The next selection was Essay No.1 – After Sibelius, written in 2006 by African-American composer Rick Robinson. Inspired by the compositional style of Sibelius – particularly the theme of the first movement coda in the 3rd symphony – Robinson’s marvelously crafted homage is an episodic argument, or dialogue of sorts, between what he calls the “Aware Self” and “Shadow Self.”
The work is a complex continuous narrative, dense with contrasting motifs that sweep across a vast, intricately textured soundscape of constantly shifting colors and dimensions. Every section of the ensemble had a clear and strong voice in this emotional conversation, speaking in stirring crescendos, from gentle moments of euphoric reflection, into louder strident passages. Like navigating through dark storms, the orchestra sailed to a lovely parting of the clouds with eloquent finesse.
– Tom Wachunas for Cleveland Classical June, 2022
Pork ‘n’ Beans served up a concise introduction to its composer’s style, with Mozartean clarity, Romantic gesture, and Afro-Cuban rhythms mingling amid fantastic string writing. Gitcha Groove On depicts the journey of an orchestral musician wandering between clubs after a concert, listening for a danceable beat. The piece evoked just these images in performance, from the Brahmsian opening to the Reggae-tinged fadeout ending.
– Nicholas Stevens, review for Cleveland Classical
YouTube video clip of futurist Greg Sandow remarking on Rick Robinson’s work at LAO 2013
The intent instigator and director Rick Robinson intoned, slam poetry-style, at evening’s start: To knock classical music off the pedestal, have some fun, bring the music where the people are. – Cathy DeDe, Managing editor of The Chronicle
Mr. Robinson, in a sense, is a modern day Dvořák. Known as “Mr. CutTime,” this Detroit Symphony bassist is a passionate advocate for classical music and musicians stepping down from the pedestal of the concert hall and merging into the musical life of the community: schools, clubs, bars, coffeehouses…basically anywhere where people congregate. This is far from a new concept, but Robinson’s personality, aggressive advocacy of this, and his remarkable playing, composing and arranging skills put him in the forefront of this movement. – Jeffrey Rossman at CVNC
With the audience for classical music graying and dwindling, Robinson sees the need to make the music more inclusive. “Especially for people who walk by Orchestra Hall every day and have no interest in going inside — probably because the orchestra isn’t interested in coming out to the people and meeting them halfway.” He saw the need for a different approach. – Donna Terek at The Detroit News
Bassist Rick Robinson has always been a trailblazer and entrepreneur. He was just the second African-American musician in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra when he joined in 1989. Since the ’90s he has spread his wings as the founder of CutTime Productions, an umbrella for his activities as a chamber musician, concert presenter, composer, arranger, publisher, lecturer and advocate for broadening the audience for classical music. – Mark Stryker, Detroit Free Press
(& Recently)
The transcriptions are very well done. They are clear, concise and faithful to the originals. What they lack in terms of orchestral heft, they make up for in terms of clarity and lightness. It is delightfully fun to play this repertoire in this format. These transcriptions would be great additions to outreach programs and other chamber music concerts. Mr. Robinson is providing a valuable and entertaining expansion to the bass player’s chamber music options. – Robert Black at Bass World
Thanks Rick I went to You Tube and listened to what you have done with fellow players from the Detroit Symphony to bring classical music to new audiences. I really think that you are doing something very significant. You are in the right place doing the right thing. Not everyone believes in God. I happen to. Whatever we find he wants us to make it better than we found it. You are certainly doing that!!! – Kenneth Greenwood comment at Greg Sandow’s blog
Rick Robinson is bringing classical music to the masses — which may be one of the most challenging jobs in all of music. The former Detroit Symphony Orchestra bassist has loved classical music all his life, and it frustrated him that the genre struggled to find new fans. He couldn’t understand why the sounds that moved him so deeply should be cooped up in grand concert halls and churches, inaccessible to new audiences. – Crain’s Detroit Business Salute to Entrepreneurs
Next read some of Mr. CutTime’s recent comments for changing the conversation around classical.
