Commentary by Left Brain vs. Right Brain. RB: "The really cool thing about my Rolling River Rag is that pirates can call it by its initials: Arrrr, Arrrr, Arrrr, me mateys!" LB: "Au contraire, Monsieur Jean LeFou, my Rolling River Rag is most noteworthy for its very simplicity. This inspired a complex challenge: to create music of strong personality within an extremely narrow range: rock-steady tempo, unchanged dynamics and elementary form." RB: "Okay, okay. Bu... (more)

Commentary by Left Brain vs. Right Brain. RB: "The really cool thing about my Rolling River Rag is that pirates can call it by its initials: Arrrr, Arrrr, Arrrr, me mateys!" LB: "Au contraire, Monsieur Jean LeFou, my Rolling River Rag is most noteworthy for its very simplicity. This inspired a complex challenge: to create music of strong personality within an extremely narrow range: rock-steady tempo, unchanged dynamics and elementary form." RB: "Okay, okay. But without a true development (except changes in harmony and texture), the melodies must carry and balance all the weight. Kinda like a seal balancing 4 or 5 beach balls. Most rags are in basic march form: AABBCCDD, or AABBACCDD. Instead, my Rolling River Rag is in expanded rondo form with interrelated themes: AABACCABA. Abra cadabra!"

Note: Originally composed for piano, the MP3 file features my Rolling River Rag played on the harpsichord, just for fun ? la E. Power Biggs.

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