Haunted Bridges

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass — In the dim moonlight on a night long past a rider emerges from the fog and slowly dares to cross a mysterious and unsettling bridge. The trembling rider hesitates, unsure whether he is more nervous about the legend of the headless horseman or the creaking and shifting he feels under his own horse's hooves. Haunted Bridges is a work for string orchestra inspired by Washington Irving's Ichabod Crane and his ill-fated ride in Sleepy Hollow. The piece contains allusions to the tune London Bridge is Falling Down, first as a creeping counter-melody and later as a theme in a twisted 3/4 section whose shifting harmonic progression draws to mind the fall of the fabled bridge. Haunted Bridges contains alternating F/Cxa0 sharps and naturals throughout and devilishly unpredictable harmonic patterns. The piece also calls for numerous extended techniques that students will enjoy, including playing behind the bridge, sul ponticello, portamento, and "seagull glissandi".Special techniques:Haunted Bridges calls for a handful of extended techniques, most of which are self explanatory or commonly known. The technique appearing in the Violin II part from measures 58-72 may require some additional explanation. This figure is sometimes referred to as "seagull glissando" and is achieved by lightly touching the finger to the string and gliding up and down the string, producing many transient natural harmonics as the finger crosses the nodes of the string. It is suggested to start with the 3rd finger on the A string and slowly glissando up beyond the natural A harmonic, then slowly back down, continuing in this pattern until measure 73. It is also intended for each player to vary their speed slightly so that the timing of the glissandi are all a little different, resulting in a shimmering, aleatoric effect. Inspired by Ichabod Crane's ill-fated ride in Sleepy Hollow, this ominous piece for string orchestra includes ghostly hints of the melody London Bridge is Falling Down. Alternating accidentals throughout create devilishly unpredictable harmonic patterns, and students will enjoy exploring numerous extended techniques, including playing behind the bridge, sul ponticello, portamento, and glissandi. The perfect choice for Halloween concerts!