Leroy Robertson facts for kids

Leroy Robertson was an American composer and music teacher. He was born in Fountain Green, Utah, on December 21, 1896, and passed away on July 25, 1971.

Early Life and Music Training

Leroy started learning music from teachers like Anthony C. Lund. In 1923, he graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music. He earned special certificates in public school music. He also received diplomas in composition, violin, and piano. He studied violin with Harrison Keller. In the same year, he won the Endicott prize for his piece called "Overture in E Minor."

After graduating, Robertson began teaching music. He taught at North Cache High School in Richmond, Utah. He also taught at Pleasant Grove High School in Pleasant Grove, Utah. He helped oversee music programs in the Alpine School District too.

University Teaching and Advanced Studies

In 1925, Robertson joined the music faculty at Brigham Young University. He quickly became a professor and the head of the music department. He held this important position until 1948.

He continued to study music to improve his skills. In 1930, he studied with the famous composer Ernest Bloch in San Francisco. He even traveled to Switzerland in 1932 to study with Bloch again. In 1933, he studied with Hugo Leichtentritt in Berlin, Germany. Robertson earned his BA degree and an MA degree from Brigham Young University in June 1933.

Composing Great Music

Between 1933 and 1945, Robertson wrote many pieces. These included works for piano, organ, and string instruments. Some of his notable works from this time are "Songs from the Shadow" and "Fantasia for the Organ." He also composed a "String Quartet" and the "Punch and Judy Overture." During this period, he began working on his large piece, the "Oratorio from the Book of Mormon."

In 1945, Robertson received the Utah Institute of Fine Arts Award. This was for his "Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra." A big moment came in 1947 when he won the Reichhold Award of $25,000. This award was for his "Trilogy for Orchestra." The Detroit Symphony Orchestra performed this piece for the first time.

The following year, in 1948, he became a professor and head of the music department at the University of Utah. He stayed in this role until 1962. In 1950, his "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra" was performed. This happened during the 100-year celebration of the University of Utah. Maurice Abravanel conducted the Utah Symphony Orchestra. Tibor Zelig, the orchestra's concertmaster, was the soloist. In 1954, Robertson earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California.

Promoting Classical Music

Leroy Robertson played a key role in supporting the Utah Symphony. He also helped promote classical music in Salt Lake City. He wanted more people to enjoy and appreciate this type of music.

Famous Works

Robertson is most famous for his Oratorio from the Book of Mormon. An oratorio is a large musical work for voices and orchestra, usually telling a story. This piece was first performed in 1953. A part of this oratorio, the setting of the Lord's Prayer, became very popular. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir recorded it. It was released as a single and even reached the top 50 music charts. It was on the other side of the record from the "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Hymns for the Church

Leroy Robertson also composed music for many hymns. Hymns are religious songs. In the 1948 hymnal of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his music for "Up! Arouse Thee, O Beautiful Zion" was included. The words for this hymn were written by Emily H. Woodmansee.

The 1985 edition of the Church's hymnal features eight of Robertson's hymns. These include:

• "On This Day of Joy and Gladness" (hymn #64) – he wrote both the words and music for this one.
• "Let Earth's Inhabitants Rejoice" (hymn #53)
• "Great King of Heaven" (hymn #63)
• "God of Our Fathers, Known of Old" (hymn #80)
• "I'm A Pilgrim, I'm A Stranger" (hymn #121)
• "Upon The Cross Of Calvary" (hymn #184)
• "We Love Thy House, Oh God" (hymn #247)
• "Go Ye Messengers of Glory" (hymn #262)

Selected Works

• 1923 Endicott Overture
• 1936 Quintet in A Minor for Piano and String Quartet
• 1940 Prelude, Scherzo and Ricercare for orchestra
• 1940 String Quartet
• 1944 Rhapsody for piano and orchestra
• 1945 Punch and Judy Overture
• 1947 Trilogy, for orchestra
• 1948 Violin Concerto
• 1953 The Book Of Mormon, oratorio
• 1957 American Serenade, for string quartet
• 1966 Piano Concerto

also

• Cello Concerto
• Fantasia for organ
• Come, Come, Ye Saints, for chorus
• Hatikva, for chorus
• From The Crossroads, for chorus
• The Lord's Prayer, for chorus
• Passacaglia for orchestra