The Spider and the Fly
(1998)Mary Howitt (E)
3(II,III=picc).3(III=corA).4(III=Ebcl,IV=bcl).3(III=dbn)-4.3.3.1-
timp.perc(5):I=xyl/vib/tamb/glass wind chimes/ratchet/high,low wdbl/
claves/lg whip; II=vib/TD/timbales(high,low)/tom-t(high,low)/tgl/SD/
lg wind machine/bell tree/susp.cym(high,low)/bongos(high,low)/
5tpl.bl/ratchet/cast III=glsp/BD/cyms/ratchet/tgl; IV=t.bells/susp.
cym(sm,lge)/lge tam-t/guiro/cowbells(high,low)/tamb/anvil-harp-cel-strings
Abbreviations (PDF)
Boosey & Hawkes
The Spider and the Fly is a dramatic setting of Mary Howitt’s famous poem of seduction which begins, 'Will you walk into my parlor? said the spider to the fly.' A series of duets and arias - the many faces of enticement and resistance - frame an orchestral fugue, Building the Web. The piece is scored for coloratura soprano (fly), baritone (spider), and orchestra.
David Del Tredici 1998