I N TO T H E P I T The physics of sound in orchestral instruments Throughout Lucia di Lammermoor, certain instruments of the orchestra are given the chance to shine in the spotlight in the form of solos. These instruments include the harp, flute, and in some productions, the glass harmonica. Let’s take a look at the physics and geometry behind these instruments.
HARP In our opera, the harp is featured at the beginning of Act I, Scene 2 in a beautiful cadenza, or virtuoso solo passage. The harp introduces the scene of Lucia by the fountain. The harp is a string instrument just like the violin or piano. With its elegant chords and sweeping glissandi (gliding from a low pitch to a high pitch) the harp is often associated with divine music. Sound is produced by plucking the strings with the fingertips. Each of the 47 strings produce a different pitch. The pitch depends on the length, thickness, and tension of the string. The thicker, longer strings produce lower notes while the thinner, shorter strings produce higher ones. Tightened strings also sound higher than loosened strings. Have you ever stretched a rubber band across your fingers and plucked against it? The tighter you stretch the band, the higher the pitch sounds. The strings on a harp work the same way.
FLUTE While the flute has a prominent role in the orchestra throughout the opera, it is especially highlighted in the solo during Lucia's mad scene. The flute is a member of the woodwind family. Other woodwind instruments include the clarinet, oboe, and bassoon. Most modern flutes are made of metal—usually solid silver, gold, or platinum. Flutists blow air through a small opening at one end of the instrument. Air passes very quickly across the top and bottom of the opening, causing a column of air inside the flute to vibrate. Flutists can change the pitch by pressing down keys along the instrument. The keys open and close holes, changing the volume of air that flows through the flute. In our opera, the solo flute appears many times to signify different themes. In the mad scene, the duet between the flute and soprano voice is like a haunting conversation. The flute and soprano echo and chase each other, climbing higher and higher in pitch. Could the flute solo represent Edgardo’s voice that Lucia hears only in her mind? 44
TA K E A L I S T E N to the instrumental solos from Lucia. • •
bit.ly/luciaharp bit.ly/luciaflute