The slapstick—often called a "whip" in orchestral scores—finds its origins in the theater. It was originally a harmless wooden paddle used in 16th-century Commedia dell'arte to produce a loud "whack" during physical comedy. By the late 19th century, the device was popularized in American vaudeville and eventually adopted by composers like Gustav Mahler. Today, it is used for its sudden, loud impulse, providing a high-pressure "crack" that cuts clearly over a full brass and percussion section.

The Overture Slapstick takes the details of a simple instrument and amplifies them for consistent performance every time.