Richard Dowling's
The Complete Piano Works of Scott Joplin on
Rivermont is an attractive collection of
Joplin's rags, waltzes, and marches, presented on three CDs and recorded in transparent 24-bit sound. The ragtime boom of the 1970s was inspired by
Joplin's music, as arranged in the soundtrack for the film The Sting, and the revival has continued in recordings by
Joshua Rifkin,
William Albright,
William Bolcom,
John Arpin,
Richard Zimmerman, and
William Appling, so there is considerable competition for this 2017 release.
Dowling's collection presents the pieces in mixed order, so the most famous rags, such as
Maple Leaf Rag,
The Entertainer, and
Solace, are placed deep in the middle of the program to encourage listeners to explore the lesser-known rags around them. The performances are varied in expression and dynamics, and
Dowling's playing is often subtle, with just enough rubato to let the music breathe. Even so, his tempos tend to be fast, and
Joplin's famous injunction to play ragtime slowly is overlooked, in contrast to
William Appling's set, which observes a moderate walking pace. Aside from his too-brisk tempos,
Dowling offers lively syncopations with crisp articulation, and his tone throughout is bright and engaging. Try
Pine Apple Rag for an example of
Dowling's speed, and
The Chrysanthemum or
Bethena for a more relaxed change of pace. ~ Blair Sanderson
![Ragtime [Original Cast Recording] [Bonus Track]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0090266862924_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "Ragtime [Original Cast Recording] [Bonus Track]")
