Bethena

Although rarely considered as a waltz composer, in 1905 Joplin clearly thought that Bethena was substantial enough to be subtitled A Concert Waltz. And so it is. Its elegant but gently swinging opening theme frames the other three contrasting sections with their far-flung keys. The connecting bridge passages contain some of his most audacious harmonies, demonstrating that not only is a serious and versatile composer at work, but one who can transcend in triple-time the duple-time rags for which he was better known.

This arrangement was specially made for the album 'Preludes, Rags and Cakewalks' (MPR 005), performed by The Symphonic Brass of London conducted by Eric Crees. All of the transcriptions are new and original, making this a world premiere recording.