Robert Lawson Shaw

Robert Lawson Shaw 1916-99, American conductor, b. Red Bluff, Calif. Moving to New York City after college, he founded and led the Fred Waring Glee Club (1938-45) and the Collegiate Chorale (1941-54). In 1946 he became head of the choral division of the Julliard School, a post he held until 1950. Two years later he organized the Robert Shaw Chorale, which became one of America's most illustrious vocal groups and made his name virtually synonymous with choral singing. Shaw innovatively arranged his singers in quartets of bass, tenor, alto, and soprano instead of the traditional four blocks of similar voices, creating a richer vocal sound. His chorale developed a diverse repertoire, commissioned new works, made many recordings, and toured nationally and internationally until 1966. Also active in orchestral music, Shaw conducted the San Diego Symphony (1953-58), was associate conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra (1956-67) under George Szell , and directed (1967-88) the Atlanta Symphony, transforming it into a respected professional ensemble.

Shaw, Robert (Lawson) (b Red Bluff, Calif., 1916; d New Haven, Conn., 1999). Amer. cond., particularly of choirs. Founder and cond. Collegiate Chorale, NY, 1941–54. Cond., Robert Shaw Chorale 1948–66. Taught at Juilliard Sch. Cond. San Diego SO 1953–7. Ass. cond. Cleveland Orch., 1956–67. Cond. Atlanta SO 1967–88. One of most gifted of choral conductors and trainers. First prof. cond. in USA to perf. Bach's Mass in B minor and Handel's Messiah with small forces.