Search - Max Morath :: Presenting That Celebrated Maestro / Oh Play That

Ragtime's best!

John A. Gregorio | Castalian Springs, TN | 10/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd features two long out of print Epic albums. I have been waiting for years to have these released on CD. My favorite is the "Celebrated Maestro" work. The songs were record in the studio with a live audience. This usually does not work for me but in this case it is perfect. Max Morath is the best ragtime performer Period. Whether playing Joplin,introducing Women in Classical Ragtime, or singing popular songs of yesteryear, his performance shines on all counts. Where Joshua Riffin is perfect technique in his recordings of Joplin with a lack of feeling, Max Morath has the technique and the ability to add emotional nuances which make the perfect performance.
There is an added dimension to Mr. Morath and it is found on this album due to the live audience. Mr. Morath is a well known educator in Ragtime Music. His PBS series in the Sixties is famous for setting a standard in musical education on television.
In Mr. Morath's "small talk" between songs when finds a wealth of information which adds to the performance and our enjoyment of the music.
A must CD for Ragtime Fans!"

Great Ragtime Returns!

John A. Gregorio | Castalian Springs, TN | 10/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These early works by Max Morath are truly gems. I have been looking for them on CD for years and I was surprize to see someone had finally issued these formally Epic Label albums.
The first is my favorite. A live studio audience adds rather than distracts from the music. Max is at his best when he plays and teaches about his ragtime soul. The songs range from the classical rags of Joplin to parlour room classics from WWI to an island with Crusoe! Each song has its own charm, but it the ragtime voice of Max Morath that makes each song come alive and shine.
A must have cd for ragtime fans!"

Bringing the Ragtime Era alive

John A. Gregorio | 03/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Five stars, yes, but is it your cup of tea? Well, it helps to be a Ragtime enthusiast, but that's not necessary. Max Morath was a unique musician who devoted himself to songs and music of the Ragtime era. He plays a representative assortment of piano rags on an overstrung piano and sings a number of songs that include some comic gems. Not recommended for fans of Nsync or Britny."