Four Flights

Each movement of Four Flights depicts what could be a simple childhood song. First Steps is set up somewhat like a two-part invention between flute and marimba. Josh’s New Bag, opens with a simple rudimental snare drum solo that continues when the flute enters with the bluesy melody. Play Something Pretty, features sustained chords in the marimba while the flute plays something pretty above. I Could Have Played the Flute, utilizes the rest of the percussion instruments that have been neglected up to this point. This is the longest movement and gives both players opportunities for cadenzas.

Program Notes

Each movement of Four Flights depicts what could be a simple childhood song. The first movement, First Steps, is set up somewhat like a two-part invention between flute and marimba. The second movement, Josh’s New Bag, opens with a simple rudimental snare drum solo that continues when the flute enters with the bluesy melody. The third movement, Play Something Pretty, features sustained chords in the marimba while the flute plays something pretty above. The fourth movement, I Could Have Played the Flute, utilizes the rest of the percussion instruments that have been neglected up to this point. This is the longest movement and gives both players opportunities for cadenzas.

Grade Level: 3
Copyright: 1995
Number of Players: 2
Duration: 10:00
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Type: Duet
Category: Percussion

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

Flute
Percussion (Marimba, snare drum, bass drum, bells, 4 toms, bongos, 2 suspended cymbals)