Scott Joplin Music

Levine plays the best he can to intend approach the essential spirit of the Rag. But he lacks of that special rapture in the expression and plays extremely over polished without those little imperfections and disaffections involved in the this genre.
The Rag is -in certain harmonies- a sadness that, being incapable to cry, smiles.

I've played some Scott Joplin rags in my time: for a classically-trained pianist and organist, they are a wonderful way to 'let down my hair,' musically speaking...

This recording is presented as a standard introduction to Joplin's rags. I must say I find it a bit of a mixed bag. It is odd, for instance, to find an arrangement and what looks like a completion by another composer nestling side by side in the programme; likewise, I notice that a number of very good pieces are not included (such as "Elite Syncopations," one of my favourites). Nonetheless, there are some true classics on here, including "Pineapple Rag," "Bethena" and the ever-popular "Entertainer" and "Maple Leaf Rag" - undoubtedly Joplin's finest compositions.

Roy Eaton's renditions are fresh and even a touch free-spirited. I always play Joplin at fixed tempi; Eaton on the other hand varies his speeds noticeably in each work and I found this a little off-putting, although now I see that it underlines the 'laid-back, feel-good' nature of ragtime. One of the other reviewers on this page has likened it to attending a very good recital; I am inclined to agree.

The informative notes devote much space to describing Joplin's unfortunate battles against racism throughout his life (indeed, he narrowly missed being born as a slave), which makes this recording poignant as well as joyful. I must admit that I once thought that Joplin was white; discovering otherwise has actually heightened my appreciation for his music, coming as it does from a culture that has done very well in the face of brutal and unfair treatment over the centuries. This CD is a very good tribute to him and makes for enjoyable hour or so of listening. I believe it's worth quoting John Potter of the Hilliard Ensemble: "you can keep your Mahler symphonies- give me some of this any day!"

A classically trained pianist performs the good old Jopin stuff in a way you've never heard. Roy Eaton can read music! He plays with astounding confidence and music-school precision. The result is a fresh sound straight out of a big-time recital hall. Eaton's renditions of The Chrysanthemum, Bethena and Pleasant Moments are like they've never been played before. This is a 1992 recording, but it is feel-good music that will make your commute a happy experience.

Yes, Scott Joplin songs are great! We all know that. But this CD is of not so great recording quality. But I think the pianist, Richard Zimmerman, is the best piano player who can replicate Scott Joplin's works. So therefore, if you like Scott Joplin's songs and they're played by an excellent pianist, you can avoid some little background noise, it's not that bad, really!

If you like rags, you'll love this CD. The pieces are played well, with expression, and at the proper tempo, not at frantic breakneck speed. Can't be listened to without tapping one's fingers and toes; impossible to sit still and listen! Stoptime Rag is a bonus! It is not included in many Joplin collections, and is the only one I've heard with use of the foot-stomping device. This music will pull you right out of a funk!

The last review showed up after I ordered, unfortunately. I just noticed it as I was coming here to write this after arranging a return.

Nevertheless, totally independently of the previous review, I concur with it. The musical selections are excellent - a great compilation of Joplin's work. But the recording is so bad -- you can hear the background noise getting louder and softer as the piano gets louder and softer, one treble key of the piano inexplicably appears in the left channel while the rest of the treble register is toward the right (I couldn't possibly figure out how to do that if I wanted to and I am experienced in record engineering), the piano itself sounds awful, and the performer makes a fairly bad mistake only 2:15 into the 1st song.

There are likely many other problems with this CD, but I can't bring myself to waste time listening to the whole thing. There is simply no excuse for recording something so badly in this day and age.

If you really don't care how it sounds, buy it. I realize as a recording professional I'm a bit more sensitive to this than the average listener, but I really didn't need to put the critical ears on at all. Any layman will immediately recognize this as a bad-sounding recording. Unfortunately.

Excellent music rendered totally unlistenable due to the poor recording. Excessive background noise, distortion, etc.

Recently I read E.L.Doctorow's novel, Ragtime, and thus I was curious to know how ragtime presents its nuance as jazz music. I trust other reviewers, so I bought this album. It's an incredibly fine collection of Joplin! I'm simply intoxicated by the melodies. The music brings me back to the past, but it also proves that good music is timeless. This is a collection of Joplin's best known tunes and I strongly encourage you to get one and enjoy the ragtime!