Swipesy - Cake Walk (414.01.2Perc.)

Swipesy - Cake Walk (414.01.2Perc.) Swipesy was written with Joplins pupil Arthur Marshall in 1900 and its syncopated opening is uncannily reminiscent of Debussys Golliwogg’s Cakewalk written many years later. Joplins tutor book, the School of Ragtime, shows tremendous pride in his art form. In the opening remarks he comments: "That real ragtime of the higher class is rather difficult to play is a painful truth which most pianists have discovered. Syncopations are no indication of light or trashy music". He goes on to give detailed instructions and exercises as to the precise rhythmic subdivision of the music, as well as stating unequivocally, "never play ragtime fast at any time". 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. ‘Super playing from living legends of the London orchestral brass scene. In these fantastic arrangements it’s sometimes hard to believe these pieces weren’t originally scored for brass. The musicianship throughout is second to none and the sound is an absolute treat. Eric Crees pays his affectionate respects in performances subtly styled, coloured and paced - from the touchingly restrained to the joyfully raucous. Musical authenticity permeates through, understated yet valued in placement and precision. It is a fabulous exploration that deserves the richest of accolades on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.’ Iwan Fox - 4 Bars Rest - Verdict *****