Die Fleder-Rag by Strauss arr. Stephen Primatic

The overture to Johann Strauss II’s comic operetta Die Fledermaus is a favorite of audiences everywhere and a staple in modern orchestral repertoire. In Die Fleder-rag, Stephen Primatic has arranged the themes from Strauss’ overture as a jaunty and rousing ragtime for percussion ensemble.

Despite Strauss being dubbed the “Waltz King” there are no waltzes in this rendition. Written for six mallet keyboard instruments and three percussion parts, this entertaining piece for intermediate percussion ensemble sounds as if it could have been originally conceived this way. This makes Primatic’s arrangement that much more unique, and a testament to his creativity in percussion.