The Entertainer, Scott Joplin (1902)

[Alan T]

Having received a wonderful early Christmas present from Garritan - the offer of a discounted copy of the Authorized Steinway Model D Basic piano -I couldn't wait to breath new life into my Joplin MIDI Anthology, completed back in 1997, when quality piano samples were simply beyond my reach.

I have tried to perform Joplin's piano works with the respect they truly deserve. They are often difficult, and physically demanding, but they are always a joy to perform.

I hope you will listen to and enjoy my slightly classical slant on this well known Joplin work.

http://soundcloud.com/alan-t/the-entertainer

[trentpmcd]

I liked it. A slightly different take - more contemplative. That being said, I would still have preferred a faster tempo.

[Dargason]

I liked it. A slightly different take - more contemplative. That being said, I would still have preferred a faster tempo.

I'd have to disagree with this - I think the tempo is very comfortable. At the top of almost all of Joplin's rags is the warning: "Note: Do not play this piece fast. It is never right to play 'Ragtime' fast."

Well done - a real pleasure to listen to!

[HongKongCV]

This has always been one of my favorite Joplin's.

I found the tempo nigh unto perfect, and the expressiveness of the playing was very nice. Overall, an enjoyable listen.

Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Alan T]

Thank you all for responding so positively to my post. My apologies for not replying sooner, I didn't have access to the forum.
I have added one further rag, Elite Syncopations, played and recorded using the standalone Garritan Steinway Model D Basic at: www.soundcloud.com/alan-t/elite-syncopations if you would like to listen.
For me now, it's back to far inferior but at least original compositions.
Best wishes to all for the New Year and a big thank you to the Forum Members who have given me continuing encouragement throughout 2010.

[FLWrd]

I've still got some catching up to do, I see. Nice rendering of this well-known song, as if the player let's some emotions shine through in passages that are dearer to him.

[Alan T]

Hello Theo
Thank you for your complements. However, I have to admit that it was a live performance, rather than a rendered one, and hence the player’s emotion you refer to is mine, and yes it is genuine.
I have a great respect for the music of Scott Joplin, and have never understood his lifetime rejection as a “serious” American composer. I see no reason, as a classical pianist, why his work should not be treated any less respectfully than that of say Chopin, Debussy, or any other ground breaking composer for the piano.