Scott Joplin (c.1868-1917)
King of Ragtime
Cecile Licad (piano)
rec. 2026, Calliope West, San Rafael, CA, USA
Danacord DACOCD1010 [2 CDs: 94]

One of the first recordings through which I got to know and love Scott Joplin’s music was by the New England Conservatory Ragtime Ensemble under Gunther Schuller. I believe we have to thank, on the one hand, Joshua Rifkin and, on the other, the ballet Elite Syncopations for initiating the major Joplin revival in the 1970’s. I apologise if I omit to mention other musicians who championed this marvellous composer.

Unfortunately, Ms Licad takes most of the joy out of this music. My impression is an uncertainty as to how much she genuinely loves this composer. This may be unjust but I can only honestly report my feelings. The constant fiddling with tempo suggests to me a kind of boredom, as though she feels these rags are in need of some tinkering. To me, the essential qualities of Joplin’s music are charm, gentle lyricism and beguiling beauty. Ms Licad seems unwilling to play even two consecutive bars without rubato or mannered hesitation, both of which are completely unnecessary and detrimental. However tiny, these pushings and pullings are maddening, often creating a kind of limping effect. Why not let the music speak for itself?

To be more charitable, I would say that Ms Licad works too hard at these pieces. I choose one track from many – Solace – to illustrate how Ms Licad misses the necessary simplicity and innocence. Her playing is often elegant and subtle, attributes which may well be better suited to other composers in her repertoire, but her general approach to these rags seems misguided, making me keen to listen again to William Albright’s recordings, or perhaps those of the more extrovert William Bolcom. Bill Evans’s Peace Piece provides a few minutes of total relaxation and is beautifully played.

The sleeve-notes by Ms Licad are brief, excellent and very understanding of Joplin’s ethos.

Philip Borg-Wheeler

Previous review: John France

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Contents
Original Rags
The Entertainer
Pineapple Rag
Breeze from Alabama
Solace (A Mexican Serenade)
Peacherine Rag
The Paragon Rag
Ragtime Dance
Heliotrope Bouquet
Reflection Rag
Elite Syncopations
The Easy Winners
Leola
Magnetic Rag
Gladiolus Rag
Fig Leaf Rag
Stoptime Rag
Wall Street Rag
Rose Leaf Rag
Search-Light Rag
Maple Leaf Rag
Bill Evans (1929-1980)
Peace Piece