Do the tapping violin bows in Rossini's overture Il Signor Bruschino represent anything in particular?

Answer 1

At the time Rossini was experimenting and trying to get a differenct sonic effect. He had the second violins tap on the music stands. I've also read they tapped on metal candle holders. In way of a personal note: It is known that Rossini was a very lazy man. There is a story that tells of composing while in bed and dropping the score on the floor. Rather than pick it up he re-wrote the piece on which he was working. So, is it possible laziness could be the reason he had the violins tap? Was he too lazy to fill in this section in with notes? I believe my first answer is the more correct.