Syncopated Musings: Classic Piano Rags and Ragtime Waltzes

Various (Composer), Bryan Wright (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Bryan Wright
• Composer: Various
• Audio CD (June 1, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rivermont
• ASIN: B0002XQAY0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #640,447 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

"What is scurrilously called ragtime is an invention that is here to stay...Syncopations are no indication of light or trashy music, and to shy bricks at ‘hateful ragtime’ no longer passes for musical culture" wrote Scott Joplin in 1908 when ragtime was at the peak of its popularity. Across the United States, composers and publishers were busy churning out one rag after another to satisfy a public that could not get enough of ragtime’s "weird and intoxicating effect." Ragtime flourished for roughly twenty years, during which it evolved from the simple folk melodies of Tom Turpin and Blind Boone to the sophisticated, elegant works of Scott Joplin, Joseph Lamb, and James Scott, later giving way to the acrobatic, harmonically complex novelty rags of such composers as Zez Confrey, Roy Bargy, and Arthur Schutt.

Unlike much popular music, which rapidly becomes old-fashioned through dated lyrics or gimmicky instrumental effects, ragtime has stood the test of time. Ragtime sounds as fresh today as it did a century ago. For this recording, pianist Bryan Wright has selected sixteen classic piano rags and ragtime waltzes from 1896-1923. Many of Scott Joplin’s finest compositions are presented alongside lesser known gems from such other composers as Artie Matthews, May Aufderheide, Arthur Marshall, Harry Jentes, and others. The disc also includes a handsome 8-page booklet with reproductions of original sheet music covers and notes by the performer about each of the pieces. 64 minutes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classy Ragtime, June 14, 2005

By 

The Emu (charlotte, nc) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Syncopated Musings: Classic Piano Rags and Ragtime Waltzes (Audio CD)

If you are one of those people who thinks ragtime was the music of turn of the century riff-raff, Bryan Wright will prove you wrong. This guy plays with an understated, classical touch that really elevates the genre.

His thoughtful and at times dramatic rendition of "Bethena" really shows why Joplin subtitled it a "concert waltz" -as opposed to just a plain old "waltz." I also like Bryan Wright's interpretation of Muriel Pollock's "Rooster Rag." There are moments in this rag where I am reminded of the delicate passagework of a Chopin Nocturne. But he can also play with a lot of vim and vigor - like in the "Thriller" and the "Maple Leaf Rag"- in which he displays some "hot" ragtime playing.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great classic ragtime!, March 9, 2005

By 

B. Watkins - See all my reviews

This review is from: Syncopated Musings: Classic Piano Rags and Ragtime Waltzes (Audio CD)

Bryan Wright beautifully articulates both well known and obscure piano solos from the ragtime genre. My personal favorite is "Smiles and Kisses" by Harry Jentes, a brilliantly executed rendition reminiscent of music from the silent movie era.

Bryan's performances reveal feeling and nuance, without a tendency to flashy embellishment that distracts from the original score.

Technically, the album is very well recorded - never a certainty with independent labels.

Any fan of piano instrumental music from the early 20th century will enjoy this album!