The orchestra series (3)
by kasia_capulet on December 10, 2008
in students
It’s quite an early evening on a big day today for me, because I’m playing in the orchestra the hundredth time and I’m a little bit nervous and excited at once.
I’m standing in my, cosy velvet case and waiting for my owner, for her long and agile fingers. I can’t wait for her to take me out and start playing, but first she wipes my hand-carved soundboard – gently, slowly, inch by inch, around my f-holes. Next she delicately bends my strings while tuning them.
Now she uses the bow. It always makes me vibrate, the whole of me. But what I like the most, is when she plucks my strings.
Today she looks different and she behaves more proudly and reverently. I’m sure that something must have happened. Although my owner is still the same, tonight she smells different and her new dress is more womanlike.
It’s high time we went to the philharmonic, so she puts me into my comfortable case and takes it with her.
I know my place in the orchestra very well. My section is the string section, on the right of the conductor, in front of the double basses. I like my place with the violins, violas and double basses behind me. I’m sure you know this feeling of being in the right place, it gives me the sense of belonging.
I hear the muffled sounds of arrangements through my case. She takes me out and something has ruined my calmness – her hand is shaking. Don’t panic! It’s just ordinary stage fright! But I’m not sure of that.
She goes into the concert hall, full of audience, and so far so good – nothing special, but that shaking hand …
Hey! You’ve passed by our place! My place!
She sits down on the lonely chair in front our section, and immediately I realise that we are playing solo tonight.
I feel her hug me with her knees stronger than usual …
