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In 1909, Scott Joplin married for the second time. Lottie was a better fit than Belle, and the Joplins ran a combination boarding house and conservatory in midtown Manhattan. He began writing an opera, “Treemonisha”, that would consume much of time, his spirit, and eventually his sanity.

John Stark was driven out of business by Tin Pan Alley, and he closed his New York office, returning to St. Louis. Joplin now found a new publisher.

His pieces for 1909 were a fine lot with a few masterpieces. The first piece is badly mistitled. It has nothing to do with Wall Street and is wonderfully romantic.

Joplin: “Wall Street Rag”

This masterpiece is a tango, a warm and contemplative piece that is one of his very greatest works. The “C” theme will break your heart, and the “D” theme will bring tears. It’s Rifkin at the piano. (I love playing this piece on the piano!) This video is amazing with its antique postcards.

”Solace”

This is a waltz with Joplin at the piano via roll. Unlike Ampico, this brand of piano roll doesn’t quite capture the dynamics of the performance. By the time Joplin recorded his few piano rolls, his technique was deteriorating as his sanity began to slip.

”Pleasant Moments”

You can just hear the horses prancing on the way to club. William Bolcom, one of our better modern composers, is at the piano.

”Country Club”

This experimental piece has a different format, AA-BB-A-CC-A, returning to the opening theme, much like a classical rondo. For his “C” theme, Joplin turns to the minor.

”Euphonic Sounds”

This harkens back to the old plantation sound. Rifkin on the piano.

”Paragon Rag”