Scott Joplin: Piano Rags

1. Maple Leaf Rag for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
with Roy Eaton

2. Original Rags, for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
with Roy Eaton

3. Swipesey, cakewalk for piano
Composed by Arthur Scott and Marshall Joplin
with Roy Eaton

4. Sunflower Slow Drag, for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
with Roy Eaton

5. The Easy Winners, for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
with Roy Eaton

6. The Entertainer, for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
with Roy Eaton

7. The Cascades, for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
with Roy Eaton

8. The Chrysanthemum, An Afro-American Intermezzo for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
with Roy Eaton

9. Bethena, a concert waltz for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
with Roy Eaton

10. Bink's Waltz for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
with Roy Eaton

11. Searchlight Rag for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
with Roy Eaton

12. Gladiolus Rag for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
with Roy Eaton

13. Pine Apple Rag for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
with Roy Eaton

14. Pleasant Moments, waltz for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
with Roy Eaton

15. Solace, a Mexican serenade for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
with Roy Eaton

Scott Joplin: Piano Rags,Scott Joplin,Roy Eaton,Sony,Classical,Classical Composers,Classical Music,Intermezzo for Keyboard,Keyboard,Rag for Keyboard,Serenade for Keyboard,Waltz for Keyboard

Average customer rating: My favourite jazz music The Flair Just Isn't There Not as good as I had hoped. Joplin & Joshua, A Historic Partnership Still my favorite

Scott Joplin: Piano Rags Joshua Rifkin Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Traditional | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin The Sting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack The Greatest Ragtime of the Century Joplin - Complete Rags for Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Vol. 2020 Rags & Tangos [Australia] ASIN: B000005IYF Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Maple Leaf Rag
2. The Entertainer -- A Ragtime Two-Step
3. The Ragtime Dance
4. Gladiolus Rag
5. Fig Leaf Rag
6. Scott Joplin's New Rag
7. Euphonic Sounds -- A Syncopated Novelty
8. Elite Syncopations
9. Bethena -- A Concert Waltz
10. Paragon Rag
11. Solace -- A Mexican Serenade
12. Pine Apple Rag
13. Weeping Willow -- A Ragtime Two-Step
14. The Cascades -- A Rag
15. Country Club -- Ragtime Two-step
16. Stoptime Rag
17. Magnetic Rag -- Syncopations Classiques

Customer Reviews:

My favourite jazz music.......2007-07-15

I have had Joshua Rifkin's Scott Joplin Piano Rags for more than 20 years and listened to them very often. Later when I bought SCott Joplin's pianola version I liked it much less. Joplin's music is superb and Rifkin's piano version brings its beauty up where it should be. The reason I bought it on the CD is to put it on my ipod! A marvellous record.

The Flair Just Isn't There.......2007-06-16

Rifkin performs these pieces to perfection- too perfect for my taste. Music (and rags in particular) is not about technical perfection, but that intangible something that resonates within us and moves us. The life, enthusiasm, emotion, soul - whatever you want to call it- just isn't there on this CD. To hear Joplin's great artistry sterilized like this is a real disappointment.

Not as good as I had hoped........2007-03-08

I regard music the same way most people regard art; I don't know that much about it, but I know what I like. And I like Joplin's piano rags when played with a fast upbeat tempo. Based on the reviews I read here I was led to believe that this album is the standard by which all other Joplin rags are measured, and therefore ideal for a casual fan's first album.

Rifkin's version of the 'Maple Leaf Rag' was solidly OK, but I have heard versions I liked much better. His rendition of 'The Entertainer' started off way too slowly and softly, and seemed to only get slower and softer as the piece progressed. It was like watching a drag race in slow motion; you keep expecting the cars to go faster, but they never do. This is particularly frustrating because 'The Entertainer' was 50% of the reason I bought the album.

I suspect that expert musicians who love this album will want to brand me as some culturally ignorant redneck for giving it only 3-stars, but I have to call it as I hear it.

Joplin & Joshua, A Historic Partnership.......2006-08-05

As a kid back in the 70's, I started my classical piano training. Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, etc. One day by chance, I caught the sound of music coming from my cousin's room that I'd never heard. To me it was remarkable. I ran to the phonograph to see what was playing. It was Mr. Rifkins Scott Joplin Piano Rags, Volume 1. Being classically trained, I was immediately drawn to the music's intricate,flowing,syncopated rhythms. I had to play this stuff. My first rag purchased was Maple Leaf. That was in 1977. Since then I've played them all. I'm in my 40's now and have yet to master the sound produced by Mr. Rifkin. I have basically given up. I can't play as well and thank God he can.

I've enjoyed reading the reviews here and noticed some people actually criticize Mr. Rifkin's playing. What a joke. I'd like to see these so called music afficionados play one measure of Euphonic Sounds.

Be that as it may, this recording will stand the test of time.

It is absolutely the most important interpretation of Joplin's music in our lifetimes.

Anybody that says otherwise is trying to sell something.

Still my favorite.......2006-05-02

Although these are remastered from older recordings and neither the playing nor the sound quality are absolutely perfect, this album is still my favorite recording of Joplin's music. The pared-down piano arrangements are interesting (band arrangements are nice, too, but serve a different purpose) and Rifkin treated the music respecfully--the playing is neither too fast nor exaggeratedly bright or "ragged". My biggest complaint is that it is too short and does not include all of the tracks originally available on the LP's (which I also have and which are worth getting if you can find them).

Average customer rating: The Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin Another Performer Rewrites Joplin's Masterpieces complete piano music of Scott Joplin on 4 CD's Ragtime Marvel Complete, but poor quality

Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin Manufacturer: Compendia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Scott Joplin: Piano Rags The Greatest Ragtime of the Century The Sting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Rags to Riches: The Essential Hits of Scott Joplin Joplin - Complete Rags for Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Vol. 2020 ASIN: B000003QWN Release Date: 1997-01-28

Tracks:

1. The Crush Collision March
2. Combination March
3. Harmony Club Waltz
4. Original Rags
5. Maple Leaf Rag
6. Swipesy Cakewalk
7. Reacherine Rag
8. Sunflower Slow Drag
9. The Augustan Club Waltz
10. The Easy Winners
11. Cleopha
12. A Breeze From Alabama
13. Elite Syncopations

Tracks:

1. The Entertainer
2. The Strenouous Life
3. March Majestic
4. Something Doing
5. Weaping Willow
6. Patr Leaf Rag
7. The Favorite
8. The Sycamore
9. The Cascades
10. The Chysanthemum
11. Bethena
12. Bink's Waltz
13. The Rosebud March

Tracks:

1. Leola
2. Eugenia
3. Antoinette
4. The Ragtime Dance
5. Searchlight Rag
6. Gladiolus Rag
7. Lily Queen
8. Rose Leaf Rag
9. Heliotrope Bouquet
10. The Nonpareil
11. Fig Leaf Rag
12. Sugarcane
13. Pineapple Rag

Tracks:

1. Wall Street Rag (1909)
2. Solace (1909)
3. Pleasant Moments (1909)
4. Country Club (1909)
5. Euphonic Moments (1909)
6. Paragon Rag (1909)
7. Stop-Time Rag (1910)
8. Felicity Rag (1911)
9. Scott Joplin's New Rag (1912)
10. Kismet Rag (1913)
11. Magnetic Rag (1914)
12. Reflection Rag (1917)
13. Silver Swan Rag (1917)

Customer Reviews:

The Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin.......2007-06-08

John Arpin does a great job with these pieces. The songs carry a consistent sound and are played very close to as-written, which comes and goes with old ragtime pieces. The stamping on Stop-Time Rag doesn't have a consistent sound to it, can be a little distracting. Everything else is great, overall I think that it's a great buy, I'm very happy with it.

Another Performer Rewrites Joplin's Masterpieces.......2007-05-31

Once again, another performer feels the need to rewrite the music of the King of Ragtime. Scott Joplin spins in his grave each and every time this recording is played.

Again, to those who believe that concert music is meant to be rewritten by each and every performer I ask, is the same treatment also acceptable for Chopin's and Rachmaninoff's music? Would "Moonlight Sonata" sound better if played at twice the tempo and with a reprise of the first Adagio movement thrown in at the end? Obviously, the answer to these questions is a resounding NO!, so why does one of America's greatest composers get such disrespect?

Interpretation is an integral part of every performance. Adding one's own notes, phrases and chords where none should be is not. Randomly changing the structure of the piece is not. Playing a piece at twice the indicated tempo is not.

One the plus side, the depth of this collection is outstanding. Joplin's lesser known pieces like "Harmony Club Waltz" really shine. The recording is decent in quality, although a bit bassy in places.

While its been stated before, I feel its worth repeating: Buy Joshua Rifkin's performances of Joplin in order to hear how the Master intended his pieces to sound.

complete piano music of Scott Joplin on 4 CD's.......2007-02-14

Although all of the music is terrific it is rather a lot of a similar sound. I think I would have preferred 2 CD's of selected piano works of Scott Joplin. But I did get the music at a good price.

Ragtime Marvel.......2005-10-09

This collection of Scott Joplin's piano music is outstanding. As a lover of ragtime which was a prelude to jazz, I am thoroughly enjoying this collection. If you are not a lover of jazz, you may be a lover of ragtime. Jazz can sometimes be grating on the nerves, whereas ragtime lifts the spirit.

Complete, but poor quality.......2005-09-25

I have been learning some ragtime and wanted to hear more to find other selections to learn. Listened to Maple Leaf Rag, my favorite, first and was disappointed. Listened to others and was more disappointed. Maple flies - much faster than anyone would play it, you can't make out some of the phrases. And talk about ad libs - Tempo, dynamics, embelishments, nuances - I really think he plays some wrong notes too because he's going so fast. It's really a poor recording - and that's just on Maple Leaf. Others with "intros" start quick and then there's a grand pause, not a rest, but nearly a five second break. It's hard to argue how Joplin would have played it, but this is hardly anything I want to try to imitate. The only qualitating factor is the number of songs for the price. A lot of variety of a poor interpretation is only worth 3 stars. if that. Look for Rifkin or a copy that is as written to listen to first, then go for the ad libs and "artistic interpretations"

Average customer rating: What the heck??? More Than Excellent

Rags to Riches: The Essential Hits of Scott Joplin Manufacturer: Compendia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin The Greatest Ragtime of the Century The Sting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Scott Joplin: Piano Rags Joplin - Complete Rags for Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Vol. 2020 ASIN: B0009J4OAO Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

1. Original Rags
2. Maple Leaf Rag
3. Easy Winners
4. Elite Syncopations
5. The Entertainer
6. The Cascades
7. Bethena
8. Leola
9. Gladiolas
10. Searchlight
11. Fig Leaf Rag
12. Sugar Cane
13. Euphonic Sounds
14. Paragon Rag
15. Solace
16. Wall Street Rag
17. Treemonisha
18. Magnetic Rag

Album Description

Celebrate the diversity of American music with RAGS TO RICHES: THE ESSENTIAL SCOTT JOPLIN, a comprehensive collection of 18 pieces by one of ragtime's greatest composers. From his signature hit "Maple Leaf Rag" to classics such as "The Entertainer" and "Wall Street Rag", RAGS TO RICHES: THE ESSENTIAL SCOTT JOPLIN contains some of the most revered tunes in musical history and will be treasured by music fans for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

What the heck???.......2007-03-20

Music is great, as is the playing. However, the last song is not Magnetic Rag but rather the same version of Maple Leaf Rag heard earlier on the album.

What is with that?

More Than Excellent.......2006-08-16

I had previously purchased a Scott Joplin CD and was disappointed by the dull quality and dispirited playing by the artist. This CD more than makes up for it. The music was beautifully performed and the recording was very clear. Every piece was perfect!

Average customer rating: Available at retailers for about $18 A classic compilation A dis-service to Joplin Unique Great set

Scott Joplin: His Complete Works Manufacturer: Bescol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin Entertainer: Classic Ragtime from Rare Piano Rolls Joplin: Treemonisha King of the Ragtime Writers Scott Joplin: Piano Rags ASIN: B000001RR2 Release Date: 1994-07-19

Tracks:

1. Please Say You Will - Richard Zimmerman
2. A Picture Of Her Face - Richard Zimmerman
3. The Great Crush Collision March - Richard Zimmerman
4. Harmony Club Waltz - Richard Zimmerman
5. Combination March - Richard Zimmerman
6. Original Rags - Richard Zimmerman
7. Maple Leaf Rag - Richard Zimmerman
8. Swipesy - Cake Walk - Richard Zimmerman
9. Sunflower Slow Drag - Richard Zimmerman
10. Peacherine Rag - Richard Zimmerman
11. Augustan Club Waltz - Richard Zimmerman
12. The Easy Winners - Richard Zimmerman
13. Cleopha - Richard Zimmerman
14. The Strenuous Life - Richard Zimmerman
15. I Am Thinking Of My Pickanniny Days - Richard Zimmerman
16. The Ragtime Dance - Richard Zimmerman
17. A Breeze From Alabama - Richard Zimmerman
18. Elite Syncopations - Richard Zimmerman

Tracks:

1. March Majestic - S. Joplin
2. The Entertainer - S. Joplin
3. Something Doing - S. Joplin
4. Weeping Willow - S. Joplin
5. Little Black Baby - S. Joplin
6. Palm Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
7. The Favorite - S. Joplin
8. The Sycamore - S. Joplin
9. The Cascades - S. Joplin
10. The Chrysanthemum - S. Joplin
11. Rosebud March - S. Joplin
12. Bethena - S. Joplin
13. Leola - S. Joplin
14. Sarah Dear - S. Joplin
15. Binks Waltz - S. Joplin
16. Eugenia - S. Joplin
17. Antoinette - S. Joplin
18. Snoring Sampson - S. Joplin

Tracks:

1. Gladiolus Rag - S. Joplin
2. Searchlight Rag - S. Joplin
3. The Nonpareil (None to Equal) - S. Joplin
4. When Your Hair Is Like The Snow - S. Joplin
5. Rose Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
6. Heliotrope Bouquet - S. Joplin
7. School Of Ragtime - S. Joplin
8. Fig Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
9. Sugar Cane - S. Joplin
10. Pine Apple Rag - S. Joplin
11. Wall Street Rag - S. Joplin
12. Solace - S. Joplin
13. Pleasant Moments - S. Joplin
14. Country Club - S. Joplin
15. Paragon Rag - S. Joplin
16. Euphonic Sounds - S. Joplin
17. Stoptime Rag - S. Joplin
18. Felicity Rag - S. Joplin

Tracks:

1. Highlights From Treemonisha - Richard Zimmerman
2. A Real Slow Drag - Richard Zimmerman
3. Prelude To Act 3 - Richard Zimmerman
4. Frolic Of The Bears - Richard Zimmerman
5. Lovin' Babe - Richard Zimmerman
6. Scott Joplin's New Rag - Richard Zimmerman
7. Kismet Rag - Richard Zimmerman
8. Magnetic Rag - Richard Zimmerman
9. Reflection Rag - Richard Zimmerman
10. Silver Swan Rag - Richard Zimmerman
11. Lily Queen - Richard Zimmerman
12. Sensation - Richard Zimmerman

Customer Reviews:

Available at retailers for about $18.......2006-12-21

Excellent collection - but there are re-sellers listed here that are selling this for as much $50 or $60. Yikes, most major retailers are selling this complete set for $18 - so beware.

A classic compilation.......2006-10-07

This collection is one of my most treasured possessions. (My father gave me the original 5-album set in the 70's when it was originally released on vinyl.)

This is the definitive collection of Scott Joplin's work. Richard Zimmerman provides wonderful performances that accurately reflect Joplin's intentions. (As evidence beyond my personal opinion, I submit the recent releases of digital recordings made from Joplin's piano rolls.)

A few points to consider regarding negative comments you may encounter in other reviews:
* This is a digital recording from an analog master. Lack of quality in the recording does not imply a lackluster performance.
* This is a complete collection. Some similarity is due to Joplin re-exploring melodic themes. But some is due to the fact that these are "rags". One might as well complain that all 50's doo-wop (or all 70's disco) sounds the same.
* Many pieces of the period exhibit formal musical structures, such as the marches of John Phillips Sousa. (Both Sousa and Joplin performed at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.) Actually, Joplin is responsible for extending the formal boundaries of ragtime to concert waltzes (Bethena) and opera (A Guest of Honor, Treemonisha)
* This is probably one of the few collections which will include selections from "Treemonisha". It is my understanding that after the initial release, one of Joplin's descendants made a copyright claim that was upheld in court. (I presume the issue was that Joplin had to finance "Treemonisha" himself, and therefore the customary performance clearances did not cover those selections.)

For ragtime students and enthusiasts, this is a "must-have" collection at a very affordable price.

A dis-service to Joplin.......2006-02-01

Sadly, the only virtue this set possesses is completeness.

The pianist does not play Joplin's pieces "as written", the piano is of poor quality, and not properly in tune.

This is emphatically NOT the set to buy. A far better set, beautifully annotated and well played on a good concert grand piano, is the complete works played by Guido Nielsen on the Basta Label.

This set is a dis-service to Joplin and his music. He deserves better, and gets it elsewhere.

Unique .......2004-10-19

I have several cd sets of Joplin's music: Rifkin, Arpo, Nielsen, and Zimmerman. All have their excellent qualities. What sets Zimmerman's set apart is the inclusion of excerpts from Joplin's opera, Treemonisha---especially "A Real Slow Drag." Why the other sets do not include excerpts from Treemonisha, I don't know---because they are some of his most beautiful and joyful pieces of music. Of course, you can hear the orchestrated version of Treemonisha in the Houston Grand Opera recording, and it is spectacular. But Zimmerman's piano version, especially of "A Real Slow Drag," is not to be missed.

Great set.......2001-10-16

I guess this will be a rather one sided review. I have been a fan of Scott Joplin since I first learned to play a piano.

I was shocked to see that one reviewer thought it all sounded the same. How silly. All of Frank Sinatra's music sounds like Frank Sinatra. All of Led Zeppelin sounds like Led Zeppelin. So, if the songs were drastically different, I would question if the same author composed them. As it is, though, each song on this set is fantastic!!

I don't know that I have heard of Richard Zimmerman, and I was a little leary as to what I would be getting, I certainly was impressed. Without a doubt the best renditions of "Weeping Willow" and "Bethena" I have heard, and at least a dozen songs I didn't know Joplin wrote.

Without a doubt, this album is fantastic. A very good price, as well.

Average customer rating: Scott Joplin Piano Rags Pure joy from Scott Joplin, a great and innovative artist.

Joplin: Piano Rags Scott Joplin Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rags to Riches: The Essential Hits of Scott Joplin Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin Scott Joplin: Piano Rags The Greatest Ragtime of the Century Scott Joplin: His Complete Works ASIN: B00005YKIM Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

1. Maple Leaf Rag
2. Original Rags
3. 'Swipesy' Cakewalk
4. Sunflower Slow Drag (A Ragtime Two-Step)
5. The Easy Winners (A Ragtime Two-Step)
6. The Entertainer (A Ragtime Two-Step)
7. The Cascades (A Rag)
8. The Chrysanthemum (An Afro-American Intermezzo)
9. Bethena (A Concert Waltz)
10. Binks' Waltz
11. Searchlight Rag (A Syncopated March And Two-Step)
12. Gladiolus Rag
13. Pine Apple Rag
14. Pleasant Moments (A Ragtime Waltz)
15. Solace (A Mexican Serenade)

Customer Reviews:

Scott Joplin Piano Rags.......2007-01-18

I recently performed in the play "Intimate Apparel" by Lynn Nottage. The time period reflected ragtime music. Amazon had exactly the music I needed to enhance my role for that time period. I was very pleased with the speedy delivery of the music. The quality of sound was quite satisfactory.

Pure joy from Scott Joplin, a great and innovative artist........2004-05-03

When Scott Joplin died in 1917 of advanced syphillis, he was penniless, frustrated artistically, and had seen the last days of the ragtime craze pass by. Who would have imagined that today, nearly 90 years after his death, his music would be taken much more seriously than it was in his own time, and would continue to delight and astonish performers and audiences around the world? This is Joplin's legacy, and it exceeds that of hundreds of other composers whose music has come and gone in the years since his death.

Not bad for a man who aspired to critical respectability above popular adulation, and who wrote three operas (including "Treemonisha") in the hope of attaining respect among "serious" musicians. Joplin's unbelievably resourceful melodic gift, his innovative rhythmic instinct, his utterly original harmonic palette, and his superb talents as an arranger have made his music immortal, and even such a renowned musician as Theodore Leschetizky (who trained more great pianists than any other teacher of his time) played and admired his music. Maybe he was more respectable than he knew.

Roy Eaton's renditions of fifteen of Joplin's most famous rags are wonderfully vibrant and insightful. This is a first-rate recording at an unbeatable price. Need I say more?

Average customer rating: Read the fine print before you buy The most distinguished Joplin playing. The most distinguished Joplin playing Joplin played like Joplin plays. E. Power Biggs: The Easy Winner

Super Hits: Scott Joplin Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Biggs, E Power | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Biggs Bach Book The Greatest Ragtime of the Century Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin King of the Ragtime Writers The Sting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ASIN: B00004W5AK Release Date: 2000-08-08

Tracks:

1. Entertainer
2. Maple Leaf Rag
3. Easy Winners
4. Peacherine Rag
5. Elite Syncopations
6. Cleopha
7. Original Rags - E. Power Biggs
8. Pineapple Rag
9. Binks' Waltz
10. Strenuous Life
11. Sunflower Slow Drag
12. Paragon Rag
13. Great Crush Collision March

Customer Reviews:

Read the fine print before you buy.......2005-08-17

I bought this not realizing that these are not piano performances, but every track is played on a Pedal Harpsicord. Don't make the same mistake... If you want piano, get a different disc.

The most distinguished Joplin playing........2002-12-24

I was delighted to find this LP recording re-issued on CD.
E. Power Bigg's stylish and refined playing on his own mighty and meaty pedal harpsichord is a delight. He brings the right blend of joi-de-vivre and sophistication to the music. How pleased Joplin would have been to hear his music played by a musician of this renown on an instrument of this quality.
Rifkin's piano recordings are fine, and very faithful. But E. Power Biggs brings an extra something, in addition to being faithful to Joplin's notes. Infectious, and a delight.

The most distinguished Joplin playing.......2002-12-20

This is the most distinguished Joplin playing to be found.

I was first aware of this recording in LP form in the 70s. My friends had it, and then I was delighted to buy an LP copy for myself as it was re-issued. I am so pleased that it is now available in CD form.

E. Power Biggs is certainly the most distinguished musician to have recorded Joplin, and his playing on the wonderful, meaty pedal harpsichord is infectious.

Joplin would have loved, I am sure, to know that his music ended up being performed by 'serious' musicians of this calibre on instruments of this quality. (Also worth mentioning is the Joplin Marches CD by Professor William Albright on a Bosendorfer Imperial Grand Piano. Albright's left hand seems a little 'light' however).

My particular favourites on this recording are Cleopha and Binks' Waltz.

The big pedal harpsichord has a full and ponderous sound, yet the renditions are full of liveliness and life.

Joshua Rifkin's fine recordings can sound a little 'worthy' compared to this CD. Dick Hyman's fine 1970s set - very comprehensive - is nice, but the playing not in quite the same league as this. (and I do not think it was ever re-issued on CD).

There are various other recordings of Joplin, by a variety of Pianists, on various labels. And there are various 'arrangements' by different musicians. But for sheer musical quality and 'joi-de-vivre', E. Power Biggs' playing on this recodring is unsurpassed.

Joplin played like Joplin plays........2000-11-09

Based on the previous review, I purchased this CD, and it is great. To begin with, I have the complete New England Conservatory, Red Book, and Joshua Rifkin Joplin LPs, and strongly recommend them. But, enjoyable as they are, their languidness is not what Joplin intended. I also have some piano rolls of several rags as played by Joplin, and the tempo is race track fast. Which is exactly the manner in which Biggs uses the pedal harpsichord to render these rags. Joplin intended these rags to be a Fourth of July parade, not a soft dreamy summer night, and Biggs fullfills the promise. So I like both the Rifkin "Entertainer/[movie]Sting" versions, and I love this recording. Of particular delight for me are Joplin's Paragon and Pine Apple Rags. And of course, do not miss the Houston Opera recording of "Treemoshina." Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

E. Power Biggs: The Easy Winner.......2000-09-23

Classical musicians have been featured playing ragtime since Joshua Rifkin's bestselling albums of the late 1960's. Many of these classically-influenced performances were appealing, but at the same time seemed a little stiff, a little pedantic, like badly played Handel. In contrast, E. Power Biggs, the Bach organ virtuoso, makes Scott Joplin really live. He opens up some intriguing new dimensions in this collection of rags, recorded in 1973.

Biggs performs the music on the pedal harpsichord--which would seem to be an unlikely choice--but the percussive quality of the harpsichord makes the syncopations clear and crisp. The magnificent instrument used, made by John Challis, has a range of timbres, and Biggs combines and varies these so the different pieces each have their own character. The bass is played on foot pedals, and the left hand plays the chords on the off-beat. The right hand plays the melody on a separate keyboard, assigned a different voice for clarity. It sounds less like a baroque performance than a ragtime string band--something like the mandolin-guitar-string bass combinations of the ragtime era.

While Biggs maintains the syncopations of the pieces, there is not a strong African American feeling. He doesn't rag that thing. But he has a wonderful ear for the chorale-like harmonies in Joplin, and a natural sense of the phrasing of the pieces that brings out the structure. He slows just a little at the final chord that marks the end of each melodic strain, and then picks up the tempo in the next strain, as if the piece was getting its second wind. These tempo changes are subtle, but the effect is very satisfying. Along with the tonal variations, the phrasing helps keep this somewhat-formulaic music from sounding all the same.

The pieces performed will be familiar to Joplin listeners: Maple Leaf Rag, of course, and the usual selections such as Original Rags and The Easy Winners. The approach is different enough that hearing the standard rags does not seem like covering old ground. On the other hand, it is sad that Biggs, like the rest of the classical world, overlooked all the other ragtime composers, and the related early jazz of musicians like James P. Johnson or Willie "The Lion" Smith (who composed the 12th Street Rag). It would have been very interesting to hear what Biggs would have done with these more complex works.

But, at the same time, the familiarity of this collection of music is one of its strengths. It's the same old stuff, but not the same old way, and the quality of playing easily surpasses almost all the recordings in this genre. If you like ragtime, and are open to an innovative approach t by one of the century's greatest keyboard players, this CD will bring a spring to your step.

Average customer rating: Scott Joplin's Ragtime on Naxos

Scott Joplin: Piano Rags 2 Manufacturer: Naxos American ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Haydn: Piano Sonatas Robert Erickson: Recent Impressions; Two Songs; High Flyer; Summer Music Joan Tower: Made in America Piano Rags Classic American Love Songs ASIN: B000OQDRVY Release Date: 2007-05-29

Customer Reviews:

Scott Joplin's Ragtime on Naxos.......2007-06-05

Scott Joplin (1868 -- 1917)was the greatest composer of the uniquely American music known as ragtime, which flourished from roughly the last decade of the Nineteenth Century to about 1920. Ragtime is a music of fusion. It combines strong African American components,in its rhythmic complexity and syncopations, with the format of the American march and popular song. Joplin's ragtime, in particular, combines elements of classical music with a distinctively American strain. It was one of the first of an ongoing series of attempts by Americans to create an American musical idiom which combined the classics with African American themes. On one side, ragtime helped give rise to jazz and to the blues. On the other side, in its lyricism and commitment to a written score (rather than improvisation)ragtime has become an American classic, and deservedly so.

This is the second volume of Joplin's rags and other piano music released by Naxos, following an earlier CD by Alexander Peskanov a few years ago. The pianist is Benjamin Loeb, an enterprising conductor and pianist from Texas, who has received a doctorate from Juilliard and who currently is the Associate Condutor of the El Paso Symphony among many other endeavors. Loeb performs this music masterfully and with a twinkle in his eye. The tempos are well-paced -- he avoids the temptation to play too fast or to drag -- with strong rhythmic inflections and moments of songlike reflection. He uses the pedal fully without overdoing it and blurring the melodic lines.

The CD includes 16 selections, ranging from Joplin's earliest piano work, "The Crush Collision March" of 1897, to his latest, the posthumously-published "Reflection Rag: Syncompated Musings" of 1917. Most of Joplin's rags date from his years in Missouri (before 1908). A small number were composed while he lived in Chicago and did some itenerant performing, while the remainder date from the composer's final years in New York City where he was preoccupied with work on his opera, "Treemonisha". Many people think of ragtime as highly rhythmical and flashy (along the lines of the "Maple Leaf Rag" not included on this CD), but much of Joplin's music is restrained and introspective.

For the past several years, I have played much of Joplin on the piano. It was refreshing to gain new insights from Loeb's playing on music that has become familiar to me. (There is no better way to get a feel for any music than by trying to play it.) Thus the pieces I enjoyed included the "Weeping Willow" a rag with a lovely swinging theme, part of which was later cribbed in the popular song "Swanee". I also enjoyed the delicate "Gladiolus Rag" which I studied relatively recently, and "The Chrysanthemum, "an ambitious piece which Joplin styled an "Afro-American Intermezzo." Among Joplin's later works included on this CD, "Scott Joplin's New Rag" is a challenging piece with modern chromatic passages. "Swipsey" is an early Joplin work, one in which he collaborated with his student, Arthur Marshall. There are two pieces on this CD which require the pianist to accompany himself by stamping his foot: the "Rag-Time Dance" and "Stoptime Rag". Joplin's "Breeze from Alabama" is known to musical scholars for some highly imaginative harmonic writing between its stanzas. Of the works on this CD that I hadn't known before, I enjoyed "Eugenia," a rag with a highly delicate, melodic theme. I hope to try to learn it.

I am pleased that Naxos is returning to the Joplin rags as part of its American classics series. The earlier volume by Pleskanov received mixed reviews, but this CD by Loeb is all that could be wished. I look forward to what I assume will be a third volume with the remainder of Joplin's piano music. While Joplin was the leading composer of ragtime, there were two other excellent composers of music in this genre who are now, unfortunately, known primarily to ragtime afficianados. Naxos could make another valuable contribution to the discovery of American music by recording the rags of Joplin's contemporaries and friends James Scott and Joseph Lamb.

Robin Friedman

Average customer rating: little disappointed Dick Hyman has captored the essence of Scott Joplin...

Scott Joplin: Piano Works, 1899-1904 Dick Hyman , and Charles N. Joplin Scott and Daniels Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Dick Hyman Plays Fats Waller Scott Joplin: Piano Rags From the Age of Swing ASIN: B000003ESR Release Date: 1989-11-03

Tracks:

1. Maple Leaf Rag
2. Original Rags
3. Swipesy
4. Peacherine Rag
5. The Easy Winners
6. Sunflower Slow Drag
7. The Entertainer
8. Elite Syncopations
9. The Strenuous Life
10. A Breeze From Alabama
11. Palm Leaf Rag
12. Something Doing
13. Weeping Willow
14. The Chrysanthemum
15. The Cascades
16. The Sycamore

Customer Reviews:

little disappointed.......2001-11-14

Don't get me wrong. Dick Hyman is really great in what he's doing. The pieces are brilliantly performed. But it's not my taste. He's playing 100s of staccatos where Scott Joplin never wrote a point on his sheets thus taking the drive off the songs. Songs and parts of songs that should sound strong just sound way too "dolce". All in all the whole cd is too soft and too slow. Yes, Scott Joplin said never play Ragtime too fast. But songs like the Entertainer or Elite Syncopations should in my opinion be played "faster" to have a drive. I used to play the songs myself. It's just more fun when you play them faster and louder - with more energy.

This cd is for you when you like quiet and mellow music and like to drink tea while listening to it.
If you like barrelhouse music - what ragtime is supposed to be - then buy another cd like "the Sting" soundtrack or Scott Joplin played by Richard Zimmerman.

Dick Hyman has captored the essence of Scott Joplin..........2000-10-13

Jazz arranger and stride pianist Dick Hyman has captured the essence of Scott Joplin, playing such classics as "Maple Leaf Rag" and "The Entertainer," as well as many lesser known but still highly enjoyable tunes. Just like Joplin would say never play a rag too fast, Hyman plays at the perfect tempo, never too fast. Hyman proves not only to be a fine stride painist but a superb ragtime painist. Although there is no improvisation here, ragtime is completely written out, there is plenty of syncopation and joyous sounds here to keep the jazz collector happy. this CD is highly recomended as a great introduction to the music of Scott Joplin and the playing of Dick Hyman.

Also try Dick Hyman's tribute CD to Fats Waller. And if you like Ragtime don't miss out on the incredible Paragon Ragtime Orchestra which re-creates bands like Arthur Pryor's Orchestra from the ragtime era.

Average customer rating: Joplin should not sound like Gershwin!

Scott Joplin: Greatest Hits Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Intermezzos | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Greatest Hits Mozart: Greatest Hits Gershwin Greatest Hits Idiot's Guide to Classical Music Tchaikovsky: Greatest Hits ASIN: B000003F62 Release Date: 1991-09-06

Tracks:

1. Maple Leaf Rag
2. Original Rags
3. Swipesy
4. Peacherine Rag
5. The Easy Winners
6. Sunflower Slow Drag
7. The Entertainer
8. Elite Syncopations
9. The Strenuous Life
10. A Breeze From Alabama
11. Palm Leaf Rag
12. Something Doing
13. Weeping Willow
14. The Chrysanthemum
15. The Cascades
16. The Sycamore
17. Paragon Rag
18. Sugar Cane
19. Scott Joplin's New Rag

Customer Reviews:

Joplin should not sound like Gershwin!.......2005-08-11

Levine plays the best he can to intend approach the essential spirit of the Rag. But he lacks of that special rapture in the expression and plays extremely over polished without those little imperfections and disaffections involved in the this genre.
The Rag is -in certain harmonies- a sadness that, being incapable to cry, smiles.

Average customer rating: wonderful collection

World's Greatest Piano Rags Eubie Blake , William Bolcom , Zez Confrey , George Gershwin , Robert Hampton , Scott Joplin , Joseph Lamb , Artie Matthews , Joseph C. Northrup , Jay Roberts , James Scott , Richard Dowling , and Bruce Leek Manufacturer: Klavier ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music General | Bolcom, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Divertimentos General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sweet and Low-Down - Richard Dowling plays George Gershwin James Scott: The Complete Works 1903-1922 Memories of You Bolcom - Piano Rags Rhapsody in Ragtime ASIN: B0001JXOM6 Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

1. Cannon Ball
2. Pastime Rag No. 3
3. American Beauty Rag
4. Hilarity Rag
5. Ragtime Oriole
6. Ragtime Nightingale
7. Entertainer's Rag
8. Bethena: A Concert Waltz
9. Pastime Rag No. 4
10. Solace: A Mexican Serenade
11. Pastime Rag No. 2
12. Graceful Ghost Rag
13. Cataract Rag
14. Maple Leaf Rag
15. Poor Katie Redd
16. Coaxing the Piano
17. Baltimore Toledo
18. Rialto Ripples Rag
19. Merry Andrew
20. Dizzy Fingers
21. Kitten on the Keys
22. Brittwood Rag

Customer Reviews:

wonderful collection.......2005-08-24

This is a great collection of rags of various styles. The Graceful Ghost is just a wonderful flowing rag bordering on classical, and at the other end is the very fun Entertainer's Rag. Richard Bowling plays them all well. The three Zez Confrey cuts are not to my liking so much, but the rest is a set of play over and over things.

Music Review:

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