Scott Joplin Music

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.