Customer Reviews

The Entertainer: Classic Ragtime From Rare Piano Rolls

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Like on the other Biograph CD of Joplin's work,"Elite syncopations",we are sure that Scott Joplin (1868-1917) plays on the first three rolls.The others were produced in the sixties by a collector,Mr Hal Boulware.Once again,Joplin's talent for writing explodes in each tune; of course, there are well known themes,"maple leaf rag" and "the entertainer";but to me, these tunes,although everyone knows them since "the sting" was filmed,are not Joplin's best efforts.Listen to the beautiful melodies of "weeping willow rag","the easy winners",or "Bethena".Part of "the ragtime dance" has been included in Scott Joplin's greatest and desperate effort,an opera called "Treemonisha",which doesn't seem to be reissued on CD.This is great old time music,with a particular flavor of melancholy and timeless feeling.And even if it seems far from jazz,it's one of jazz's roots,and before that, a great moment in the history of music.

The first three tracks of this CD are audio recordings from piano rolls cut by Scott Joplin himself in April and May of 1916. They are excellent and give any pianist great insight as to how Joplin meant the pieces to be played, both in terms of tempo and phrasing. Joplin also includes embellishments that are not reflected in the printed sheet music. These recordings are thus great resources for advanced pianists ready for bigger challenges.

The remaining tracks are unfortunately rather mechanical and lifeless -- at least when contrasted to those played by Joplin himself. For this reason, I rate the CD at only four stars. Nonetheless, I strongly recommend the CD to anyone who is serious about playing Scott Joplin's pieces or simply loves his music.

This is a wonderful album...Happy music indeed. It will get your feet tapping and lift your spirits!!
I recommend it highly.

Very pleased with this CD. An opportunity to hear Joplin's music the way he wanted it to sound, as he would have played the notes himself.