Synopsis
The Masterpiece Series is a collection of original piano works, as well as challenging arrangements and transcriptions designed for the experienced to advanced pianist. The series is meticulously engraved and printed on heavy cover stock and quality paper to last for generations with original works from all the great masters. From the three Bs to the King of Rags, these arrangements and transcriptions are some of the greatest works of all time, these Masterpiece Editions are sure to be popular favorites while enhancing the repertoire of most any serious pianist. In this case, We are extremely proud to release this newly revised edition of the masterpiece original of Joplin’s Solace, Entertainer & Maple Leaf Rag. This three in one sheet is brought to you its purest form. Our ultimate goal is to emphasize the necessity of exceptional quality in printed sheet music. It has been said that time has heard the strains of a myriad of musical styles. Some styles liven with age while others fade. The same is true of the composers themselves; some are regarded as brilliant masters from the beginning of their lives while others are only praised posthumously. Endurance is the ultimate test. Scott Joplin endured great injustices and criticism, yet he remains the King of Ragtime. We remember the genius of Scott Joplin by publishing Solace, Entertainer & the Maple Leaf Rag. Joplin's most popular rag, The Entertainer, reached high acclaim in 1973 as the recognizable theme from a classic film, The Sting. This Academy Award-Winning film was not only responsible for the resurgence of ragtime music in general but brought renewed interest in the works of Scott Joplin. Solace was one of his most unique pieces that could be heard in the background of many scenes in which the character was deep in thought. Subtitled, A Mexican Serenade, Solace has a serene Latin feel, unlike no other samba written and is the favorite of many Joplin enthusiasts. The Maple Leaf Rag, unlike many others, became popular during Joplin's lifetime. It was actually the very first sheet of music to sell over one million copies. We are pleased to combine these three rags in one collection as our celebrated dedication the King of Ragtime. This newly engraved edition is clean, sharp, distinct, and accurate. An absolute pleasure to read as each crisp note seems to pop off the page. We know that you will enjoy this exceptional edition of Scott Joplin's greatest work!
About the Author
Scott Joplin, once lost to obscurity, has finally received the praise and recognition he deserves. The first to develop the piano rag, which could be considered the initial American musical form, he has taken his rightful position as one of the nation's musical pioneers. His style is a perfect combination of components taken from the traditional Classical and African¬ American styles. These sounds blend seamlessly to create the unique flavor we have come to know as Ragtime. Born in Bowie County (now Texarkana), Texas, on November 24, 1868, Scott Joplin was the second oldest of five children in a musical family. His parents had both been slaves before the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation and were extremely poor. In order to provide the Classical piano instruction, they wanted for Scott, his mother worked as a domestic servant while his father worked for the railroad. Both of his parents sacrificed a great deal to ensure that Scott had all the tools he needed to develop his talent. He in turn used those tools to become one of the greatest musicians of his time. By the time he was a teen, Scott was already a musical prodigy. As a teenager, Scott began playing at the saloons that had popped-up in Texarkana during the construction of the railroad. He would spend his evenings improvising and refining tunes that he had written, tunes he hoped would someday be published. He formed a band called "The Texas Medley Quartet" when he was sixteen, but it was a short-lived partnership. Scott wanted more. He dreamt of publishing his works and he knew the only way to make his dream reality was to leave Texarkana. Scott left Texarkana in 1890 to pursue his musical career in St. Louis. Here he played at clubs and bars while searching for a publisher. He had presented his pieces to many publishers, but with each presentation the response was the same. No one took him seriously; no one even considered his style a form of musical expression. But even against the odds, Scott persisted. In 1893, he was asked to perform at the Colombian Exposition in Chicago, which then led to his invitation to play at the World's Fair the following year. Scott's success increased with every performance. In 1895, Scott was admitted to the George R. Smith College for African Americans where he continued his formal study of music. It was also in 1895 that he met John Starks, a publisher, who became extremely interested in Joplin's works. Starks agreed to take on Scott's projects and published Scott's first piece, "Please Say You Will", in 1895. Many successful sheets followed, including "The Maple Leaf Rag" (1899) which was the first sheet ever to sell over one million copies.
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