Specific instrumental effect occasionally used on Broadway

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 9/6/15 at 12:47am

This is a verrrrrry random and specific question.

 

It doesn't appear too frequently but whenever I hear it I'm always thinking "what is that????" It's a very eerie ethereal tone, almost like a theremin? My best guess is it's just high strings but if anyone knows for sure or could elaborate on the technique I would love to know.

 

It can be heard in these two songs:

At 0:41 seconds

At 0:28 seconds

[musicals1989]

Posted: 9/6/15 at 12:55am

It's just violins. It's a technique called "harmonics". 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue90f5r-2Qw

[HorseTears]

Posted: 9/6/15 at 6:41am

Love that you started this thread, Nowak.  I certainly knew they were strings, but I didn't have a term to describe the effect other than "long-sustained-bell-like-tones".  

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 9/6/15 at 12:02pm

Thank you so much! It's a marvelous effect.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 9/6/15 at 12:08pm

There are especially great harmonics in the original orchestrations for "Bewitched".  

 

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 9/6/15 at 8:58pm

There's also top notch ones in the original charts for "There's A Small Hotel" from ON YOUR TOES. Hans Spielek was apparently very much a fan.