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Leroy J. Robertson scores and other material

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 7768

Scope and Contents

Collection consists of published scores with accompanying manuscripts and/or photocopies of many of Robertson's works, as well as computer-burned sound recordings and a typewritten draft copy of Wilson's book, "Leroy Robertson: Music Giant from the Rockies," with annotations, circa 1930-2007.

Dates

  • approximately 1930-2007

Creator

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Open to public research.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from the Leroy J. Robertson scores and other material must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Board of Curators.

Biographical History

Leroy J. Robertson (1896-1971) was a prominent Mormon composer, faculty of the Brigham Young University School of Music, and member of the General Music Committee of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Leroy Robertson was born December 12, 1896, in Fountain Green, Sanpete County, Utah. His passion for music began as a child, and he began teaching himself the violin when he received one as a present from his father. Robertson's formal musical training began in primary school and continued until he graduated from Brigham Young University High School in Provo in 1910. Shortly after becoming a violin instructor in the Utah valley, he was drafted in 1918 for World War I, though he never saw combat. In 1920, he travelled to Boston to study at the New England Conservatory and graduated with honors in June 1923 with diplomas in violin, piano, composition, and public school music. Robertson's professional teaching career soon followed at North Cache High School in 1923, Pleasant Grove High School in 1924, and Brigham Young University in 1925 where the School of Music thrived under Robertson's teaching. In spite of his busy teaching career, he increased his education by completing his BA and MA from BYU in the 1930's, studied with Ernest Bloch in 1930 at the San Fransisco Conservatory, and commenced doctoral studies at the University of Southern California in 1936 with Arnold Schoenberg. Robertson was appointed to the General Music Committee of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1938. In 1948, he finished teaching at BYU and relocated to the University of Utah where he worked with Maurice Abravanel and the Utah Symphony to augment Utah's musical culture, laying the foundations for Opera West, until he was forced to retire in 1962. Leroy Robertson died July 24, 1971, of heart failure.

Extent

3 oversize boxes (4.5 linear ft.)

Arrangement

Collection is arranged into two series: I. Leroy J. Robertson scores and manuscripts, circa 1930-2007. II. Leroy J. Robertson sound recordings and biography, circa 1930-2007.

Custodial History

Donated by Marian Robertson Wilson in 2007.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated; Marian Robertson Wilson; 2007.

Appraisal

Prominent LDS composer (Section IV LDS Music Archives Collection Development Policy September 2010).

Processing Information

Processed; Lindsay A. Weaver; March 2011.

Title
Register of Leroy J. Robertson scores and other material
Status
Completed
Author
Lindsay A. Weaver
Date
2011 March 10
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English in Latin script.

Repository Details

Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository

Contact:
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States