Instrumentation
Orchestra: Piccolo, 2 Flutes, Oboe, Cor Anglais, 2 Clarinets Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, Contrabassoon, 4 Horns, 3 Trumpets 2 Trombones, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Timpani, 2 Percussion (1: Vibraphone, Tam-tam. 2: Suspended Cymbal, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Glockenspiel, Finger Cymbals, Tambourine), Harp, Piano, Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Duration
c. 12 minutes
Creation Note
This work, written by Peggy Polias, was made possible through the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s 50 Fanfares Project and was commissioned by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, supported by Peter M Howard.
About the work
The work takes inspiration from the story of Arachne in Ovid’s Metamorphoses (Book 6), a tale of a weaving duel between skillful mortal (Arachne) and proud goddess (Minerva). It is a minimalist and texture-driven work meditating on rhythms and processes in the textile art of weaving. The work is framed around the two artistic weaves produced by each of the women. The first main section, “Minerva’s Weave: Audacity,” unfolds musicially as a representation of the stories Minerva selects to weave, scenes of mortal pride ending with disaster or downfall, sending a message to the proud but capable Arachne. Musically, the orchestra undulates line by line, thread by thread, only comprehending the full image much later in the process, when the evolving melody is played in full by the violas.
“Arachne’s Weave: List of Names” follows, with a highly decorated texture gradually building up, punctuated violently by tutti chords that reflect the naming and shaming of numerous rapes from ancient Greek and Roman mythology as represented by Arachne in her woven image. This aspect of the story feels very current in terms of #metoo and the act of divulging gendered violence.
Recurring sections titled “Phocaean Purple” are like the edging to the two main scenes. Such details are described in vividly in Ovid’s story, and Arachne’s father is said in the story to have made his living as a merchant of this particular colour dye.
The metamorphosis in this story occurs after an enraged Minerva rips Arachne’s weave to pieces, unable to find fault with it. A graphic notation section devised using multicoloured real embroidery threads was used in the musical section “Torn to Pieces.” Arachne is so devastated she tries to hang herself, but a regretful Minerva takes pity and instead turns Arachne into a spider to weave forevermore. “Gossamer” is a meditation on this arachnid state, fragile, beautiful, natural and organic.
P.P. 2023
Availability
Score
A3, 39 pages. Score in C or Transposing. Contact the composer regarding availability of full score and hire of instrumental parts.
Broadcast
First broadcast on ABC Classic Lunchtime Concert, Sunday 27 August 2023, 1pm: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/lunchtime-concert/sso-diana-doherty-ross-edwards/102727324
Performance
First performance: 11 & 12 August 2023, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Simone Young, as part of the concert “Diana Doherty performs Ross Edwards” celebrating the composer’s milestone birthday.
Arachne received a workshop and recording session by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in May 2023 at the Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Sydney, conducted by Eduardo Strausser.
Online
Australian Music Centre: https://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/workversion/polias-peggy-arachne/39315
Sydney Symphony Orchestra 50 Fanfares Project: https://www.sydneysymphony.com/about-us/50-fanfares/peggy-polias
Premiere concert information: https://www.sydneysymphony.com/concerts/diana-doherty-performs-ross-edwards
Peggy Polias 