Belasco

This original piano solo composed by Scott Kirby in a driving Antillean syncopated style, inspired by the music of the Venezuelan pianist and composer, Lionel Belasco.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Scott
• Kirby
• Belasco
• Beguine
• Latin

[KawhackitaRag]

oops, I meant to say "even if he RE-recorded it much later..." sorry for the confusion.

Oh, also it wasn't the first-ever recording of the tune, that distinction goes to Wilbur Sweatman's 1903 cylinder which WAS issued, but no copies are known to exist.

The first known existing recording of the tune is from about 1906 and is by the U.S. Marine Band.

The first piano solo recording of "Maple Leaf Rag" known to survive is Willie Eckstein's performance from 1923.

[KawhackitaRag]

Very nice!

[KawhackitaRag]

Awesome! Does your family have any of his stuff? Did he leave behind any manuscripts, recordings, etc. etc.?

I am interested because he made the first ever piano solo recording of "Maple Leaf Rag" in 1914, but it was rejected and never issued, and we (me and the few other ragtime people who know about it) are still looking for a test pressing or ANYTHING which might survive of this important performance! Even if he recorded it much later (1930s-40s), I would still like to hear it.

[pabloescalonasuarez]

belasco was not VENEZUELAN he was from Trinidad

, he lived in Venezuela in the early 20 century

[tea7tree]

very true. This is really good too. :)

[otheraccountlol]

belasco isn't appreciated enough. this is great