Rag and Roll

Duration: 3m45s This short, fun rag-like piece is ideal for a young (or not so young), talented pianist who wants a challenge. A witty, contemporary piano piece with plenty of character, Rag and Roll is tonal with dissonant elements. The piece sounds best played strictly in time with extreme dynamic contrasts. It's a great way to invigorate any recital! The piece should be played strictly in time with the contrasts in dynamics becoming ever more extreme. Rag and Roll is based on two short, repetitive ideas - the first is four quarters + one sixteenth in length, the second contains varied short phrases - in contrasting harmonic sections. These ideas are developed in the right hand while the left hand accompaniment remains steady and even. The metronomic drive continues until the last page, where the piece concludes in a frantic flurry and final stomp.