Graceful Ghost Rag by William Bolcom; Claire Paik, piano.

[tomifost]

I like the 'mechanical' sound of ragtime. Especially with this piece; as though a ghost is actually playing it. I don't think it would feel as haunting if it was swung.

[ZZMike339]

The arpeggios are a nice touch.

[Zona57Bob]

I agree with 'kfspiano' - Listen to the original by Bolcom (on Youtube) and get a sense of his gentle swing, otherwise too 'mechanical.'

[kfspiano]

Nice; however, try it playing the eighth notes with "swing", and not just as they are written on the page. Otherwise it is too "mechanical" if played just as written. The written notes are only just an indication; pianists go from there to get a certain "style". Once again, best to listen to the way the composer plays it.

[Doug19752533]

@kfspiano have to disagree with the 'mechanical' idea of playing it straight - Bolcom does say it can be played straight or with swing. but i prefer the straight, its closer to classic ragtime and more in the spirit of Joplin which applies well to this rag

[ialexei1]

@kfspiano no, it says right on the piece that there should be no drag. it is not jazz or blues song as it may seem.. it is actually a rag and therefore should be played as such

[wiseowlv]

Very nice, like your tempo. I don't think this piece should be rushed or dragged.

[Erlybird54]

Old. (56) - the "when I grow up" is tongue-in-cheek.

[Erlybird54]

Wonderful! I want to play like you when I grow up!

[sasorispick9223]

@Erlybird54 How old are you???!!!

[bascombe2]

Yes, nice and lyrical. I like it when performers let the sadness through in this piece.

[homerboy488]

Nice, but I got sea sick watching her!

[clucaspik]

Check your title on the video "Gracely Ghosy"

[clucaspik]

Has to be the most beuatiful rag i ever heard, but hats off to joplin too.

[Doug19752533]

@clucaspik very true - this rag has the atmosphere of Gladiolus Rag, and Magnetic Rag.... I think Joplin himself would be very impressed with this rag

[kidsreturnsf]

wow wonderful.. you're so amazing..

motion of your hand is like wave on th sea

[PandaMishima]

Still makes me think of a manatee dancing in most graceful response; a very well-bred and genteel manatee of course.

[julieshen99]

Oh my god, so beautiful. Love your style.

[byrilleguernolle]

It's wonderful, you've made me spend 5 minutes of delight. Claire, you're great. I could see the graceful ghost dancing and squirming around your piano.

[homerboy488]

Hey murphy1941...obviously you were born in 1941 or was that the year you graduated 5th grade? Apparently you're a spaz too.

[murphy1941]

Fantastic. You play beautifully and I enjoy your movements and style of play.

[sackadoodle]

@bce yes it's ready and I really enjoy playing it! I just have to borrow a nice handycam and put new strings on my guitar.

[sackadoodle]

I think this is a nice rendition. The tempo is not "swingy". I'm workin on a guitar version of this.

[bce5150]

@sackadoodle i would really enjoy hearing a guitar version of this :)

[homerboy488]

Nice playing but the body movements are weird and distracting.