Scott Joplin: Wall Street Rag (High Audio)

[wispaddler]

Ah, how wonderful to hear Joplin played at a proper tempo. Scott Joplin said "ragtime should never be played fast." I suspect most of the rolls are spun too fast, as well as most live performances. When the tempo is relaxed the pieces show their complexity and sweetness. Played fast, they're reduced to barroom scherzos - little gems, to be sure, but without the depth Joplin intended.

[Kamibambiraptor]

@wispaddler

I'm glad you enjoyed the performance, imperfect though it is. :-) I am in full agreement with your comments about the speed: the pieces still DO sound good even when played at a frenetic pace, but they lose their complexity, their depth, and end up sounding all much alike!

[chetalk]

...and it reminds me of charlie chaplin

[Kamibambiraptor]

:-)

[chetalk]

played nicely! the slower makes it feel more melancholy but nice

[Kamibambiraptor]

Thank you; I'm glad you enjoy the slower tempo. :-)

[nv1z]

This is the rag I am working on now, but wanted to get a feel for exactly how I wanted it to come out (yes, could have done my own)

I listened to most of the versions on YouTube, even the rather clever one done on the ukulele the fellow built himself.

There are a lot of beautiful versions out there, but this one is the truest in terms of tempo and feeling to the comments that Scott Joplin put into the music.

It also has the best balance in terms of pedal use...not too much and not too little.

[Kamibambiraptor]

Thank you for the very kinds words, especially considering you've listened to the other versions! :-) I did try to have Scott Joplin's comments in mind when I played, as I felt that they were important to the mood of the piece.

[tommyotb]

Slow is tha best :) Greetings :) U play awesome by the way ;)

[44Tita]

I like this slow version, even though that this song is a rag, the panic it's a panic for God sake.

[Kamibambiraptor]

I'm glad you liked the slow version! :)

[AnotherSchmoe]

That's awesome! You make me want to learn this so bad, I've never played any Scott Joplin or ragtime though (fairly newb at piano) but I hope to someday learn this, it's wicked cool, and great job playing. Thanks for posting!!!

[Kamibambiraptor]

You're welcome! :) I'm glad you liked the performance and the piece; best of luck with your piano studies now & in the future!

[dalard2161]

Very well played! your site reading amazes me! I too play piano but ive never been able to sight read straight off like that!

[Kamibambiraptor]

Thank you very much! :)