Having previously arranged C.P.E. Bach's Solfeggietto, and Mozart's Rondo alla turca for two pianos in jazz and latin styles respectively, I felt that the Toccata in A by Pietro Domenico Paradies (1707-91) might be a further suitable candidate, this time setting it in ragtime style. If some people enjoy it, then that's all that matters, not whether the added 'syncopations' make it an authentic rag or not. As ever, the original is sti... (more)

Having previously arranged C.P.E. Bach's Solfeggietto, and Mozart's Rondo alla turca for two pianos in jazz and latin styles respectively, I felt that the Toccata in A by Pietro Domenico Paradies (1707-91) might be a further suitable candidate, this time setting it in ragtime style. If some people enjoy it, then that's all that matters, not whether the added 'syncopations' make it an authentic rag or not. As ever, the original is still out there, unsullied!

I have sneaked in short references to two other tunes just near the end. The second reference might have been particularly appropriate to the Italian, Paradies, who, in fact, taught harpsichord and singing in London, from 1747, and might just have come across the occasional 'English Country Garden'!

P.S. The honky tonk pianos are optional!

All Reviews

There is 1 review for this score

excellent
What a sensational piece too from mr. Buttall. Brilliant the second part. I thought hearing in bar 29-32 some Schumann Toccata! Is that a coincidense? Also nice the sudden melody in bar 74-77 that Percy Grainger transcribed in his piece: "Country Gardens" for piano-solo too. It's bright, energetic, and absolutely not easy in the right tempo. Mr. Buttall, hope you will still go on for a long time making such wonderful music like all your other very good compositions. From a Dutchman-musician who found your music. It makes a player and listener really happy!

roelof oostmeijer