In the summer of 2024 Jacob Adams wrote Three Piano Rags Op. 47 and dedicated them to me (thank you, Jacob!). No. 2 in D minor (pictured), marked adagio, is autumnally bittersweet. As with Adams’ other work, this piece is harmonically advanced; an E-flat seventh chord extended by a ninth and an eleventh (the notes F and A) recurs throughout the piece. The return of the A section has a chromatic counterpoint of sixteenth notes in lieu of the usual Ragtime march-like left hand. The C section is in F minor and makes use of the natural minor scale. The climactic section of the piece is the D section, with luminous A-flat major seventh chords. Each of Adams’ Three Piano Rags Op. 47 can be heard on his YouTube channel, @adams8261983.
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.
