Hairy The Spider

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — This spooky piece was inspired by an occurrence at my orchestra's Spring Concert performance several years ago. As my baton came up for the downbeat of our final number, I noticed that the students in my second-violin section were staring at the floor in abject terror. A large spider had taken up residence at the front of the stage. Our concert was placed on hold, and my students grew more hysterical as I attempted to usher the spider from the stage with my baton. Finally, one of my violinists stepped forward and bravely dispatched the menacing arachnid with a decisive stomp of her foot. The crowd went wild.This piece is in 6/8 and features the alternating, long-note, short-note bow strokes typical of a reel. There is a little melody for everyone, and a tremolo effect at the beginning and end of the piece adds textural variety. Use full bow to get a rich forte at m. 73. This whimsical piece is about a spider that interrupted a concert by the composer's orchestra. The main theme is delightful and cute. Every sections is give some melodic material and all get a chance to stomp the spider for a dramatic conclusion of the piece.