Robert Newell

Biography

Robert Newell (1940-2019) was known internationally both as composer and conductor. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Illinois. While at Tanglewood on various occasions, he studied with Aaron Copland, Lukas Foss, with conductors Eric Leinsdorf and Charles Munch. Robert was twice a Fulbright grantee—first to Paris, where he studied two years under Olivier Messiaen, then again as conductor and lecturer in South America during the 1980's and 90's. His prize-winning work, Ryo-nen, was performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus and Orchestra in 1986.

In the Years that followed Dr. Newell toured major cities of South America to conduct orchestras and lecture on 20th century music—again under the auspices of Fulbright and of Arts America (USIA). Recent honors include a fellowship from the Ohio Arts Council, grants from Ohio University and from “Arts International” for promotion of his orchestral works, along with the Ohioana Library Association’s coveted “Music Citation.” Still more recently Rob was named winner of the International FAI Anthem competition. For such historical, musical contributions he was acclaimed by the Ohio Senate as “a remarkable and unique” individual. His works have been published by American Composers Edition, Boston Music Co., Hinshaw Publishers, and Media Press. Recordings of his music may be heard on Capstone and Advance labels. Dr. Newell is available for guest appearances as lecturer, conductor, and clinician.

He served as an artist/teacher at the University of Illinois, California State University, Chapman College and Composer in Residence at Ohio University. He served as Music Director at various churches in Albuquerque, NM, Summerville, SC, Clearwater, FL and Naples, FL where his compositions of sacred works were often featured. Robert was also a talented singer touring professionally with such groups as The Desert Chorale in Santa Fe, NM.

Born in 1940 in Illinois, Dr. Newell passed away on July 4, 2019 in Naples, FL.

  • chamber orchestra
  • ACE Publications

    37 title(s)
    Composer Title SCORING/INSTRUMENTATION Year
    Robert Newell AIRILY FOR THE A-STRING
    VIOLIN, VIOLA, 'CELLO
    Robert Newell ALL TOGETHER NOW cl, vln, vla, vcl, pf
    Robert Newell Cantilena a Quatro string quartet
    Robert Newell CANTILENA DEL CIELO violin, cello, piano (cello solo)
    Robert Newell CLAP YOUR HANDS chorus
    Robert Newell CONCERTO FOR PIANO AND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA orch:1-1-1-1, 4-2-0-0,3perc,gtr,str
    Robert Newell DAVID'S BEST
    SATB with Organ and optional Harp or Synth
    Robert Newell DEATH, BE NOT PROUD
    for SA(T)B* Choir with organ, brass quartet (two trumpets in Bb, two trombones), and handbells (two ringers)
    Robert Newell EDIFICE IN MEMORIAM orch:2-1-2-2,2-2-2-0,3perc,pf,str
    Robert Newell EXPANSIONS
    fl
    Robert Newell FANTASIAS on Old Hymn Tunes solo piano
    Robert Newell FOUR-FOLD WORLD VIEW orch:2/pic-2-2/tsax-2, 4-4-3-1,3perc,hp,str
    Robert Newell FOUR PLAYS ON WORDS wind symphony:7/pic-1- ehn-3-Ebcl-alcl-bcl-SATB sax-2-cbsn, 4-4-3(or 4)-euph-tb,4perc
    Robert Newell FREE TO LIVE, WHOLE TO WALK
    S(AT)B with keyboard or organ accompaniment
    Robert Newell FREEDOM (FROM PILGRIM'S JOURNEY)
    mixed chorus and keyboard with optional 2 fl, 2 tpts, 2 tbn, and perc
    Robert Newell HOLIDAY GETAWAY SATB, piano
    Robert Newell LIFE ALOFT: A Celebration of Flying
    Robert Newell LOVE OF GOD SAB choral with keyboard
    Robert Newell MODULAR MELLIPHONY 2 cond, orch: pic-4-2-2-2, 4-3-3-1, 4perc, str
    Robert Newell MYSTERY OF THE TRINITY (satb) Mixed chorus (SATB) & organ
    Robert Newell MYSTERY OF THE TRINITY (solo voice, organ) solo voice, organ
    Robert Newell NOT MY WILL BUT THINE SA(t)B, piano
    Robert Newell OMNIPHONY - Vers. 1 Wind, Brass, Perc Ensemble pic-1-3-2-2, 1-3-3-1,timp,3perc
    Robert Newell OMNIPHONY - Vers. 2 Wind Symphony 2fl, 2ob, 3cl, bscl, SATB saxes, 2bsn, 4 hns, 3 tpt, 2 tbn, bstbn, eupoh/tba, timp, perc(4)
    Robert Newell PANHARMONIUM 2hn,2tbn,pf4-hand, offstage(opt)4fl/ob/mand,picc/crot

    Additional Works