Classical Music | Ensemble Music

Recorded on 01/01/2000, uploaded on 11/01/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Connections          Robert Kritz

I.   Allegro Agitato
II.  Pensive, but not too slow
III. Dolce con brio

Composer Robert Kritz created his Connections in Three Movements for the Orion Ensemble in 2001, who premiered the work as part of the Dame Myra Hess series broadcast on WFMT radio. In writing for Orion, Kritz has said he aimed to showcase the "virtuosity and remarkable versatility of the ensemble." To that end, Kritz's Connections integrates technical challenge with a romantic lyricism so evident in this recording.

The title Connections resonates on several levels. Writer Phyllis Magida captured Kritz's unified whole in this overview: "The first movement is agitated, as if seeking an anchor of tonal and emotional stability. In the second we are calmed, but the questioning of purpose continues in quiet... thought behind a contagiously melodic lyricism. The third movement... sings in contemporary harmonies ... pulling all the themes together in a joyous, dance-like expression of our universal need to 'connect' with one another."

Connections also recalls the inter-connected compositional style of the late nineteenth century, in which repeated melodic fragments link all movements. Even if disguised, these fragments may be "subliminally recognized."

In 1995 Robert Kritz had the distinction of returning-at age 69 and after several decades' hiatus-to the composition of fine chamber works, an event met with critical hurrahs. Ultimately, the title Connections reflects the composer's philosophy of music and life: that both are worthwhile when connections are made with other people.

Susan Fisher Miller, Bonnie Campbell and Orion Ensemble musicians