Robert Shaw – Man of Many Voices is the extraordinary story of Robert Shaw. The documentary contains many interviews with individuals who knew, worked with him and were close to him.
Robert Shaw had a family background filled with music but his path initially was toward the ministry. His rapid and highly unlikely ascent to the highest peaks of the music world – in spite of his goals and noted lack of formal musical training – is the focus of the film. Fred Waring. New York City. National radio shows. The Collegiate Chorale. The Robert Shaw Chorale. Arturo Toscanini. George Szell. The Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. And, of course, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus.
Serendipity or good fortune may have played a role but the consistent theme throughout Robert Shaw’s career was hard work and musical integrity. His quest for choral perfection and ways to achieve that sound resulted in revolutionary methods that are still very much in use today..
Robert Shaw set the highest standards in recordings and performances of many of the world’s greatest choral compositions. As Shaw biographer, Keith Burris, says in the film, “There was only one Robert Shaw and there isn’t going to be another.” We think you’ll want to see this beautiful biography that the New York Times calls “poignant and compelling” more than once.