Album insights
Back in the autumn of 1967 during lunch with Norman Lloyd, head of the art department at the Rockefeller Foundation at that time, the topic of a Ragtime opera by Scott Joplin came up. Intrigued, I inquired about this composer, largely unknown in the music realm back in 1967. Norman explained Joplin's association with the Maple Leaf Rag, yet the opera was rumored to exist purely in legend.
Driven by curiosity, I went on a quest for Treemonisha, Joplin's opera, only to find no trace of it in libraries like the Library of Congress, Lincoln Center, or the Schomburg Center in Harlem. Desperate, I turned to my colleague Rudi Blesh at Queens College, who surprisingly offered to bring in a piano arrangement he owned.
This chance encounter led me to explore Joplin's Ragtimes and the Ragtime scene of the turn of the century, now deemed classic Ragtime. Soon enough, Joplin’s music gained widespread recognition. Musicians like Joshua Rifkin and Gunther Schuller contributed to this newfound appreciation for Joplin. Subsequently, a group of young American composers, including Peter Winkler and William Albright, joined me in crafting new Ragtimes inspired by the traditional style.
Our engagement with Ragtime continued well into the 1970s, shaping our musical compositions even as newer styles emerged. The revived interest in Ragtime profoundly influenced our musical endeavors, leaving a lasting impact on our future creations. This period saw a surge in Ragtime compositions and performances, with audiences embracing these nostalgic yet fresh pieces warmly.
The revival of Ragtime expanded globally, with events like the staging of Treemonisha in 1972 and the establishment of Ragtime festivals in various cities. My personal evolution as a Ragtime composer reflected in pieces like "Lost Lady" and "Graceful Ghost," which carried emotional narratives and tributes within their melodies.
Inspired by encounters with prominent figures in the Ragtime world like Eubie Blake, my compositions bridged nostalgia and innovation, blending Ragtime traditions with modern influences. Collaborations with fellow composers like Bill Albright yielded vibrant pieces that pushed the boundaries of traditional Ragtime.
As my Ragtime collection reached completion, newer compositions such as "Contentment" emerged, signifying a poignant closure to my Ragtime journey. Each Ragtime piece I crafted tells a unique story, a blend of inspiration, nostalgia, and musical exploration that defined my Ragtime legacy.
William Bolcom © 2022