Concert 2

Sir Arthur Bliss (1891-1975), who was knighted in 1950 and appointed Master of the Queen's Music in 1953, wrote a great deal of choral and other vocal music, as well as music for film and orchestra, two operas, four ballets and several solo piano and chamber works. His Quintet for Clarinet and Strings (1931), which Orion performs on this concert program, brought him increased recognition as a composer. The first movement opens with a clarinet-viola dialogue and then presents a rich variety of themes, related and often interlocked. The second movement, a Scherzo, presents more theatrical material, with bravura clarinet writing and interesting string textures. The Adagietto espressivo explores the clarinet's tonal and expressive possibilities and features imitation between the instruments. The Finale employs imitation again, with varied rhythms and counterpoint creating a restless energy.

"The Arthur Bliss Clarinet Quintet is one of the most extraordinary clarinet quintets that I have played," said Orion clarinetist Kathryne Pirtle. "It is such a unique work with beautiful string quartet writing paired with an astounding range of melodic material for the clarinet. Each movement is a masterpiece of contrasting beautiful lyrical writing with exciting rhythmic sections. I am so grateful to be playing it with our incredible ensemble. We look forward to presenting this remarkable piece to our audiences!"

Concert 2 also features the Quartet in D Major, Op. 20, No. 4 (1772), one of the 67 string quartets (and one more incomplete) by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), who was often referred to as the "Father of the String Quartet," and Quartet Satz (2017) by American composer Philip Glass (b. 1937), who was known as an early composer of minimalistic music but later wrote more music for orchestra, chamber groups and piano in an increasingly "traditional" style.

Joining the Orion musicians on this program are frequent guest violist Stephen Boe (above right) and guest violinist Mathias Tacke (above left). "I am delighted to have the opportunity to perform two string quartets," said Orion violinist Florentina Râmniceanu. "We have so many instrumental choices in our group, but string quartet is rarely an option. I love and am honored to be playing with Mathias Tacke, formerly with Vermeer Quartet, and with Stephen Boe, who always inspires us with his musicianship."