Antoinette (1906) was the last of Scott Joplin’s three marches in 6/8 time to be published. The suspension of a melodic B over a C major chord in the opening section gives the piece’s main theme a softer edge. The B section (excerpt pictured) features a preponderance of right hand thirds and left hand octaves. The C trio section has some of the characteristics of Joplin’s advanced later works: tripartite form (like Eugenia), unstable harmonies peppered with diminished seventh chords, and a rippling non-marchlike left hand accompaniment.
In the trio section Joplin explores the keys of C major, E-flat minor, B-flat minor, D-flat minor, and A-flat minor before returning to C major. Noteworthy recordings of Antoinette have been made by Richard Dowling, David Thomas Roberts, William Albright, and others. The score for Antoinette can be downloaded at imslp.org.
Brandon Byrne is a ragtime composer, performer, and scholar. Max Morath said of Byrne, “Brandon’s unique compositions display unparalleled gifts and hidden virtuosity. His music reflects the past and challenges the future. His playing will touch your soul.” For a full list of his compositions, please visit his website.
