Béla Bartók

It was not only Erik Satie who devised curious titles for his compositions, as one might conclude from the headnote for this piece. Bartók attempts here to depict the actions of a fly caught in a cobweb, from the fly's perspective -- i.e., as related from his diary. The composer revealed there are buzzing sounds depicted that signify the fly's desperation to escape. In the end, he does. This composition is one of the more difficult ones in this set of progressively challenging works. Only 11 more follow, some of which are even more virtuosic in nature.

The work opens busily, a sort of buzzing theme emerging from the hazy rhythmic manner of the music. As it ascends the keyboard, it gradually grows louder, more distinctive and intense, taking on a sense of fear, of impending doom. The music begins to relax suddenly as it turns downward, its mood slowly growing tranquil. The music's busy manner slows and fades peacefully. Lasting about a minute and a half, this is a colorful work that will appeal to most keyboard enthusiasts.