Customer Reviews

Joplin: The Red Back Book, Elite Syncopations / Schuller, Grierson, New England Ragtime Conservatory, Southland Stingers

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Anyone who apreciates the Ragtime music of Scott Joplin should own a copy of the New England Conservatory Ragtime Ensemble. I grew up listening to an old cassette recording of the Ensemble and was so excited to find that a CD was still available. It is wonderful and exciting to hear Ragtime played by an entire enseble of instuments, rather than just a piano. Once again, a must for any lover of Ragtime.

Two words..."Bink's Waltz" worth the price of admission here. While an entire CD of these songs begins to feel strident, this music is very evocative--a brave wash of gaiety over sadness. A good addition to any collection of "American" music. Hope the Ragtime Conservatory records more. J. Makil

Here is music by the most prominent American ragtime composer, Scott Joplin, performed in a manner (11-12 instruments) slightly different from the usual (solo piano). The program contains 60 minutes of the familiar (and, in a couple instances, the unfamiliar) Joplin music that became popular at the turn of the 20th century, then fell into oblivion, and had a revival in the early 1970s.

This cd brings together two lps released by EMI/Angel during that '70s revival: "Red Back Book" containing 8 selections performed by students from the New England Conservatory conducted by Gunther Schuller; and "Elite Syncopations", which includes 8 pieces featuring pianist Ralph Grierson with the Southland Stingers.

All of the music is well performed and recorded. This listener especially likes track 6 ("Easy Winners") because of the numerous solos and track 13 ("Bink's Waltz") because, as a waltz, it is a nice departure
from the rag format and also because it was unfamiliar.

Although I think it is sad that Scott Joplin died at the age of 48 with his musical goals not totally achieved, his toe tapping music lives on and never fails to cheer me up.
Tim Koerner July 2008

Somptueux et lumineux, ce disque est une vraie mine d'or pour les amateurs de Scott Joplin ; la version orchestrée de ses plus grands succès. Tout n'est que finesse dans ces orchestrations difficiles et si polyphoniques ; un enregistrement à la hauteur de toutes les exigences ; que du bonheur ! Attention ce disque est rare sur le marché français.

Just what I ordered. Arrived sooner than I expected. What could be better?

My favorite ragtime cd. This is a great cd that I listen to over and over. The tunes are not just the popular rags. There are different rags not usual on cds--The Cascades/Sunflower Swipsey etc. I like this cd very much and recommend it to others.

I discovered Scott Joplin by two means: "The Sting" movie and, later on, by the original vinyl recording of the New England Ensemble. This is a "classic" recording. Gunther Schuller and the boys from the band made a exciting recording, plenty of joy. A "must have" to any music lover. The sound of the recording is another "A". Be prepared for full force "humps.." from the tuba player!

This was the first ragtime album put out by the NE Conservatory Ragtime Ensemble, but their second album is even better. "The Art of the Rag" (make sure you get the one that's all Scott Joplin). On it, the tempos are less frenetic, the performances are wonderful and the even quality of the rags themselves is higher. In particular, the Magnetic Rag and the Wall Street Rag are my favorites. Here's the Amazon link.The Art Of The Rag

Any fan of ragtime music will enjoy this!! It's interesting and enlightening take on ragtime piano.

This is an entertaining and lively collection of Scott Joplin compositions as played by two different instrumental groups that offer a fuller sound than a solo piano. I recommend this CD as a great addition to anyone's collection, even if you have a copy of the piano versions (as I do).