Binks' Waltz (1905) - Scott Joplin (With Score / Sheet Music)

Details

Description

In 1905, Scott Joplin would produce not just one but two waltzes, both published by piano broker T. Bahnsen of St. Louis. But unlike Bethena, Binks' Waltz was reportedly a commissioned work, said to either be requested by or offered to William A. Morgens, a St. Louis dry cleaner, for his young son Jay (actually nicknamed Bing, not Bink or Binks). This waltz also differs from Bethena in its more light-hearted feel, helped in part by a simple main theme played in an alternating staccato and legato.

Unlike many of his previous works printed by John Stark and others, Binks' Waltz is very clearly marked as to the composer's intention for performance, featuring a number of rubatos, traditional instructions in Italian text, contrasting dynamics, and clear pedaling cues throughout. While it lacks the thematic depth of Bethena, it remains to be lyrical, with the third section sweeping in the manner of a grand waltz reminiscent of the Romantic era. It should further be noted here that Bahnsen was in the practice of issuing more serious musical works than ragtime solos, a factor that may have influenced Joplin's decision to publish with him as he had begun to follow a similar route during this time period.

Albeit there may have been some other intervention on the composer's behalf to publish the waltz, it is important to take notice on the shift in tones between Joplin's music through 1904 to 1907.
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"Binks' Waltz" - Waltz - Pattern: Intro A A B B A C C A Coda
Music by Scott Joplin, Published by T. Bahnsen's Piano Manufacturing Company in 1905
Cover Artist: Walter M. Young

Music description provided & written by Bill Edwards, learn more about it here:
https://web.archive.org/web/20220308214107/http://ragpiano.com/pbmusic_joplin1.shtml

Music performed by Guido Nielsen with his album "Scott Joplin: The Complete Works (Rags, Marches, Waltzes & Songs)"

℗ 2000 Basta Audio-Visuals
Producer: Piet Schreuders
Music Publisher: Basta Music
Performer: Guido Nielsen