BRIAN SLAWSON FLAPJACK
from Symphonie Concertante in F Major, W. C38: I. Allegro (J.C. Bach) and Symphony No. 4 in F Major, IV. Finale: Vivace (Dittersdorf) arranged for percussion ensemble by Brian Slawson
Flapjack arranged by Brian Slawson © 2025 Tapspace Publications, LLC (ASCAP). All rights reserved.
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TSPCE25-006
PROGRAM AND PERFORMANCE NOTES
Extracted from lively orchestral works by two classical composers, Flapjack has catchy hooks that are fun to play and perfectly suited for captivating audiences from the downbeat. While rehearsing the piece with my students, I improvised the lyric, “Pancake, on a hot plate,” leading us to land on Flapjack as a fun title.
The piece starts with a bouncy introduction from Johann Christian Bach, one of J. S. Bach’s most successful sons, followed by a development from Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf, no slouch himself, having served as 1st violinist in string quartet outings with Joseph Haydn on 2nd violin and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart holding down the viola chair. (Czech composer Johann Baptist Vanhal played cello.)
Keep your approach to Flapjack light and bouncy, paying special attention to the inner dialogue between players, and start to create your own history!
—Brian Slawson
PLAYERS AND INSTRUMENTATION
Flapjack requires 8 players with the following instrumentation:
1. Chimes
2. Xylophone
3. Vibraphone
4. Marimba 1 (share w/ M4)
5. Marimba 2 (share w/ M3)
6. Marimba 3 (4-octave)
7. Marimba 4 (low A)
8. 4 Timpani (32”, 29”, 26”, 23”)
SUGGESTED SETUP
Level: Medium Approx. playing time: 3'35"
