Robert DAVIS Obituary

Farewell Robert. I'll miss your wit and philosophical discussions. Thank you for sharing your poetry with us. Fran Lawrence

We only knew Robert for a short time but we remember him as a lovely gentle, intelligent soul who was so talented. We shared some great stories with him and get togethers, where the wine flowed, the cello played and the conversations and stories were never boring. We last said goodbye to Robert when he moved to Dunedin to be close to his daughter and then we moved to the Bay of Plenty, never thinking for one moment that it was our last farewell. We hope you are at peace now and playing the cello wherever you are. RIP dear Robert.

To Robert's family
I was deeply saddened to hear about Robert. As a member of the poetry group he attended he'll be missed for his friendship and contributions

Robert

Except for family visits
He was always there,
Enjoying the companionship
Of fellow private poets
And what they shared.

And what he read
Of deep thoughts and wit
Would stimulate the mind
Of the patterns that he writ;
Alas now gone too soon.

Malcolm Ford

I first met Robert in the National Youth Orchestra of 1962. There was a gap of 50 years before we played string quartets . His cello playing was remarkable and musicianship inspirational. Thank you Robert.

Robert and I talked about cello playing, life and the universe. He once had me set up one of his cellos with the strings rather high off the fingerboard, because he wanted to really feel the strings. I didn't know him very well, but am glad I knew him. He will be missed.

I first met Robert early in the year of 1985 after joining the Dunedin Sinfonia as a violinist. Along with Angela and Miranda Adams, we saw that we could potentially form a piano quartet if I switched to viola. This quickly pushed me into buying my first viola from Malcolm Collins in Wellington thus beginning my transition into becoming exclusively a viola player. I also bought a viola bow from the local music store where a violinist from the Sinfonia worked - I remember her coming to the quartet´s first concert and seeming quite impressed with the result we´d achieved.

As a group we worked hard on that first programme which I see from the poster was mid-December. I remember too working on the Webern String trio with Robert and Miranda. We had lots of good social times and outings together, along with Susan.

Details of our first programme; Sirius Quartet, Dunedin Art Gallery, 12th December, 1985. Mozart Piano Quartet in E-flat & Beethoven String Trio Op.3, No.1. https://www.nigelkeay.com/images/aff/851215-sirius.pdf

While preparing the first concert, in November 1985, I started composing my Piano Quartet, for the group to eventually play. We premiered the work on 25th March 1986.

The Piano Quartet https://www.nigelkeay.com/quartet1986.htm in 3 Movements was given its premiere performance on Tuesday 25th March 1986, 1.10pm at Marama Hall, University of Otago. The players were Miranda Adams (violin), Nigel Keay (viola), Robert Davis (cello) & Angela Campbell (piano). [https://www.nigelkeay.com/images/progs/860325-marama.pdf]

Moving away from Dunedin at the beginning of 1988 we kept in touch; Robert came to Nelson to play in the two performances of my opera "At the Hawk´s Well" 28 & 29 March 1992, so our musical collaboration continued.

I remember Robert´s trip to Paris, later on, staying with us, and going to visit Musée d´Orsay with him. I was very sad to hear of Robert´s passing, and treasure the memories of our time together.

I knew Robert as a writer of thoughtful and clever prose and poetry while I lived in Whangarei, and I greatly appreciated his friendship. He was a true gentleman, intelligent with wisdom, generous with a gracious wit and able to simultaneously challenge and support. Best of all, he made me smile a lot. I always felt better for having been with him.

Lesley and Geoff Campbell would like to share our condolences for your loss. Rest on Peace.

I met Robert when I joined the Whangarei Library Flash Fiction Group.

That he had a great sense of humour was obvious in the stories he shared; I remember several times having a hearty chuckle at his work.

He taught me that one doesn't always need to have a twisty punchline in order for humour to show through.

I enjoyed knowing him..

I met Susan at School when I was 14, and we became great friends. When I first went to her house in Devonport, I met Robert, and was fascinated to meet a professional musician for the first time. His partner Angela was an amazing pianist and to hear them play together - well, I was in heaven. Robert had a very strong influence on me - I hadn’t really even realised there was such a thing as doing music for your job - and it's exactly what I ended up doing thanks to his early influence. Haere ra Robert.

Thank you dear Robert for sharing the music with me on the first year I was in NZ. It was such a beautiful time for me, I hold this memory in my hart. May God bless you and your family.

Uncle Robert was a great character in my early years. Although I never spent a lot of time with him, he occupied a lot of space in my heart and imagination. He was my an exotic, adventurous and inspirational figure to me - a classical musician living and working in Europe at a time when Europe seemed as distant as the moon. We would receive letters from time to time with updates about performances, orchestras, colleagues and family. It was always so exciting to hear his news from a world away that would arrive, unceremoniously, in a simple envelope or a pale blue Aerogram.
Eventually, when Robert came to stay with us on his way back to New Zealand, he brought with him more stories and the smell of hand-rolled cigarettes. He cooked for us with ingredients I'd never heard of and introduced me to cheese that wasn't cheddar. He was a sophisticated, educated presence in my family and, even though I didn't really know him well, he occupied and irrationally large place in our lives. I know how much my dad and mum loved him. Whenever they spoke of him, it was always with great love and affection. My thoughts and condolences are with his family. May he rest in peace.

As with many families the times spent together become fewer and further apart as we move around the planet. It was always nice to catch up with (Uncle) Robert when those occasions came around.
One of my lasting memories is of when Robert & his wife Barbara came to visit NZ from Germany when I was a little girl. He gave me a wind up music barrel that played Fur Elise and my brother a slinky. Both these items were very exotic to two little kids from NZ.
My love and thoughts are with your daughters, my cousins, Susan & Eve xxx.

Dear Robert , it was a pleasure to know you through our girls being friends . You were a talented man through your music and latterly through your art work.I enjoyed our talks (quite a few years ago) about your paintings and our children. You were certainly one of a kind. Happy travels love VIcki levings and family .

I will always remember Robert as a gentle, kind, and intelligent man with a subtle sense of humor and a passion for music. Like Sarah, I remember visiting Eve's house as a child and being mesmerized by his soulful cello playing and how it filled the whole house with beauty. He didn't just play the cello, but brought the instrument to life, evoking many moods and colours with each note and pause, and transporting the listener to far away places. Aside from his music, I remember his gentle and relaxed presence that always put me at ease and what a loving father he was to my dear friend Eve. He will be deeply missed by so many and I send much aroha to everyone who knew and loved him.

Dear Robert, here's a crumb of Raymond Carver for you: "Oh my Brother! I miss you now and I'd like to have you back". For many years you were a model for me of how to be a good father, so constant and resourceful. I loved your music, of course, and also the wild beat poetry you wrote and showed me these last few years. I looked forward to our coffees at St Clair when you came down to see Eve and Dion and Odette and Jasper. I know they'll feel bereft now and my heart goes out to them. I always enjoyed your humour and our philosophical quarrelling that did my head in. I'll miss your nonconforming, curious, independent spirit. Go well, Robert.

Simon.

Robert, when I listened/listen to Bach cello sonata's i always think of you. Their powerful, aching melodies are fiendish to play and searing to listen to. I will remember your love and gift of music.
I remember and admired your parenting of Eve and Susan. In painful and lonely circumstances you nurtured and loved both girls with a constant presence and voice. For Eve i watched as you tenderly supported her as she negotiated her life without her beloved Angela. Robert, you have also been a beloved grandfather to your mokopuna, Odette and Jasper who will miss you, as we all will.
aroha nui Robert,
Teresa

Only two years apart in age, Robert and I were very close growing up together in Whangarei. We were best friends, and did everything together. Later, as young adults in Auckland, the time we spent together left me with some of my fondest memories. He was always fun to be around. He had an iconoclastic sense of humor, and a unique perspective on life. I missed him greatly when he went with Joyce and Susan to Germany to study. In 1979 I visited him and Susan in Dusseldorf. Robert and I and a friend traveled through Holland, Belgium, France, and Bavaria in his Lada, wild camping most of the time. Again, I have very happy memories of that time.
When he returned to New Zealand in 1980 we remained as close as ever. For some time we shared the house in Devonport, and sailed together on the Hauraki Gulf. One particular memory is when he showed me a spare bridge for his cello. It was an expensive item, he said, but useless, because it was badly warped. I told him I could try to straighten it out, but that I couldn't guarantee that it would work. Go ahead, he said, it's no good anyhow. We put a kettle on the stove, and played the jet of steam from the spout on the bridge. By aiming it at the appropriate parts, I was able to gradually return the bridge to its proper shape. He was grateful, and impressed, I think. I often think of that when I am dealing with a warped piece of wood in my shop.
My turn to leave New Zealand came in 1984. For some time I was able to come back to visit quite regularly, and time with Robert was always something to look forward to. Later, visits were less frequent, and now it is a matter of great regret that Amy and I were not able to come as we had planned last January.
I last spoke to Robert just a few weeks ago. I knew that he was not in good health, but his passing was a shock, and a great loss to all those who were close to him. A grievous blow indeed.

I first met Robert in the 1960's at the annual weekend Whangarei Music School. As a cellist he was rather more advanced technically than I was a violinist. I recall that his mother and mine got on very well during these events. I did not catch up with Robert until I met up with Susan in the ASQ Summer Schools. He was very proud of his association with the Philharmonia Hungarica. Its recording of the complete Haydn Symphonies in the 1970's in particular. I especially enjoyed playing the Beethoven String Trios with Robert in Susan's home. Discussions about bowing technique in particular. My very best wishes to his family and friends.

I will always remember arriving at Eves house as a child and hearing the most beautiful rich sounds of the cello vibrating and singing through the house! The expression and passion within the music will be something that will stay with me forever!
I remember him being exceptionally kind, laid back and gentle, but most importantly he was the most loving and devoted father to my special friend Eve.
Rest in piece dear Robert. X

A shock to hear - Robert was always amusing and easy company, he slotted into the MacLeod family easily, so sorry to hear of his passing - the kids, Eve and Dion will have someone very special missing

Dear Robert, this is a very sad time for all who knew you. I was lucky to be a close friend, along with Nigel Keay, of you, Angela and Susan back in Dunedin in the 1980s. We played together in DSO, the Sirius Quartet and had many late night soirees with earnest discussions about classical music, the universe and everything. We had so much fun, and the memories keep coming... energetic opinions on musical style, bowing and phrasing, with your experience in Philharmonica Hungarica making you the senior decision maker in several instances. You were a perfectionist, and you made a gorgeous tone on your Degani cello, I hear it still. RIP dear friend. Miranda Adams, Assistant Concertmaster, APO

Robert Musician, teacher, thinker, raconteur a lifetime of anecdotes, character sketches and viewpoints gleaned, polished and generously shared with intelligence and passion from his world of music, teaching and life will be remembered Martin

I remember Robert as an intuitive musician who always gave great insight on how to shape a musical phrase or nuance a piece of chamber music. His ideas added richly to whatever the particular chamber group was playing. I also remember being at his daughter Susan's for tea on a number of occasions: Robert would be there with interesting and amusing offers to the conversation. Thank you Robert and farewell to a fellow cellist.
My condolences to the family.

Dear Robert, We admired your early musical talent, and respected how through hard work and dedication, you achieved a very successful career as a cellist in symphony orchestras both in NZ and Europe, more recently mentoring and teaching others.
Our loving thoughts and sympathy are with your daughters Susan, Eve and grand children Odette, Jasper and son-in law Dion.
Rest in peace Robert.
With love and many happy memories, John and Joc

So sorry to hear of your passing Robert, I knew you as a wonderful cellist and insightful music coach for our chamber music sessions with your daughter Susan and me. I have fond memories of our afternoon teas and chats in Devonport. Rest in Peace.

Dear Robert, it was a great learning experience to play music with you all those years ago in Dunedin, 1980s while I was still a student. Your time in the Philharmonica Hungarica had given you a deep insight into classical styles and I remember energetic discussions re bowing and phrasing whenever we were playing chamber music. Your passion for music totally inspired me, I had never given much thought to proper performance practice before you laid it down in no uncertain terms! You led the then Dunedin Sinfonia cellos with authority and a wealth of experience, and we all respected you immensly for your strong ideas. Socially Nigel and I got to know your family really closely, and enjoyed many soirees and local outings with you, Angela and Susan, full of music, wine and lively conversations. Thanks for all the great memories, you are greatly missed.

Dearest Robert. So many fond memories which will be forever treasured. A true sage and philosopher of life who we turned to time and time again for kind advice. You were a wonderful Granddad to Odette and Jasper who adored your bedtime stories and silliness. You were a father in-law who showed unbound integrity, patience and wisdom when needed most. Eve has lost her anchor, her confidant and the most loving Dad. Our hearts are broken. We are lost in a fog of grief and can only hope to find the strength you always seemed to have no matter what was thrown your way. Let the air fill with your music eternally. Rest in peace Robert.
Love always,
Dion

Very fond memories of Robert playing cello in our quartet and working through the beautiful repertoire of Mendelssohn Brahms and Beethoven together. Always a pleasure to make music with accomplished musicians. May beautiful music be with you forever Robert.

Our father, Robert Davis, will be much missed by daughters Eve Davis and Susan Davis.

Please use this contact service to organise attendance in person or online. The date is yet to be decided.

It would be lovely if you have a few words to say on the day. Or a video with pictures and/or your words to contribute if you are attending online.

A big thank you to all his friends over the years, many through music but also many in Whangarei literary societies.

Thank you,