Please Say You Will (1895) is Scott Joplin’s first published composition. Though the “I’m sorry, please take me back” lyrics (written by Joplin) are bland and one-dimensional, the music points forward to the later Augustan Club Waltz, also in the key of B-flat major. In the song’s chorus, the right hand melody of the piano harmonizes with the vocal melody in thirds. Joplin’s membership in the Texas Medley Quartet vocal group, one of several touring ensembles led by Joplin, is prominently displayed on the cover; I speculate that the Quartet could have performed this song, singing the chorus with harmonies in the manner described above.
Please Say You Will was recorded by Richard Zimmerman and Guido Neilsen and included in their complete Scott Joplin cycles. The score was published by M. L. Mantell of Syracuse, NY, and can be downloaded freely from 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.
