Professor Wigstein’s Amazing Melody Machine

This fun and original piece for string orchestra introduces the technique of “tone painting.” It depicts inventor Professor Wigstein’s proud creation, a machine that plays some of the world’s most famous melodies. The introduction portrays the ceremonious (and rather pompous) unveiling of the amazing machine. With four turns of its crank, the machine comes to life, grinding and churning as it prepares to produce a melody. “Ode to Joy” is heard, played pizzicato by the entire orchestra, and appropriately accompanied by generic “machine” sounds (ratchet and bell). Soon, the machine winds down, and the melody comes to a halt. Once again, the machine is cranked, and begins working at another tune; “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” is heard. The machine winds down again, only to be cranked up a third time. The melody to Offenbach’s “Can-Can” emerges. Midway through the tune, however, something goes wrong with the machine. Fragments of all three melodies are heard (in a variety of clashing keys) as the machine goes out of control, eventually exploding. A few hisses, and some dying moans are emitted. Finally, Chopin’s “Funeral March” is heard as the machine plays its own death knoll, dying with a final soft hiss.