Search - Scott Joplin, Traditional, Gunther Schuller :: Joplin: The Red Back Book, Elite Syncopations / Schuller, Grierson, New England Ragtime Conservatory, Southland Stingers

A must for anyone who apreciates Ragtime

Frederick L. Johnson | Westchester County, New York | 01/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who apreciates the Ragtime music of Scott Joplin should own a copy of the New England Conservatory Ragtime Ensemble. I grew up listening to an old cassette recording of the Ensemble and was so excited to find that a CD was still available. It is wonderful and exciting to hear Ragtime played by an entire enseble of instuments, rather than just a piano. Once again, a must for any lover of Ragtime."

Some wonderful pieces in this collection

Frederick L. Johnson | 10/01/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Two words..."Bink's Waltz" worth the price of admission here. While an entire CD of these songs begins to feel strident, this music is very evocative--a brave wash of gaiety over sadness. A good addition to any collection of "American" music. Hope the Ragtime Conservatory records more. J. Makil"

Not your usual Joplin

Timothy P. Koerner | Great Lakes, USA | 07/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here is music by the most prominent American ragtime composer, Scott Joplin, performed in a manner (11-12 instruments) slightly different from the usual (solo piano). The program contains 60 minutes of the familiar (and, in a couple instances, the unfamiliar) Joplin music that became popular at the turn of the 20th century, then fell into oblivion, and had a revival in the early 1970s.



This cd brings together two lps released by EMI/Angel during that '70s revival: "Red Back Book" containing 8 selections performed by students from the New England Conservatory conducted by Gunther Schuller; and "Elite Syncopations", which includes 8 pieces featuring pianist Ralph Grierson with the Southland Stingers.



All of the music is well performed and recorded. This listener especially likes track 6 ("Easy Winners") because of the numerous solos and track 13 ("Bink's Waltz") because, as a waltz, it is a nice departure

from the rag format and also because it was unfamiliar.



Although I think it is sad that Scott Joplin died at the age of 48 with his musical goals not totally achieved, his toe tapping music lives on and never fails to cheer me up.

Tim Koerner July 2008"