My favorite single bar of music is measure 13 of the C section of Scott Joplin’s Leola (1905), an archetype of Joplin’s lyrical finesse; to me, the melting of E-flat minor into D-flat major in measures 13-14, facilitated by chromatic bass octaves, is what makes Joplin’s work truly special. The melodic climax of the B section (in measure 14) is harmonically ambiguous and therefore beautifully understated. I hesitate to classify Leola as a sort of “middle child” between Maple Leaf Rag and Gladiolus Rag. These three pieces are beautiful in their own unique ways.
Both Leola’s original publisher (American Music Syndicate) and dedicatee (Miss Minnie Wade) remain a mystery. Sensitive recordings of Leola are easy to find. I most enjoy those by Richard Dowling, Scott Kirby, David Thomas Roberts, William Albright, John Arpin, and Joshua Rifkin; the lattermost, from Rifkin’s second volume of Scott Joplin rags (pictured), is sadly out of print. The score for this rare rag, beloved by sheet music collectors, can be downloaded as a PDF 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.
