This 1970 Nonesuch release presented a groundbreaking, historically informed approach to Joplin's piano rags, bringing the composer's work to a new audience. Rifkin's interpretations emphasized the compositional sophistication of the rags, treating them not as simple novelties but as complex musical works.
- The recording was made in London.
- The album was among the first to feature Rifkin's distinctive, metronomic approach to ragtime performance.
- This album was a significant success for Nonesuch Records, introducing many listeners to Scott Joplin and ragtime music.
Joshua Rifkin was a versatile American performer and musicologist, known for his work in both classical and jazz idioms. At the time of this recording, he was establishing a reputation for his scholarly yet spirited interpretations of early music.
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