Search - Giovanni De Chiaro :: Scott Joplin on Guitar

Classical, not Ragtime

Robert Carlberg | Seattle | 10/16/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"De Chiaro's obviously a classically-trained guitarist, as the renditions here are very crisp and precise without a hint of soul. Classical musicians rarely succeed when trying to play jazz or folk; you can't notate the "feel" so they tend to not have any. De Chiaro is technically flawless here, but in so doing he makes Joplin's music curiously dry and academic.



The beauty of Joplin's music is the gentle alternation between blues and Chopinesque virtuosity. In De Chiaro's hands these rags sound like Bagatelles unfortunately removed from their wistful origins. It's pleasant enough, in a Segovia-like way but not what I was hoping for. Dave Laibman and Stefan Grossman have both done better -- though not nearly enough."

Stellar

Nina H. Diamond | Philadelphia | 06/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD, as well as all of De Chiaro's works, transport one, musically & emotionally.Where words leave off, his music begins.His transcriptions of Joplin's works are available. The artist can be contacted at The University of Southern Mississipi School of Music, Box 5081, Hattiesburg, Mississipi 39406-5081, PH:601-266-5401,FAX:601-266-6185."