Robert Burrell

Composer and Educator

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What is your musical background?

I am a retired Senior Lecturer in Music, (UPIS) with a PhD in Music Composition. My works range from educational rounds and canons to serious choral repertoire as well as chamber and concert band music. I am also a registered teacher with over 30 years of experience working in schools and tertiary education. I am and have been a community musician since I first supported congregational singing at church when I was a teenager. I am that odd mix of everyday musician and highly trained semi-professional.

What is your advice to singers performing your works?

Most of my vocal music is approachable and easily learnt. I usually only write what I can sing. Sing each line with confidence whilst ensuring you balance and blend with the other parts. Enjoy yourself!

Songs by Robert:

Agnus Dei (SAB with piano & backing track)

Agnus Dei (SA with piano & backing track)

Agnus Dei (SSA with piano & backing track)

Benedictus (SABar with piano)

Benedictus (SSA with piano)

Sanctus (SSA with piano)

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What are your favourite pieces you’ve composed?

There are quite a few, but I would like to mention the Dona Nobis for SATB and piano, the Choral Song Cycle. Also the as-yet unpublished work If I Were Blind for SATB, and its revision for Soprano and string orchestra. Towards a Shining Light for Clarinet, viola and piano is a favourite of mine. And lastly, The Serenade for Strings published by Wirripang and recorded by Navano records.

Joy of Joys (SAB with piano)

Joy of Joys (SATB with piano)

Old Man (SATB)

Starlight, Star Bright (SA with piano & backing track)

To be Free (3-part canon with piano) & backing track

We Don’t Sing because we are happy (2-parts with piano & backing track)

When in the Library (treble unison with piano)