“Night of the Tarantella - Level 3A Lesson - pg. 32-33” is a lesson-book repertoire piece in A minor by Nancy Faber. The piece teaches how to feel 6/8 at a fast tempo, where the dotted quarter note gets the beat and the music is counted in two large pulses per measure. It is not a lead sheet or improvisation page; it is a written method-book performance piece built around a fast tarantella dance rhythm, broken-chord patterns, and clear dynamic contrasts.

Measures 1–8 present the main tarantella rhythm. The right hand plays the quick 6/8 melody with short rests, repeated rhythmic patterns, and slurred groups, while the left hand supports with simple chord tones and held notes. The forte-piano contrast and the “To Coda” marking give this opening section a clear lesson-book form and energetic dance character.

Measures 9–16 move into broken-chord patterns that outline the harmony. The music becomes more linear, with the hands moving through rising shapes in A minor and related harmonies. The crescendo and forte marking make this section feel stronger and more dramatic than the opening.

Measures 17–24 continue the broken-chord idea with changing dynamics. The music moves through piano, mezzo piano, and mezzo forte, while the hands keep the same fast 6/8 pulse. The D.C. al Coda marking sends the performer back to the beginning, reinforcing the main tarantella material before the final ending.

Measures 25–28 form the Coda. The left hand begins with broken-chord motion while the right hand answers with strong chords and an octave-marked final gesture. The crescendo into the final fortissimo chord gives the short piece a bold, theatrical ending.

Interesting fact: A tarantella is a fast Italian dance traditionally written in compound meter, often 6/8. The old folklore story connected the dance with the bite of a tarantula spider, which is why lesson books often use the tarantella style to teach fast, energetic 6/8 rhythm in a dramatic and memorable way.