Scott Joplin: A Breeze From Alabama

I don't 'swing' the first part of the piece.... it's really more of a bounce, then a snap. A surprisingly passionate piece at times (the word 'breeze' is deceptive), with a different structure than many of Joplin's rags.


*****Notice to those who do not like their Ragtime Swung****

I like to play ragtime with a swing, a bounce, a snap and other rhythmic patterns. Sometimes I add syncopations and ornaments. I have spent a number of years learning how I like to play Ragtime, and telling me that Ragtime should never be swung, or similar things, will only result in me flaming you, blocking you and/or removing your post. So don't bother. If you feel you MUST protest my use of swing, etc.,, instead of lecturing me, please instead refer me to a performance or performer you like, and I can check it out for myself. This will save us all some aggrevation, and I might actually like the performer or video in question. (*Yes, I HAVE listened to Joshua Rifkind. I find his playing polished and refined, and also rather tepid for my taste.)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• scott
• joplin
• ragtime
• breeze
• from
• alabama
• piano
• music

[catholicschooljew]

Rags are not meant to be swung! They're written out, and meant to be played as they're written, without the fussy rubato, and willful phrasing. They grew up in whorehouses. The more straightforwardly they're played, the more eloqent they are. And I disagree that "it is the artist that decides the interpretation of the pieces". The "artist" is the COMPOSER! The interpreter, unless you're dealing with improvisatory music, which ragtime is not, is a vessel for the composer's creation.

[Kamibambiraptor]

You know, my general approach to dealing with music I don't like is not to listen to it. I don't go to the channels of YouTube musicians who post in a style I dislike (there are many of them) and lecture them about how to play in the manner I prefer. Please accept that I have heard what you are saying DOZENS of times and I DON'T CARE. I strongly suggest you go and listen to the ragtime you DO like. OK? Good! :)

[idasynco]

You sing out the melody that I like, but sometimes your speed up and slow down of the tempo makes it hard to ride along. I don't mind the swing you put in, it gives a different flavor. These Joplin rags are hard to play and I am no expert for sure!! LOvely pictures you post add to the lovely presentation. thanks for posting!! *****

[Kamibambiraptor]

I'm sorry that the tempo changes make it difficult to ride along; I know what you mean I think. There is (I hope!) a certain logic to the changes of tempo (they are intentional), but I myself have found, when listening, that just when I feel myself getting into the groove, so to speak, I go and change the tempo! I guess if I had people actually dancing to the music I would have to be a little more consistent & restrained!

(Glad you liked the pictures; I love my digital camera & my garden! :) )

[BachScholar]

catholicschooljew: Artists decide on the interpretation of ALL music regardless of whether it's improvisatory or not. Otherwise, all we have is a bunch of notes sitting on a page. And what does growing up in whorehouses have to do with anything?

[idasynco]

WEll, I think it's great you play all this variety of music, and it is the artist that decides the interpetation of the pieces. Since I am more of a ragomaniac and also love to dance, I made the tempo comment.

Your lush garden pictures remind me of flowers in Oregon where I used to live, so I always enjoy them.