MP3 Scott Joplin Programmed by Jim Ritchie - CLASSICAL: Contemporary

Scott Joplin played at precise tempi; package contains sound recordings, MIDI files, printable transcriptions (PDF format), and a brief composer biography (PDF).

21 MP3 Songs
CLASSICAL: Contemporary, JAZZ: Ragtime



Details:
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Sound samples at left are poor quality and were not produced as part of the CD.
Representative sound samples are available at
http://jim.ritchie.home.att.net/SJxJR_playlist.htm
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Scott Joplin's piano music is a demonstration that technically challenging music can be both artistic and entertaining. Many of his compositions were originally heard on player pianos that read paper rolls. Near the beginning of the 20th century, before radio and high-fidelity phonographs came into wide use, such pianos were an important source of music and entertainment. Many of Joplin's compositions were also published as sheet music. Now, near the beginning of the 21st century, this sheet music can be translated into MIDI files in a highly
systematic, yet not completely pre-defined way. These files can, in turn, be used with piano sound synthesis and computers to create simulated performances. Joplin's rags are particularly well-suited for this adaptation because they have no tempo variations marked in them. So, a selection of them spanning his career was programmed at fixed tempo, in accordance with the allusion to "March tempo" in their foreword. Choice Joplin marches and waltzes are also included to provide a glimpse of his other work. The resulting recordings accurately reveal the syncopations, harmonies, and tempi notated by the composer. They provide a unique listening experience.

This package contains more than sound recordings alone. The MIDI files (type 1) are included on a separate data CD formatted for use with WINDOWS®. In addition, they have been transcribed to musical staffs in PDF format. These files may be printed (at up to 300 dpi resolution) and used for manual performance, or read-along with the audio playback for ear training and greater music appreciation. The MIDI files may also serve as a starting point for designing your own adaptation of these pieces for another instrument. A short composer biography and music commentary are also included.

Jim Ritchie does not play the piano. Instead, he created the simulated piano performances found here using his knowledge of both computers and music, with facsimiles of original scores and Joplin's "School of Ragtime" as guides. The recordings are on an audio CD-R, which is formatted for use in most players.

All the compositions found in this package were published before Joplin's death in 1917 and are in the public domain. The MIDI files were created manually and are the property of JPR Enterprises. Similarly, all the files, images, and sound recordings found in this package are currently protected by copyright law. They are licensed and not sold. Nonetheless, in order to provide maximum benefit to the licensee, an unlimited number of copies may be made so long as they remain within the licensee's residence or on media and players normally kept there. So, you can rip, convert, burn or add to playlists any of the files for your personal enjoyment - or print the PDF files. But, please don't distribute copies of these files without prior authorization.

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Sound samples at left are poor quality and were not produced as part of the CD.
Representative sound samples are available at
http://jim.ritchie.home.att.net/SJxJR_playlist.htm
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