David Thomas Roberts plays "Maple Leaf Rag" by Scott Joplin

For more information about David Thomas Roberts, visit his website at:
http://www.davidthomasroberts.com/

Maple Leaf Rag (1899). As the first million-selling sheet music in American history, Maple Leaf Rag was responsible for introducing Scott Joplin to the world. Imitated in countless efforts, it is unquestionably the most influential ragtime composition, and until The Entertainer was popularized by tile film The Sting in 1974, it was Joplin's most familiar title.
Classic ragtime's roots in the march are especially evident in Maple Leaf. Joplin's favorite form, AA BB A CC DD, appears here for the first time in ragtime. The familiar ragtime pattern of alternating octaves and inner voices in the right hand is put to definitive use in the B strain while the "three-over-four" device, which became so familiar several years later, makes one of its earliest appearances in Maple Leaf's trio.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• classic
• ragtime
• classical
• piano
• Joplin
• midwest
• Missouri
• Americana

[PolkRidgeAesthete]

Thank you for these affirming and thoughtful reactions.

[RagtimePassion]

I've just firstly heard this performance... very surprised and exited, just to know how Mr. David pays his tribute NOT ONLY to the original sheet BUT ALSO to the piano roll which is seemed that Joplin himself played and recorded. It's very very happy to listen this performance... Thanks so much ;-)

[sutterchip]

You remember what Joplin said: "Not too fast"; and have delivered with aplomb. This ranks as the best I've heard; thanks, David.