, including the University of Utah, the University of Southern California, and the University of Arizona. He also served as the president of the National Association of Schools of Music from 1952 to 1954. Robertson died on June 6, 1971, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is remembered as one of the most important American composers of the 20th century, and his music continues to be performed and recorded today.

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