Top positive review
4.0 out of 5 starsMy view
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2012
Ragtime music is fun, and if you're not having fun you are either a stuffed shirt with fancy and grandeous ideas or the music is bad. Rags originated in the worst of saloons and whore houses. It was 'black', not that some whites did not play it, but they weren't respectable either. At the turn of the 19th century there were societies of respectable African Americans. This was not their music. Joplin was instrumental in making ragtime 'respectable-enough' and popular. Parlor (upright) pianos were common. There was no 'canned' music. Music for entertainment was homemade. Rags were fun. That they were scandalous contributed excitement. The challenge of rhythm and style made it difficult for classically trained heads and fingers to grasp. My mother was the pianist 'par excellence' in my family, transcending at least four generations. Yet, she envied me because I could play ragtime, and she couldn't.
I always read the criticisms. One calls Zimmerman a 'pianist', and complains about the quality of his piano. (I'm a 'piano player', proud of the distinction.) Zimmerman's piano is typical of one rags were played on. There are ragtime pianists who play 'classical' rags on awesome concert instruments. They are terrific, and I like them too. One thing ragtime cannot tolerate is intellectual critique. The music comes from the heart and gut. (I'm listening to Zimmerman's awesome interpretation of 'Solace'!) I have a half-century of experience (almost as much as Zimmerman!). He plays ragtime music very appropriately and properly. That includes tempo and improvisation. His best stuff is unbeatable. Personally, I think he and Joplin would get along great!
I wish I played as well as Zimmerman. Yet, I do not always like his interpretation. (He 'butchers' one of my favorites!) A few tunes I feel I play better than he did in this recording. Two reasons for that: interpretations are different (and I'm fond of mine), and I can be better practiced on a particular piece (my reportoire is smaller).
I bought "Joplin, His complete works" because I had a single CD from the earlier release "Joplin, The complete works" and gave it to a friend. I rewarded my generosity with purchase of the full set. I love listening to Zimmerman's interpretations. It touches my heart and gut. His play inspires mine to improve and piques my interest in new tunes. To release a complete anthology is both quite an accomplishment and a valuable contribution. Bravo!
