Customer Reviews

Scott Joplin on Guitar

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

 

 

De Chiaro's obviously a classically-trained guitarist, as the renditions here are very crisp and precise without a hint of soul. Classical musicians rarely succeed when trying to play jazz or folk; you can't notate the "feel" so they tend to not have any. De Chiaro is technically flawless here, but in so doing he makes Joplin's music curiously dry and academic.

The beauty of Joplin's music is the gentle alternation between blues and Chopinesque virtuosity. In De Chiaro's hands these rags sound like Bagatelles unfortunately removed from their wistful origins. It's pleasant enough, in a Segovia-like way but not what I was hoping for. Dave Laibman and Stefan Grossman have both done better -- though not nearly enough.

He briefly describes that Joplin took inspiration from Sousa marches and local mandolin choirs. This guy really starts hot-rodding it on some of these songs. He can play fast and when you combine that with Scott Joplin's songs you get a real lift with a relaxing feeling. Never mind that it was a breakthrough to play a band's worth of parts on the piano, this guy puts it on the guitar! I hope someone will transcribe it to a book so the rest of us can be thouroghly humbled.

I was fortunate enough to hear Giovanni de Chiaro in person when he came to French Camp, MS, two or three years ago. He is superb - I'd say almost, if not as good as, Christopher Parkening. His fingering is lightning-fast, and he captures the proper Joplin Scott spirit. A must-have for any music fan.

I heard Giovanni De Chiaro interviewed by Jill Pasternak on WRTI in Philadelphia, as well as play live. One is struck by his incredible knowledge of music, and equally by his humanity. He and his music seem as one. It is rare to be so moved by this exquisite interpretation of Joplin,and by such a "real" person. Each time I hear him play, I am struck by the sweetness and joy he offers us. Do not miss this artist and person.

This is Joplin as never heard before. Giovanni DeChiaro interprets this music with nuance and soul. This work, and his subsequent Joplin volumes are unforgettable. They touch one's heart.

Amazing recording. My husband and I both play guitar and it was hard to believe someone can actually play ragtime so impeccably on guitar! Scott Joplin and Eubie Blake would be proud. Was able to astound our 15-year-old guitar-playing grandson. Highly recommend this recording. After we heard a cut from the CD on our classical music station, we immediately ordered it and have enjoyed it unreservedly.Scott Joplin on Guitar

Who would have thought anyone could arrange Joplin for guitar? It sounds as if Joplin wrote for the guitar, Giovanni de Chiaro has done a fantastic job in his arrangements on this CD! I have heard he did all of Joplin's works and that this will soon appear on CD, so I am waiting for that.

Check this one out in the meantime.

-JZ

This CD, as well as all of De Chiaro's works, transport one, musically & emotionally.Where words leave off, his music begins.His transcriptions of Joplin's works are available. The artist can be contacted at The University of Southern Mississipi School of Music, Box 5081, Hattiesburg, Mississipi 39406-5081, PH:601-266-5401,FAX:601-266-6185.