Re: Leroy Robertson

In this fun, engaging, and moving three-video masterclass, Benjamin Sabey tells the story of the most successful classical composer in the Church’s history—but one you might not know anything about. He is Leroy Robertson, the son of a sheepherder in Fountain Green, Utah, who had an insatiable need to study with the towering musical figures of his day (including Ernest Bloch and Arnold Schoenberg) and to compose masterpieces like the “The Lord’s Prayer,” the Oratorio from the Book of Mormon, concertos, overtures, and symphonies, even if his largest works had no likelihood in his rural home state of ever being performed.

The surprise winner of one of the largest prize ever given in the U.S. to a composer (the equivalent of about $350,000 today), Robertson’s story will make you laugh, cry, and sigh. Illustrated with photographs, vintage recorded excerpts of his works, and stories taken from the composer’s biography: all presented with a casual charm and insight of a great teacher.

By Benjamin Sabey

Part 1 - Early Development and Early Career

Sabey describes Robertson, a child who loved music so much that he made his own violin out of a cigar box, to his studies in Germany. This excerpt, after observing Hitler and wanting to capture his disgust in music: “…Realizing at once that he had found the companion (or foil) to his problem-melody, he stopped and whipped out from his briefcase the ever-present manuscript paper…The music [Etude in G minor for Pianoforte] came almost faster than he could notate it.”

Part 2 - Disappointment, Award, and Studies with Schoenberg

Sabey continues with the story of Robertson, back in the U.S., his studies, friendship, and collaboration with Schoenberg, followed by a heartbreaking loss and a jubilant victory. On the prize podium with the nation listening on the radio: “I only wish it [the award] had fallen into the hands of Mozart or Schubert. Since it comes to me, I shall consider it a sacred trust and sincerely hope that the Trilogy and other works will measure up to the glorious challenge and responsibility.”

Part 3 - Analysis of Punch and Judy Overture

Have you ever wondered how to appreciate the craft of symphonic music? In the final video, Sabey walks us through Robertson’s Punch and Judy Overture, once a staple of symphony orchestras, and points out themes, developments, and surprising messages found in this delightful work—all using a vintage recording and full orchestral score. By the end, you will be an expert, too.

Benjamin Sabey is Associate Professor of Music Composition at San Francisco State University School of Music.