Joplin: The Entertainer

On this CD:

1. Elite Syncopations for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

2. Peacherine Rag for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

3. Augustine Club Waltz for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

4. Maple Leaf Rag for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

5. Rosebud, march for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

6. Pleasant Moments, waltz for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

7. Gladiolus Rag for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

8. Eugenia for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

9. Bink's Waltz for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

10. Solace, a Mexican serenade for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

11. The Entertainer, for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

12. The Easy Winners, for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

13. Bethena, a concert waltz for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

14. Magnetic Rag for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

15. Wall Street Rag for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

16. Euphonic Sounds for piano
Composed by Scott Joplin
Performed by Elaine Comparone, Marsha Heller, Daniel Waitzman, Bell'Arte String Trio

Tracks:

The Crush Collision March
Combination March
Harmony Club Waltz
Original Rags
Maple Leaf Rag
Swipesy Cakewalk
Reacherine Rag
Sunflower Slow Drag
The Augustan Club Waltz
The Easy Winners
Cleopha
A Breeze From Alabama
Elite Syncopations

Tracks:

The Entertainer
The Strenouous Life
March Majestic
Something Doing
Weaping Willow
Patr Leaf Rag
The Favorite
The Sycamore
The Cascades
The Chysanthemum
Bethena
Bink's Waltz
The Rosebud March

Tracks:

Leola
Eugenia
Antoinette
The Ragtime Dance
Searchlight Rag
Gladiolus Rag
Lily Queen
Rose Leaf Rag
Heliotrope Bouquet
The Nonpareil
Fig Leaf Rag
Sugarcane
Pineapple Rag

Tracks:

Wall Street Rag (1909)
Solace (1909)
Pleasant Moments (1909)
Country Club (1909)
Euphonic Moments (1909)
Paragon Rag (1909)
Stop-Time Rag (1910)
Felicity Rag (1911)
Scott Joplin's New Rag (1912)
Kismet Rag (1913)
Magnetic Rag (1914)
Reflection Rag (1917)
Silver Swan Rag (1917)

Customer Reviews:

The Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin.......2007-06-08

John Arpin does a great job with these pieces. The songs carry a consistent sound and are played very close to as-written, which comes and goes with old ragtime pieces. The stamping on Stop-Time Rag doesn't have a consistent sound to it, can be a little distracting. Everything else is great, overall I think that it's a great buy, I'm very happy with it.

Another Performer Rewrites Joplin's Masterpieces.......2007-05-31

Once again, another performer feels the need to rewrite the music of the King of Ragtime. Scott Joplin spins in his grave each and every time this recording is played.

Again, to those who believe that concert music is meant to be rewritten by each and every performer I ask, is the same treatment also acceptable for Chopin's and Rachmaninoff's music? Would "Moonlight Sonata" sound better if played at twice the tempo and with a reprise of the first Adagio movement thrown in at the end? Obviously, the answer to these questions is a resounding NO!, so why does one of America's greatest composers get such disrespect?

Interpretation is an integral part of every performance. Adding one's own notes, phrases and chords where none should be is not. Randomly changing the structure of the piece is not. Playing a piece at twice the indicated tempo is not.

One the plus side, the depth of this collection is outstanding. Joplin's lesser known pieces like "Harmony Club Waltz" really shine. The recording is decent in quality, although a bit bassy in places.

While its been stated before, I feel its worth repeating: Buy Joshua Rifkin's performances of Joplin in order to hear how the Master intended his pieces to sound.

complete piano music of Scott Joplin on 4 CD's.......2007-02-14

Although all of the music is terrific it is rather a lot of a similar sound. I think I would have preferred 2 CD's of selected piano works of Scott Joplin. But I did get the music at a good price.

Ragtime Marvel.......2005-10-09

This collection of Scott Joplin's piano music is outstanding. As a lover of ragtime which was a prelude to jazz, I am thoroughly enjoying this collection. If you are not a lover of jazz, you may be a lover of ragtime. Jazz can sometimes be grating on the nerves, whereas ragtime lifts the spirit.

Complete, but poor quality.......2005-09-25

I have been learning some ragtime and wanted to hear more to find other selections to learn. Listened to Maple Leaf Rag, my favorite, first and was disappointed. Listened to others and was more disappointed. Maple flies - much faster than anyone would play it, you can't make out some of the phrases. And talk about ad libs - Tempo, dynamics, embelishments, nuances - I really think he plays some wrong notes too because he's going so fast. It's really a poor recording - and that's just on Maple Leaf. Others with "intros" start quick and then there's a grand pause, not a rest, but nearly a five second break. It's hard to argue how Joplin would have played it, but this is hardly anything I want to try to imitate. The only qualitating factor is the number of songs for the price. A lot of variety of a poor interpretation is only worth 3 stars. if that. Look for Rifkin or a copy that is as written to listen to first, then go for the ad libs and "artistic interpretations"

Rags to Riches: The Essential Hits of Scott Joplin

Average customer rating:

What the heck???
More Than Excellent

Rags to Riches: The Essential Hits of Scott Joplin

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin
The Greatest Ragtime of the Century
The Sting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Scott Joplin: Piano Rags
Joplin - Complete Rags for Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Vol. 2020

ASIN: B0009J4OAO
Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

Original Rags
Maple Leaf Rag
Easy Winners
Elite Syncopations
The Entertainer
The Cascades
Bethena
Leola
Gladiolas
Searchlight
Fig Leaf Rag
Sugar Cane
Euphonic Sounds
Paragon Rag
Solace
Wall Street Rag
Treemonisha
Magnetic Rag

Album Description

Celebrate the diversity of American music with RAGS TO RICHES: THE ESSENTIAL SCOTT JOPLIN, a comprehensive collection of 18 pieces by one of ragtime's greatest composers. From his signature hit "Maple Leaf Rag" to classics such as "The Entertainer" and "Wall Street Rag", RAGS TO RICHES: THE ESSENTIAL SCOTT JOPLIN contains some of the most revered tunes in musical history and will be treasured by music fans for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

What the heck???.......2007-03-20

Music is great, as is the playing. However, the last song is not Magnetic Rag but rather the same version of Maple Leaf Rag heard earlier on the album.

What is with that?

More Than Excellent.......2006-08-16

I had previously purchased a Scott Joplin CD and was disappointed by the dull quality and dispirited playing by the artist. This CD more than makes up for it. The music was beautifully performed and the recording was very clear. Every piece was perfect!

Average customer rating:

not to great
Not so bad, 100 tunes for 4$
You get what you pay for.
Now I know why there were no song samples to listen to ...

100 Favorite Patriotic Songs

Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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United We Stand: Songs for America
America's Favorite Patriotic Songs
America's Bugle Calls
American Pride: Sixteen Stirring Patriotic Themes
Patriotic Country

ASIN: B0000A1HT8
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Tracks:

America the Beautiful
All Quiet on the Potomac Tonight
Ballad of the Green Berets
On Top of Old Smokey
Coyote Warrior
Semper Fidelis
Breeze from Alabama
Onward Christian Soldiers
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
Patriot
Sweet Betsy from Pike
Marines' Hymn
America Is
When Johnny Comes Marchin' Home
Happy the Soldier
American Trilogy
Home Sweet Home
Washington Post March
Enraptured I Gaze
Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair
Yellow Rose of Texas
Over There
Simple Gifts
Liberty Bell
Star Spangled Banner

Tracks:

God Bless the USA
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Katy Cruel
I Vow to Thee My Country
King Cotton
Beautiful Dreamer
America
American Patrol
Mine Eyes Have Seen the Beauty
Mohican Dream
Red, White and Blue
Some Folks
Liberty Song
Pomp and Circumstance
Hail to the Chief
Bennington Rifles
Peace on the Battlefield
I've Been Working on the Railroad
Under the Double Eagle
Red River Valley
My Country 'Tis of Thee
Camptown Races
Wild Blue Yonder
Hands Across the Sea
Fanfare for the Common Man

Tracks:

Stars and Stripes Forever
Living in America
Home on the Range
Old Colony Times
Clementine
Invincible Eagle
Ring Ring de Banjo
Yankee Doodle
Largo from "The New World"
To a Wild Rose
Hail Columbia
Alexander's Ragtime Band
Gettysburg
Carry Me Back to Old Virginny
Capitan
Prairie Daughter
Little Brown Jug
Marching Through Georgia
Entertainer
Steamboat Around the Bend
Revolutionary Tea
Cassions Keep Rollin' Along
Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier
Amazing Grace
Grand Old Flag

Tracks:

God Bless America
National Emblem
Soldier, Soldier Won't You Marry Me
Anchors Away
Oh, Susannah
Tramp, Tramp, Tramp
Toast
Dixie
St. Louis Blues
Appalachian Spring
Bonnie Blue Flag
Old Hundreth
Swanee River
Battle Cry of Freedom
U. S Field Artillery
Sidewalks of New York
Chester
Auld Lang Syne
Kingdom Come
My Old Kentucky Home
Hail to the Spirit of Liberty
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Shenandoah
Abraham's Daughter
This Land Is Your Land

Customer Reviews:

not to great.......2007-04-04

We were disappointed with this CD, but for the price I guess we can't expect much. I didn't care for the new style presentation of the songs. I like a more traditional rendering.

Not so bad, 100 tunes for 4$.......2005-06-22

I red the comments of two other people who have bought this 4 CD BOX SET and it is not really so bad. I will even add that there are some excellent tunes. However, I must agree with the fact that few tunes seem to have been recorded 40 or 50 years ago, mainly when you hear the scratches of an old turntable but it is just 2 or 3 tunes. Furthermore, if you do not know American music, it is a good BOX SET to buy if you consider that you received 4 CD for 4$ including 100 tunes. On these 4 CD, I have heard some orchestration that I have never heard before and I consider that they are different but interesting. Any way, after hearing these 100 tunes, you will say to yourself that you like this tune, this other tune, this other tune and so on and you will be able to buy a more expensive CD with the tunes that you like. However, I have bought many CDs in the last few weeks and as you know, there are always some tunes that you like and some tunes that you do not like on every CD that you will buy. So, don't buy it at 25$ but at 4 or 5$ dollars, it is a very good choice for 100 tunes.

You get what you pay for........2004-07-04

You get what you pay for. The singers put their own spin on the singing of each song. If you didn't hear the words you would not recognize some of them. Even some of the music sounds like a bad recording of music played on a turntable. Definitely not worth the price.

Now I know why there were no song samples to listen to ..........2004-07-04

I wish this review had been here when I was thinking of purchasing it. I guess you get what you pay for. If you are thinking of buying this, you are better off recording your own CDs (or at least buying one that you can listen to a sampling of the songs). This album includes songs that were mere recordings of the songs playing on an old record player. It's almost so unbelievable that it is funny.

Entertainer: Classic Ragtime from Rare Piano Rolls

Average customer rating:

Best interpretation...is NO interpretation

Entertainer: Classic Ragtime from Rare Piano Rolls

Manufacturer: Shout Factory
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

King of the Ragtime Writers
The Greatest Ragtime of the Century
The Elite Syncopations: Classic Ragtime from Rare Piano Rolls
The Sting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Scott Joplin: Piano Rags

ASIN: B00009PJSH
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Tracks:

Maple Leaf Rag
Something Doing
Weeping Willow Rag
The Entertainer
The Easy Winners
Pine Apple Rag
Solace
Gladiolus Rag
The Ragtime Dance
Sugar Cane
The Crush Collision March
Bethena - A Concert Waltz
Combination March
A Breeze From Alabama

Customer Reviews:

Best interpretation...is NO interpretation.......2007-02-24

This is as PLAIN a Ragtime CD as I've ever heard. No frills, no added notes, no interpretation going on here. Not everyone would like this style-without-a-style, but for me it's the best. I like to listen to these recordings with the sheet music in front of me, to see whether I can catch every note. (OK, so I do the same thing with Palestrina...I'm too left-brained to appreciate music the way musical people do.)
If you enjoy the solace of great ragtime, get a Joshua Rifkin or Dick Hyman CD. But if you crave the essence of Joplin's genius in the straightest, blandest form possible, this is the CD for you.
Also, don't dismiss the possibility of listening to a track on this CD, then on the Rifkin CD to develop a keener appreciation of Rifkin's unparalleled Joplin style. "Bethena" is a good one for this, as Rifkin brings so much PASSION to his interpretation. Well, a mechanical piano roll is not going to do that....

Average customer rating:

Available at retailers for about $18
A classic compilation
A dis-service to Joplin
Unique
Great set

Scott Joplin: His Complete Works

Manufacturer: Bescol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin
King of the Ragtime Writers
Entertainer: Classic Ragtime from Rare Piano Rolls
Joplin: Treemonisha
Joplin: Piano Rags

ASIN: B000001RR2
Release Date: 1994-07-19

Tracks:

Please Say You Will - Richard Zimmerman
A Picture Of Her Face - Richard Zimmerman
The Great Crush Collision March - Richard Zimmerman
Harmony Club Waltz - Richard Zimmerman
Combination March - Richard Zimmerman
Original Rags - Richard Zimmerman
Maple Leaf Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Swipesy - Cake Walk - Richard Zimmerman
Sunflower Slow Drag - Richard Zimmerman
Peacherine Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Augustan Club Waltz - Richard Zimmerman
The Easy Winners - Richard Zimmerman
Cleopha - Richard Zimmerman
The Strenuous Life - Richard Zimmerman
I Am Thinking Of My Pickanniny Days - Richard Zimmerman
The Ragtime Dance - Richard Zimmerman
A Breeze From Alabama - Richard Zimmerman
Elite Syncopations - Richard Zimmerman

Tracks:

March Majestic - S. Joplin
The Entertainer - S. Joplin
Something Doing - S. Joplin
Weeping Willow - S. Joplin
Little Black Baby - S. Joplin
Palm Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
The Favorite - S. Joplin
The Sycamore - S. Joplin
The Cascades - S. Joplin
The Chrysanthemum - S. Joplin
Rosebud March - S. Joplin
Bethena - S. Joplin
Leola - S. Joplin
Sarah Dear - S. Joplin
Binks Waltz - S. Joplin
Eugenia - S. Joplin
Antoinette - S. Joplin
Snoring Sampson - S. Joplin

Tracks:

Gladiolus Rag - S. Joplin
Searchlight Rag - S. Joplin
The Nonpareil (None to Equal) - S. Joplin
When Your Hair Is Like The Snow - S. Joplin
Rose Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
Heliotrope Bouquet - S. Joplin
School Of Ragtime - S. Joplin
Fig Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
Sugar Cane - S. Joplin
Pine Apple Rag - S. Joplin
Wall Street Rag - S. Joplin
Solace - S. Joplin
Pleasant Moments - S. Joplin
Country Club - S. Joplin
Paragon Rag - S. Joplin
Euphonic Sounds - S. Joplin
Stoptime Rag - S. Joplin
Felicity Rag - S. Joplin

Tracks:

Highlights From Treemonisha - Richard Zimmerman
A Real Slow Drag - Richard Zimmerman
Prelude To Act 3 - Richard Zimmerman
Frolic Of The Bears - Richard Zimmerman
Lovin' Babe - Richard Zimmerman
Scott Joplin's New Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Kismet Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Magnetic Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Reflection Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Silver Swan Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Lily Queen - Richard Zimmerman
Sensation - Richard Zimmerman

Customer Reviews:

Available at retailers for about $18.......2006-12-21

Excellent collection - but there are re-sellers listed here that are selling this for as much $50 or $60. Yikes, most major retailers are selling this complete set for $18 - so beware.

A classic compilation.......2006-10-07

This collection is one of my most treasured possessions. (My father gave me the original 5-album set in the 70's when it was originally released on vinyl.)

This is the definitive collection of Scott Joplin's work. Richard Zimmerman provides wonderful performances that accurately reflect Joplin's intentions. (As evidence beyond my personal opinion, I submit the recent releases of digital recordings made from Joplin's piano rolls.)

A few points to consider regarding negative comments you may encounter in other reviews:
* This is a digital recording from an analog master. Lack of quality in the recording does not imply a lackluster performance.
* This is a complete collection. Some similarity is due to Joplin re-exploring melodic themes. But some is due to the fact that these are "rags". One might as well complain that all 50's doo-wop (or all 70's disco) sounds the same.
* Many pieces of the period exhibit formal musical structures, such as the marches of John Phillips Sousa. (Both Sousa and Joplin performed at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.) Actually, Joplin is responsible for extending the formal boundaries of ragtime to concert waltzes (Bethena) and opera (A Guest of Honor, Treemonisha)
* This is probably one of the few collections which will include selections from "Treemonisha". It is my understanding that after the initial release, one of Joplin's descendants made a copyright claim that was upheld in court. (I presume the issue was that Joplin had to finance "Treemonisha" himself, and therefore the customary performance clearances did not cover those selections.)

For ragtime students and enthusiasts, this is a "must-have" collection at a very affordable price.

A dis-service to Joplin.......2006-02-01

Sadly, the only virtue this set possesses is completeness.

The pianist does not play Joplin's pieces "as written", the piano is of poor quality, and not properly in tune.

This is emphatically NOT the set to buy. A far better set, beautifully annotated and well played on a good concert grand piano, is the complete works played by Guido Nielsen on the Basta Label.

This set is a dis-service to Joplin and his music. He deserves better, and gets it elsewhere.

Unique .......2004-10-19

I have several cd sets of Joplin's music: Rifkin, Arpo, Nielsen, and Zimmerman. All have their excellent qualities. What sets Zimmerman's set apart is the inclusion of excerpts from Joplin's opera, Treemonisha---especially "A Real Slow Drag." Why the other sets do not include excerpts from Treemonisha, I don't know---because they are some of his most beautiful and joyful pieces of music. Of course, you can hear the orchestrated version of Treemonisha in the Houston Grand Opera recording, and it is spectacular. But Zimmerman's piano version, especially of "A Real Slow Drag," is not to be missed.

Great set.......2001-10-16

I guess this will be a rather one sided review. I have been a fan of Scott Joplin since I first learned to play a piano.

I was shocked to see that one reviewer thought it all sounded the same. How silly. All of Frank Sinatra's music sounds like Frank Sinatra. All of Led Zeppelin sounds like Led Zeppelin. So, if the songs were drastically different, I would question if the same author composed them. As it is, though, each song on this set is fantastic!!

I don't know that I have heard of Richard Zimmerman, and I was a little leary as to what I would be getting, I certainly was impressed. Without a doubt the best renditions of "Weeping Willow" and "Bethena" I have heard, and at least a dozen songs I didn't know Joplin wrote.

Tracks:

The Entertainer (1902), Scott Joplin.
Magnetic Rag (1914/1917), Scott Joplin.
Stoptime Rag (1910), Scott Joplin. 4. Kinklets (1906), Arthur Marshall.
Rose Leaf Rag (1907), Scott Joplin.
Contentment (1915), Joseph F. Lamb.
Pleasant Moments (Rag-Time Waltz 1909), Scott Joplin.
Frog Legs Rag (1906), James Scott.
Elite Syncopations (1902), Scott Joplin.
Bohemia Rag (1919), Joseph F. Lamb.
Dixie Dimples (Novelty Rag Fox Trot, 1918), James Scott.
The Sycamore: A Concert Rag (1904), Scott Joplin.
A Breeze From Alabama (1902), Scott Joplin.
The Rosebud March (1905), Scott Joplin.
Prosperity Rag (1916), James Scott.
Eugenia (1906), Scott Joplin.
The Easy Winners (1901), Scott Joplin.
Reindeer Rag (1915), Joseph F. Lamb.
Search-Light Rag (1907), Scott Joplin.
The Strenuous Life (1902), Scott Joplin.
Maple Leaf Rag (1899), Scott Joplin.

Album Description

THE PARAGON RAGTIME ORCHESTRA (finally) PLAYS 'THE ENTERTAINER' is the latest recording by the world's only professional ensemble devoted exclusively to American popular music of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. With this new 72 minute disc, the PRO pays tribute to the "classic" rags of Scott Joplin as well as compositions by his disciples Joseph F. Lamb, Arthur Marshall, and James Scott. Included are favorites such as the "Maple Leaf," along with the world premier recordings of several original early 1900s orchestrations that have only recently come to light (among them, Harry L. Alford's arrangements of Joplin's "The Sycamore," "Eugenia," "Magnetic Rag," and his 1918 foxtrot setting of James Scott's "Dixie Dimples"; F. H. Losey's 1907 orchestration of Joplin's "Rose Leaf Rag"; and Carl F. Williams [c1875-?] arrangements of Joplin's "Stoptime" and "Search-Light" rags). Scott Joplin's own orchestration of James Scott's "Frog Legs Rag" is also presented. ! Rounding out these choice syncopated selections are a number of historically correct "reproduction" scores crafted by PRO conductor Rick Benjamin.

THE PARAGON RAGTIME ORCHESTRA (finally) PLAYS 'THE ENTERTAINER' was recorded using the latest 21st Century "high definition" digital recording techniques in the sumptuous acoustics of Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts. No effort or expense was spared to capture a realistic and crystal clear sound that should please the most discerning listener. Of further interest, all the instruments played for the sessions were period antiques (including PRO's 1910 Ludwig & Ludwig drum kit), giving the disc a further glow of warmth and authenticity.

Complimenting the recording itself is a whimsical 12-page, full color booklet created by the noted artist and ragtime scholar Chris Ware. A trove of rare photos, period advertisements, and score excerpts, this booklet, which sports conductor Benjamin's latest essay on Scott Joplin, should be of particular interest to aficionados of that era.

THE PARAGON RAGTIME ORCHESTRA (finally) PLAYS 'THE ENTERTAINER' caps this distinguished ensemble's 20-year recording career, and may well prove to be the "definitive" orchestral ragtime recording. It is a genuine "must have" disc for both the casual listener and the seasoned ragtime collector and enthusiast.

Customer Reviews:

The Babe Loves This Album.......2006-09-13

I have just bought my second copy of "The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra Finally Plays `The Entertainer.'" My original copy was stolen from my car when I was attending a Yankees vs Red Sox game. While the theft only mildly dampened my mood after a five game sweep by the Bronx Bombers over the hated Sox the larceny was mildly amazing.
The thief took the Paragon CD but left some fairly popular (modern) music CDs behind.
I can only rationalize this strange theft to the fact I parked on the street outside of Yankee Stadium at Babe Ruth Plaza.
It was probably the Babe's spirit that heisted the CD. After all Paragon's latest and arguably most wonderful CD is a treasury of music from the Babe's time, and if anyone knows just a little about Babe Ruth and the Ragtime era you know that this CD is Jumpin'.
"...Finally Plays The Entertainer" delivers a fine sampling of Scott Joplin's genius along with a couple of samples of the works of his "students" Arthur Marshall, Joseph Lamb and James Scott.
While familiar with some of Joplin's works this album has opened new vistas for me. While Joplin "101" favorites are here; the Maple Leaf (rag), The Easy Winners and of course The Entertainer - finally - pieces like Dixie Dimples, Eugenia and The Sycamore supplied me with some new smiles and a tapping foot.
Don't forget folks this scandalous music is the grandfather of Rock n'Roll, so if you buy "...Finally Plays The Entertainer" please make sure you supervise your children and grandchildren if they should happen to be listening. I hope this shocking music doesn't cause them to dance, or worse, break into my car and steal my other Paragon Orchestra CDs.

Nice Artwork.......2005-02-03

Nice artwork, as expected from Mr. Ware, but this time, the contents are not on the level! The liner notes explain the lack of orchestration skills surfacing regularly at those times, but is that a reason to play less carefully than on the other PRO recordings (the REALLY outstanding "More Candy" and "Black Manhattan", for example)? Especially the pretty rough drums playing is an annoying setback, compared to the fine balance those mucicians achieve in their other recordings. Still probably the best rendering possible of that music, I think...

Another Hit from Paragon.......2004-11-11

As usual the Paragon Ragtime orchestra has another hit. Wonderful Performance and very informative notes. My only didssapointment was that the Joplin pieces were period style arrangements by Rick Benjamin. Nevertheless, this is a wonderfully enjoyable album.

Average customer rating:

Anderson Piano Concerto Tuneful and Upbeat
Superb Anderson
So Lovely, So Listenable, So Anderson
Full-Length Anderson

American Piano Classics

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Grofé: Grand Canyon Suite; Gershwin: Porgy & Bess Symphonic Suite "Catfish Row"
George Gershwin: The Complete Orchestra Collection
Louis Moreau Gottschalk: Piano Music
The Leroy Anderson Collection
Goldilocks (1958 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000003CTL
Release Date: 1993-01-26

Tracks:

I. Allegro Moderato
II. Andante
III. Allegro Vivo
Second Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra
Grand Tarantelle
12th Street Rag
The Entertainer
Solace
Maple Leaf Rag
I. With Drive and Vigor
II. Gavotte: Gaily, Moderate Bounce Tempo
III. Blues: Slow and Relaxed
IV. Very Fast, With Verve and Gusto

Customer Reviews:

Anderson Piano Concerto Tuneful and Upbeat.......2003-04-07

I enjoyed the Anderson Piano Concerto. It is tuneful and upbeat. It has its moments of technical prowess, but I thought the pianist hit a lot of wrong notes which upon repeat listening, causes annoyance.
I would like to hear another recording with a better pianist, or at least one that is edited. It is too good a concerto to get this rendering.

Superb Anderson.......2003-03-08

I also bought this album for the Anderson Concerto, and was delighted with both it and the other selections on this disc.

Superb!!!

So Lovely, So Listenable, So Anderson.......2003-01-20

I bought this CD for the Leroy Anderson Concerto, and I was not disappointed. In the several months since, I have enjoyed it many times over. Though Leroy Anderson was known mostly for his sprightly and imaginative little pieces such as Syncopated Clock and The Typewriter, he was certainly capable of writing a beautiful theme or two, and of good musical composition and great orchestration, and it all shows in this piece. What a talented man, and what a great addition this concerto is to American music. The rest of the CD is also very listenable. Altogether, it's a worthy purchase.

Full-Length Anderson.......2001-04-10

The featured selection on this CD is the premier recording of Leroy Anderson's piano concerto. It is the reason to acquire the CD, as the other selections are fairly familiar and are available on numerous recordings.

Tracks:

Suite Espanola, Op.47: Asturias (Leyenda)
Cavatina From The Deer Hunter
Lute Suite No.4 In E Major, BWV 1006a: Prelude
Triangular Situations
Recuerdos De La Alhambra
Romance
Dance From La Vida Breve
Sonata In E Major, K 380
Como Llora Una Estrella (Valse-Cancion)
The Mission
El Colibri
Gymnopedie No.3
Courante
La Catedral
El Condor Pasa
Salut D'Amour
Malinke Guitars
Concerto For Lute (Guitar), Two Violins (Strings) And Basso Continuo In D Major, R.93: I. Allegro Giusto
The Entertainer

Tracks:

Concierto De Aranjuez: II. Adagio
El Diablo Suelto (Valse)
Preludio En Do Menor (In C Minor)
Suite Espanola, Op.47: Sevilla (Sevillanas)
Gnossienne No.1
Cueca
Schindler's List
Lute Suite No.4 In E Major, BWV 1006a: Gavotte
Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika
Pavane
Trio For Violin, Lute (Guitar) And Basso Continuo In C Major, R.82: III. Allegro
Sunburst
The Godfather
Scherzino Mexicano
Aeolian Suite For Guitar And Small Orchestra: I. Aeolian Chant
3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Spanish Guitar Blues
3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Blues For Felix
3 Blues For Classic Guitar: Swing 59
The Black Decameron: The Flight Of The Lovers Through The Valley Of The Echoes
Una Limosna Por El Amor De Dios
Saltarello
12 Piezas Caracteristicas, Op.92: No.12 Torre Bermeja (Serenato)

Customer Reviews:

The Best Compilation of the Man on 2 Discs! Great Sound Quality Too!.......2006-04-21

The title very aptly describes this great classical guitar album showcasing some of the best ever works of John Williams on 2 discs. The track selections are great as they span the centuries from the Baroque greats of Bach and Vivaldi to the modern day composers such as Stanley Myers and York. John even flirts with Blues and Jazz-style pieces and they actually sound very good. In addition, they did a much better mastering job on this version than on the single disc, "Classic John Williams" album that was released a few years earlier and so the sound quality is much better. John Williams' playing is without peer and his technique is superior to the vast majority of the exponents of classical guitar that are out there. I've heard recordings of many others who have tried to play "Cavatina" for example and they have never come close to the natural and flowing version that John plays. If you are a fan of this type of music or of John Williams' work, this is the best compilation that you can get that's out there. Highly recommended!

Relaxing and Enticing to the Ear.......2006-01-26

The first song on this set is why I bought the whole album. It blows you away listening to the precise picking and the gorgeous way it is done. Not robotic like some freaks out there. This is true beautiful music. Runs together like a long summer drive in the country. It is just a perfect album to listen to at home or on the go.

A little something for everybody.......2005-06-15

First, this is gorgeous guitar playing by someone who knows what he's doing. John Williams (not to be confused by the film score composer of the same name) is a superb classical guitarist. Many of these pieces are *classical* in nature, while a few are more *popular*. Many are solo, the rest in small chamber groups. Some will get your toes tapping, some will start you daydreaming, and some will make you cry with their beauty. All of it is magnificent.

Average customer rating:

Only thing wrong is the title... Good classical collection!

Candlelight Favorites (25)

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Sentimental Favorites (25)
25 Romantic Classics
25 Classical Favorites
Symphony (25) Favorites
25 Concerto Favorites

ASIN: B0000058IB
Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

The Entertainer - Roger Shields
Nutcracker Suite (Chocolate) - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Water Music (Original No. 18) - George Frideric Handel
Concerto For 2 Oboes & Strings In D Minor, Op. 42 No. 2 (I. Largo) - A. Caroldi
Concerto For 4 Pianos In A Minor BWV 1065 (III. Allegro) - Bracha Eden
Symphony In G Major, K. 45a 'Lambacher - Sinfonie' (II. Andante) - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Trumpet Concerto In C (IV. Allegro) - Edward H. Tarr
Enigma Variations, Op. 36 (Beginning) - Sir Edward Elgar
Op. 289: Persian March - Johann Strauss II
Barcarolle - Susan Jolles
Concerto In D For Trumpet, 2 Oboes, Strings & Continuo (II. Largo) - Heinz Zickler
Prelude No. 6, Op. 28 - Walter Klien
Violin Concerto No. 1 In A Minor BWV 1041 (I. Allegro) - Susanne Lautenbacher
Suite For 2 Trumpets, 2 Oboes & Strings (II. Largo) - Heinz Zickler
Serenade No. 4 In D Major, K. 203 - Oscar Ravina
Violin Concerto No. 2 In B Minor, Op. 7 'La Campanella (II. Adagio) - Jean-Jacques Kantorow
Pictures At An Exhibition (I. Promenade) - Modest Mussorgsky
Variation On A Waltz By Diabelli, D. 718 - Peter Frankl
Water Music (Original No. 15) - George Frideric Handel
Le Coucou - Werner Simons
Plaisir D'Amore - Susan Jolles
Caucasian Sketches (IV. Procession Of The Sardar) - Mikhail Mikhaylovich Ippolitov-Ivanov
Salu D'Amour (Love's Greeting) - Sir Edward Elgar
Symphony No. 39 In F Major (II. Andantino) - Michael Haydn
Cello Concerto No. 2 In D Major, Hob VIIb/2 (II. Adagio) - Laszlo Varga

Customer Reviews:

Only thing wrong is the title... Good classical collection!.......2003-10-13

I've pondered the title of this fine classical collection for quite some time (far longer than is warranted, to be sure), and I've yet to come to a conclusion as to why this album is called CANDLELIGHT FAVORITES. While some selections are solemn (Enigma Variations), romantic (Variations on a Waltz), and intense (Concerto for 2 Oboes), far more pieces are bright (Water Music) and even whimsical (The Entertainer). Though it didn't exactly set the mood I was anticipating, this album will by no means be collecting dust on my shelf.

This collection surpasses many classical variety albums in its overall quality, regardless of the excellent price. The performances of the respective pieces are excellent as is the audio engineering, which is crisp and clear. What suprised me most, after a couple listens, was how well the widely varied pieces fit together as an album. The selections cross time from the early Baroque period into the 20th century, and they all have a certain continuity. This gives the album added value, as you'd have to purchase many albums to have the wide range of music represented here. CANDLELIGHT FAVORITES gives a mixture of instantly recognizable tunes with some "deeper cuts". It's essentially a classical "mix tape" of sorts, and it works well for both background and purposeful listening.

Tracks:

Summertime - Jean-Pierre Rampal
Simple Gifts - Aaron Copland
Saturday Night Waltz - Aaron Copland
Hoedown - Aaron Copland
Maple Leaf Rag - Jean-Pierre Rampal
On The Trail - Ferde Grofe
Very Slowly; Allegro - Aaron Copland
Bethena - A Concert Waltz - Jean-Pierre Rampal
Andante con moto e poco rubato - Jean-Pierre Rampal
Bess, You Is My Woman Now - Jean-Pierre Rampal
A Ragtime Two Step - Jean-Pierre Rampal
The Story Of Grover's Corners - Scott Joplin
Souvenir D'Amerique, 'Yankee Doodle,' Op. 17 - Henri Vieuxtemps
Andante - George Gershwin

Customer Reviews:

An American Picnic.......2002-08-11

I have three of the Dinner Classics. "Dinner For Two" "Romance"
and "A Cocktail Party" All are wonderful cd's and I would like to find more, other than what is listed here. "An American Picnic" is good but I like "Dinner For Two" the best.

Worth It.......1999-11-29

This album is one of the "must haves" in the great "Masterworks Dinner Classics" series. Beautiful!

Music Track: