Scott Joplin Music

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.

Classical musicians have been featured playing ragtime since Joshua Rifkin's bestselling albums of the late 1960's. Many of these classically-influenced performances were appealing, but at the same time seemed a little stiff, a little pedantic, like badly played Handel. In contrast, E. Power Biggs, the Bach organ virtuoso, makes Scott Joplin really live. He opens up some intriguing new dimensions in this collection of rags, recorded in 1973.

Biggs performs the music on the pedal harpsichord--which would seem to be an unlikely choice--but the percussive quality of the harpsichord makes the syncopations clear and crisp. The magnificent instrument used, made by John Challis, has a range of timbres, and Biggs combines and varies these so the different pieces each have their own character. The bass is played on foot pedals, and the left hand plays the chords on the off-beat. The right hand plays the melody on a separate keyboard, assigned a different voice for clarity. It sounds less like a baroque performance than a ragtime string band--something like the mandolin-guitar-string bass combinations of the ragtime era.

While Biggs maintains the syncopations of the pieces, there is not a strong African American feeling. He doesn't rag that thing. But he has a wonderful ear for the chorale-like harmonies in Joplin, and a natural sense of the phrasing of the pieces that brings out the structure. He slows just a little at the final chord that marks the end of each melodic strain, and then picks up the tempo in the next strain, as if the piece was getting its second wind. These tempo changes are subtle, but the effect is very satisfying. Along with the tonal variations, the phrasing helps keep this somewhat-formulaic music from sounding all the same.

The pieces performed will be familiar to Joplin listeners: Maple Leaf Rag, of course, and the usual selections such as Original Rags and The Easy Winners. The approach is different enough that hearing the standard rags does not seem like covering old ground. On the other hand, it is sad that Biggs, like the rest of the classical world, overlooked all the other ragtime composers, and the related early jazz of musicians like James P. Johnson or Willie "The Lion" Smith (who composed the 12th Street Rag). It would have been very interesting to hear what Biggs would have done with these more complex works.

But, at the same time, the familiarity of this collection of music is one of its strengths. It's the same old stuff, but not the same old way, and the quality of playing easily surpasses almost all the recordings in this genre. If you like ragtime, and are open to an innovative approach t by one of the century's greatest keyboard players, this CD will bring a spring to your step.

I was delighted to find this LP recording re-issued on CD.
E. Power Bigg's stylish and refined playing on his own mighty and meaty pedal harpsichord is a delight. He brings the right blend of joi-de-vivre and sophistication to the music. How pleased Joplin would have been to hear his music played by a musician of this renown on an instrument of this quality.
Rifkin's piano recordings are fine, and very faithful. But E. Power Biggs brings an extra something, in addition to being faithful to Joplin's notes. Infectious, and a delight.

Based on the previous review, I purchased this CD, and it is great. To begin with, I have the complete New England Conservatory, Red Book, and Joshua Rifkin Joplin LPs, and strongly recommend them. But, enjoyable as they are, their languidness is not what Joplin intended. I also have some piano rolls of several rags as played by Joplin, and the tempo is race track fast. Which is exactly the manner in which Biggs uses the pedal harpsichord to render these rags. Joplin intended these rags to be a Fourth of July parade, not a soft dreamy summer night, and Biggs fullfills the promise. So I like both the Rifkin "Entertainer/[movie]Sting" versions, and I love this recording. Of particular delight for me are Joplin's Paragon and Pine Apple Rags. And of course, do not miss the Houston Opera recording of "Treemoshina." Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

I bought this not realizing that these are not piano performances, but every track is played on a Pedal Harpsicord. Don't make the same mistake... If you want piano, get a different disc.

This is the most distinguished Joplin playing to be found.

I was first aware of this recording in LP form in the 70s. My friends had it, and then I was delighted to buy an LP copy for myself as it was re-issued. I am so pleased that it is now available in CD form.

E. Power Biggs is certainly the most distinguished musician to have recorded Joplin, and his playing on the wonderful, meaty pedal harpsichord is infectious.

Joplin would have loved, I am sure, to know that his music ended up being performed by 'serious' musicians of this calibre on instruments of this quality. (Also worth mentioning is the Joplin Marches CD by Professor William Albright on a Bosendorfer Imperial Grand Piano. Albright's left hand seems a little 'light' however).

My particular favourites on this recording are Cleopha and Binks' Waltz.

The big pedal harpsichord has a full and ponderous sound, yet the renditions are full of liveliness and life.

Joshua Rifkin's fine recordings can sound a little 'worthy' compared to this CD. Dick Hyman's fine 1970s set - very comprehensive - is nice, but the playing not in quite the same league as this. (and I do not think it was ever re-issued on CD).

There are various other recordings of Joplin, by a variety of Pianists, on various labels. And there are various 'arrangements' by different musicians. But for sheer musical quality and 'joi-de-vivre', E. Power Biggs' playing on this recodring is unsurpassed.

This CD is very fun to listen to for someone who loves the clarinet. I enjoyed this CD very much and I listen to it very often. If you don't the clarinet don't listen to this CD.

I purchased this disc at the beggining of my summer vacation. I do not go a day without listening to it. The playing on it ranges from elegant, to fun and flashy. As a clarinetist, it is a joy to listen to. My favorite piece on the disc is Pizzicato Polka by Strauss. It is a fun and flambouyant piece. The playing on this disc is superb. I would reccomend this disc to anyone who is into good music or simply a clarinetist.

I bought this CD on a whim for the music and the low price, and it was a great and pleasant surprise. It is one of my favorite CDs. The clarinet playing is superb and the ensemble exquisite.

The music is borrowed from many sources and is varied and appealing. Anyone who enjoys clarinet music, fine ensemble playing or light classics will not go wrong with this selection.

I have played part or all for many varied music friends and it always brings a smile.

A bonus for those who play in clarinet quartets/quintets/ensembles, many of the arrangements are available.

I am a long time clarinet player and can be very critical or blase', but this music is just right. My only complaint is that I would like to hear more from the ensemble...

This is one of the best clarinet quintet cd or undoubtly one of the best cds to buy. The technique of the ensemble and the flair is without doubt very impressive. For all clarinetists and whoever who likes to listen to classical music...anyone of anyone instrument...i recommend this cd to you. It is cheap and definitely worth the prize or even more.

I've purchased many titles from the MP3 Download Library here at Amazon and they've been great. This title is currently the sole exception.

I have reported to Customer Service that there appears to be a problem with the source files on their servers. The fidelity is awful, and not up to the high standards that every other album and track I have purchased has met.

If you are reading this review (and I have not posted a retraction), I would not purchase this title.

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!

I've pondered the title of this fine classical collection for quite some time (far longer than is warranted, to be sure), and I've yet to come to a conclusion as to why this album is called CANDLELIGHT FAVORITES. While some selections are solemn (Enigma Variations), romantic (Variations on a Waltz), and intense (Concerto for 2 Oboes), far more pieces are bright (Water Music) and even whimsical (The Entertainer). Though it didn't exactly set the mood I was anticipating, this album will by no means be collecting dust on my shelf.

This collection surpasses many classical variety albums in its overall quality, regardless of the excellent price. The performances of the respective pieces are excellent as is the audio engineering, which is crisp and clear. What suprised me most, after a couple listens, was how well the widely varied pieces fit together as an album. The selections cross time from the early Baroque period into the 20th century, and they all have a certain continuity. This gives the album added value, as you'd have to purchase many albums to have the wide range of music represented here. CANDLELIGHT FAVORITES gives a mixture of instantly recognizable tunes with some "deeper cuts". It's essentially a classical "mix tape" of sorts, and it works well for both background and purposeful listening.

So excuse the cheesy cover design and the slight title misnomer, and you've got a very affordable and welcome addition to your classic music collection. CANDLELIGHT FAVORITES comes recommended for those seeking a good, varied classical album.

Don't listen to all those elitists who gave Zimmerman a negative review- his playing is so unique and full of emotion. Contrary to what others have said, Zimmerman's tempo is much slower and better than many other artists' tempos. Though he doesn't play everything true to the sheet music, I feel that he wonderfully captures the spirit of ragtime. If you listen to some of Joplin's own recordings (via player piano), you will find that he himself added some jazzy improvisations. Although Zimmerman makes some mistakes, it somehow seems to add authenticity to his interpretation. The bad sound quality also adds this unique feeling of authenticity. Everything--his style, the piano, the sound quality--works together to create a truly wonderful recording. If you want a comprehensive, beautifully played, rendition of Joplin's works, then I highly recommend this box set!

I enjoy the chronologically arrangement of tracks. It's interesting to see the evolution of Joplin's style.

I've always been a fan of ragtime, but not particularly an expert. This artist is either playing a completely faithful rendition of the music, or he stutters sometimes. This does not detract from the music at all, it's probably just the artist's playing style.

The set is jam-packed with pieces I've never heard before, so it was quite an experience. The last disc in particular features an opera-style suite!

Adds welcome diversity to my Classic Rock collection. Understand that this isn't the last word on Joplin - it's more like a really good first. It's not a complete work-up, with quartet accompaniment, like Marvin Hamlisch's "The Sting" soundtrack. It's just Zimmerman on piano, and sometimes he doesn't play so great. I mean, if you compare "The Entertainer" between the two - you'll think you fell off a cliff.

However, it is a complete Joplin - 66 songs, including every major Rag and other stuff, such as waltzes, marches, and pieces of "Treemonisha", his failed opera. What I wanted was a player piano, with a complete set of paper scrolls, you know what I'm talking about? Even if I could find one, I can't afford it. Maybe this is the next best thing?

So I definitely recommend it for the Joplin novice - it's something to strongly encourage. But is this the last Joplin you'll ever buy? I doubt it - it's merely adequate, not great. Joplin for 40 cents a pop, you won't find a better value.

Well done, with the only drawback that Joshua Rifkind is not at the piano. Sometimes the pace is too frenetic.

This is a wonderful collection of Scott Joplin's music. Delightful to own, to play over and over and over.