Search - Various, Bryan Wright :: Syncopated Musings: Classic Piano Rags and Ragtime Waltzes

"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.