# Robert Shaw Chorale

> Professional choir

**Wikidata**: [Q5368814](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5368814)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Shaw_Chorale)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-shaw-chorale

## Summary
The Robert Shaw Chorale was a professional choir founded in 1948 by conductor Robert Shaw. Based in New York City, it became one of America's most prominent choral ensembles during the mid-20th century.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1948 in New York City
- Professional choir ensemble with ISN: 0000000110083354
- Country of origin: United States
- Instance of: choir
- Wikipedia title: Robert Shaw Chorale
- Has 3 sitelinks across Wikipedia language editions
- MusicBrainz ID: 8f180909-aa78-4616-ab7c-fe0b7e4d9f75
- Discogs artist ID: 905491
- Billboard artist ID: robert-shaw-chorale
- Library of Congress authority ID: n82099681

### FAQs

### Q: Who founded the Robert Shaw Chorale?
A: The Robert Shaw Chorale was founded by conductor Robert Shaw in 1948 in New York City.

### Q: What type of ensemble was the Robert Shaw Chorale?
A: The Robert Shaw Chorale was a professional choir, classified as a choral ensemble that performed classical and contemporary choral works.

### Q: Where was the Robert Shaw Chorale based?
A: The Robert Shaw Chorale was based in New York City, though it performed nationally and internationally.

## Why It Matters
The Robert Shaw Chorale represented a significant development in American choral music during the post-war era. As one of the first professional choral ensembles in the United States, it elevated the standards of choral performance and helped establish choral music as a viable professional pursuit. Under Robert Shaw's direction, the group recorded extensively and performed both classical repertoire and contemporary works, influencing generations of choral singers and conductors. The ensemble's professional status and high artistic standards helped bridge the gap between amateur choral societies and professional orchestral performance, contributing to the broader cultural landscape of American music in the mid-20th century.

## Notable For
- Being one of America's first professional choral ensembles
- Extensive recording legacy with major labels
- Elevating choral performance standards in the United States
- Performing both classical and contemporary choral repertoire
- Influencing the development of professional choral music in America

## Body
### Formation and Early Years
The Robert Shaw Chorale was established in 1948 by Robert Shaw, who had previously gained recognition as the founder of the Collegiate Chorale in New York. The ensemble was formed during a period when professional choral groups were relatively rare in the United States, marking a significant shift toward professionalization in the field.

### Professional Status
Unlike most choral groups of the era, which were typically amateur or university-based, the Robert Shaw Chorale operated as a fully professional ensemble. This professional status allowed for more rigorous rehearsal schedules, higher performance standards, and the ability to undertake extensive touring and recording projects.

### Repertoire and Performance
The chorale performed a wide range of repertoire, from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary works. Under Shaw's direction, the ensemble became known for its precision, blend, and expressive capabilities. The group's performances helped popularize choral music among American audiences and contributed to the broader appreciation of vocal ensemble music.

### Recording Legacy
The Robert Shaw Chorale recorded extensively for major labels, creating a significant discography that documented both standard choral repertoire and lesser-known works. These recordings served both artistic and educational purposes, helping to establish performance standards and making high-quality choral music accessible to a wider audience.

### Influence and Legacy
The success of the Robert Shaw Chorale influenced the development of professional choral ensembles across the United States. Shaw's approach to choral conducting and the ensemble's professional model became influential in music education and professional choral circles, contributing to the growth of choral music as both an art form and a profession.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. CiNii Research
3. MusicBrainz
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File