Larisa Migachyov plays Scott Joplin's "Magnetic Rag"

[cebukid70]

I actually don't mind swung ragtime, and Larissa, your Weeping Willow (also swung) is the best version on YouTube. :-) I think historically, many pianists took lots of liberties with ragtime, and Joplin never liked speed demon versions of his compositions. I don't think he would've minded this one.

[exaltedwombat]

Indeed, Joplin frequently marked his rags "Not Fast", sometimes adding "ragtime should never be played fast." Many of us were introduced to ragtime by Joshua Rifkin who, perhaps, took this a little too far - but he retained the "ragged time" syncopations, he didn't gloss over them by swinging. But I'm open to persuasion! Would you quote some historical recordings of Joplin-era ragtime being swung?

[exaltedwombat]

Do you play "Bethena" in 2/4? Why play ragtime in 6/8? You're a lovely player, but I think you'll look back on this and cringe!

[larisa0001]

@exaltedwombat - I've had a lot of comments on this. The reason I swing it is because it allows me to play it slower, which I think is better. And if you listen to historical recordings, a lot of ragtime was played in swing time, so I'm not entirely out of line.

[neobiki]

Very beautiful playing for the sweetest rag of Joplin.

[ShaithMaster]

I liked the lilt you added

[99999999999999994041]

your are beautiful

[AmazingChucklez]

Scott Joplin would roll over and over in his grave in appreciation of this fantastic performance, Larisa, you have the composer's spirit with you, so good, so nice, so rare. Keep playing like this - it will carry humanity a long way, maybe for a thousand more years.

[AmazingChucklez]

Isn't it supposed to be more a March than a Waltz? But you certainly make it work doing a bit of both. You have the incredible touch of the composer. Love it!!! Chuck

[sutterchip]

What a lovely, pensive rendition of this delightful rag; I hope to play it as beautifully as you someday. Thanks, Larisa.

[Biggiejumbo2007]

you. are. amazing.

That was so beautiful; thanks for sharing.

[fixy99]

wow

[cebukid70]

Loved it! This is the most distinct sounding interpretation of this rag that I've heard yet. I loved the slight swing rhythm.

[scrowley524]

Beautifully done!

[MortiCarthago]

Love your playing and your original rags, you kick ass!!!

[BachScholar]

Very nice touch and great sound. Most pianists play this and other rags so percussively, but your sound is "golden". You also pedal very well when most others don't know how. I prefer this rag with straight rhythms though. Excellent!

[bhavvv]

Hi again =D

Im learning this piece now and finished learning the first part right hand today.

Im listening to this and wurthersoxdentons version everyday and hopefully should be able to play both versions by june (",).

[WilliamWallaceClaymo]

I happen to prefer a punchier, straight approach to this rag, but I still enjoyed your interpretation very much. Lovely tone. I'll have to check out some of your other vids.

[alf131285]

really exellent job. this is the best version i ever heard of this song!

[FriendshipSeven]

BRAVO!! BRAVO!! BRAVO!!! :-)

[Oso1138]

Very well played. It certainly says something different when swung - neither better nor worse, just different. I have always thought this piece and Euphonic Sounds indicate a possible classical direction of ragtime composition which has never really been explored. Most modern rag composers either go the romantic way, e.g. Roberts, or embrace display pianism. For me, Magnetic Rag contains immense tragedy, only intensified by its simplicity and the doomed gaiety of the third strain.

Well done !

[bhavvv]

wow.

I was listening to other versions of this song, and it didnt sound anywhere near as good as you play it. I love the swing that you add to it.

I am currently learning Grade 8 with Scott Joplin pieces, I will definately learn this piece in the future, I hope you dont mind me copying your playing style for it :p

[larisa0001]

Oh, I'll be honored. :) Have fun learning it - it's such a great piece.

[cueshark]

I play this rag too with slightly less swing. I love it very much and you're very consistent in your playing. Well done. And the octave up on the second page is a nice idea.

[JamesPriceJohnson]

wow, this is beautiful. you have such a light touch. Mr. joplin is so proud of you. May god bless you and may mr. joplin's angel look upon you as you play his pieces. well done. u have taught me to play with a light touch. that is my goal. play with a light touch, and then sometimes a hard bang. 1600 stars!

[shahname]

Thank you, dear Larisa. This is the closest Joplin piece to my heart and you played it so well. Tears came to my eyes. Be safe. Be happy. Be well. And I hope all the joy you give will come back to you a million times increased!

[larisa0001]

Wow. Thank you so much. I'm honored.

[jasonkneil]

Hi, I havent been on youtube for ages lol this is my 2nd comment :-) Have you ever heard of a song called 'The Mad Professer' and the 'Moody Boogie'. Because I have found a tutor and I'm taking my Grade 1 test in May time around Easter. I can now also do the 'C' and 'F' scales. happy playing!!!:-)

[larisa0001]

Hmm - haven't heard of either one of them, but I hope you have fun with them! And good job on the scales.

[jasonkneil]

this is a excellent piece expecially played by you do you live in the USA? or UK?

[larisa0001]

Thanks so much! I live in the USA. This was filmed in San Antonio, TX.

[kickingmule]

Yes, it's a Magnetic Rag, cause it drags me to it ! The way you play it is Outstanding !

Thanks.

Peace.

Urban.