R. Scott Whittington

Black Cat

Black Cat is a string orchestra adventure with a spooky Hallowe'en flavor. It incorporates meowing cats, tremolos foretelling eerie events, pizzicato suggesting stealthy cat movement, and loads of scary melodic material in the minor mode for all sections. Written at a level 2, it is a perfect early concert piece for developing string orchestras. A piano part is included for rehearsal, which may be used during performance at the director's discretion.

All parts (except bass) are in first position, allowing directors to focus on intonation, blend, dynamics, and rhythmic accuracy. Performance time is 2:33. It can be shortened by eliminating the repeated section.

The official etymology of the score marking "Scarioso" is unknown, but its source could be the topic of a lively discussion!

Rehearsal Suggestions

Observing subito pianissimos, such as those at mm. 32 (Violin II and Viola) add to the mystery and overall dramatic effect of the piece.

This piece offers an ideal opportunity to introduce glissandos, which occur in violin I, II and cello.

The final 3-note chord in Violin I and II, as well as the double-stopped pizzicato D-Bb in cellos (m. 2) are opportunities for focus and discussion.