May Aufderheide was only 21 years old when Buzzer Rag, her fourth published composition, was issued in 1909. Much of the piece’s melodic material is in octaves, and the B section features many impetuous, thick right hand chords. Aufderheide wisely restates the piece’s A section after the intervening, less interesting B and C sections.
The calmer, sweeter C section (in D-flat major) contrasts well with the brasher preceding section. I very much enjoy playing this rag; you may too. The sheet music for Buzzer Rag and Aufderheide’s other works can be found on imslp.org as well as Ted Tjaden’s website ragtimepiano.ca.
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.
