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Elite Syncopations (1902)

The memorably-titled Elite Syncopations (1902) is one of Scott Joplin’s most finely-crafted compositions. The piece’s B and C sections are Mozartian in their simplicity. Many performers play the piece at blazing speed—Alexander Peskanov’s fun recording for Naxos features a lightning-quick D section. My favorite interpretation of Elite Syncopations is the leisurely five minute version recorded by William Appling for his album William Appling Plays Scott Joplin and J.S. Bach (pictured). It’s gentle, unhurried, and charming. Excellent recordings of Elite Syncopations by Joshua Rifkin, Richard Dowling, Richard Glazier, and Dick Hyman also easily come to mind. Sheet music of Scott Joplin’s works can be downloaded at imslp.org.
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August 2025

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