Walker, Robert (Ernest)

Walker, Robert (Ernest), English composer; b. Northampton, March 18,1946. He was a chorister at St. Matthew’s Church in Northampton and a choral and then organ scholar at Jesus Coll., Cambridge (1965-68; M.A., 1968). After serving as an organist and schoolmaster in Lincolnshire, he devoted himself to composing, teaching, and broadcasting.

Works

ORCH: Pavanfor Violin and Orch. (Eltham Palace, June 26, 1975); At Bignor Hill (Lisbon, April 9, 1979); Chamber Sym. No. 1 (1981; Greenwich, June 15, 1982); Variations on a Theme of Elgar (Chichester, July 13,1982); Charms and Exultations of Trumpets (1985; Salisbury, April 2,1986); Sym. No. 1 (Exeter, May 26, 1987). CHAMBER: String Quartet No. 1 (1982); Gonfalonsfor 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones, Organ, and Optional Unison Chorus (1983); Piano Quintet (1984); Serenadefor Flute, Harp, Violin, Viola, and Cello (1987). Piano: Five Capriccios,Set 1 (1982) and Set 2 (1985); Passacagliafor 2 Pianos (1984). VOCAL: Requiemfor Tenor, Chorus, and Orch. (1976); Canticle of the Rosefor Soprano, Baritone, Chorus, and Orch. (1980); The Sun Used to Shinefor Tenor, Harp, and String Orch. (1983); Magnificat and Nunc Dimittisfor Chorus and Organ (1985); Mzssa Brevisfor Chorus and Organ (1985); Singer by the Yellow Riverfor Soprano, Flute, and Harp (1985); Jubilatefor Chorus and Brass Quintet (1987); English Parody Massfor Chorus and Organ (1988); Journey into Light,choral sym. (1992); also various unaccompanied vocal pieces.

— Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire