Top to bottom, bar for bar, W. Brett Youens’ piano rags are as well-crafted as anyone’s. Kangaragaroo (2009) is in the uncommon rag key of E major and makes playful use of dissonance, as seen in the excerpt pictured. Overall, the piece is bouncy and lighthearted. The music unexpectedly modulates to F major in the more languid C section, marked piano and legato.
As similarly seen in Scott Joplin’s Sunflower Slow Drag, the cadential 15th measures of several sections of Kangaragaroo (B, C, and D) are the same. Sheet music for Kangaragaroo can be purchased by contacting the composer via brettyouens.com.
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.
