Re-Connected: Three Incomplete Curves (2008)
A Finalist in the 2nd International Frank Ticheli Composition Contest.
Instrumentation:
Piccolo
2 Flutes
Oboe
Bassoon
Eb Clarinet
3 Bb Clarinets
Bass Clarinet
Bb Contrabass Clarinet
2 Alto Saxes
Tenor Sax
Baritone Sax
3 Trumpets in Bb
4 Horns in F
2 Tenor Trombones
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Piano
Timpani
Marimba
Vibraphone
Bells / Crotales
Percussion 1: Hi-hat, Bass Drum
Percussion 2: Suspended Cymbal
Percussion 3: 14'' and 10'' Concert Toms
Duration: Approximately 7 and a half minutes
World Premiere: Saturday May 17, 2008
Program note:
When I began work on (Re-Connected), I requested information about what the Fox Valley Concert Band meant to its members.I spent time reading and digesting what a number of them had written, and, surprisingly, I soon discovered that a common thread could be found in many of their writings. That thread was “connections”: to many of its members, the band represented a way to connect with the community, connect with each other, and connect with themselves individually as musicians. One particular member shared a story about his musical life: how he had to leave his musical pursuits for various reasons, and how the Fox Valley Concert Band played a role in his return to the music he had loved at an earlier time in his life.
He described three musical events from earlier in his life as “three uncompleted curves” that were not fulfilled until he began his membership in the FVCB. Joining this ensemble allowed him to reconnect to his past and find a resolution to the conflicts that had previously prevented
his enjoyment of music, leading him to find new experiences and meaning in his music today.
(Re-Connected) roughly follows the musical story of this FVCB member. Specific quotes from his story are placed throughout the score at the points they reference musically and may also be listed in the program notes if desired.
Running scalar lines that never resolve to tonic frequently represent the “curves” in his life that have not come together. In contrast, powerful arching brass statements represent this individual's love of music, even during the times he may have felt it was lost. Because the individual whose story inspired the piece plays the euphonium, this instrument is frequently featured as the focus of solo and melodic material.
Only at the end of the piece do you hear the clear resolution to tonic and the release of tension in the solo euphonium, representing the “reconnection” of the individual with his passion for music. The melodic and rhythmic content of the piece also references the band's celebration
of its 25th anniversary season. Within the piece, 2/4 and 5/4 meters are used torepresent the number 25, and for the same reason, scale degrees 2 (F) and 5 (Bb) in Eb major are melodically prevalent throughout the work.
~ Craig Andrew Fitzpatrick
2008
