Graceful Ghost Rag National Federation of Music Clubs 2014-2016 Selection Piano Solo by William Bolcom Piano Solo - Sheet Music

Dorothy K.

May 24, 2024

Excellent piece that is not like the average ragtime music.

Arkadiusz B.

Mar 21, 2019

Graceful Ghost Rag is great piece - here's an example of what a talented composer can do even if working within the constraints of a form which is commonly considered, er, less than profound. The melody is certainly nice; what stands out, however, is the harmony. It's beautiful, complex, slightly neo-tonal, but never really dissonant to the point of repelling a person whose musical preferences are firmly anchored within a traditional tonal system.This piece may not be for a beginner but if one has sufficient technical facilities to handle it the musical reward will be immense. Strongly recommended.

Ann F.

Oct 24, 2018

Most appealing piece Ive heard in along time. Greatly enjoying learning it. The harmonies are divine as well as the rhythm.

California N.

Oct 16, 2017

Received very quickly. Music is clear and easy to follow.

Ellen C.

May 26, 2015

I have been working on this piece on and off for over 2 years. The middle section is harder than the first. The last section is a reprisal of the first section. I'm not really a fan of ragtime piano - to listen or play - but this piece is unusual. It's a beautiful, intimate rag with a lot of challenging stuff. The rag can be played in straight time or swing. I would rate this harder than a Level 8. I've seen it rated by RCM as a Level 10.

Cyndi

Dec 16, 2011

This is a very tricky, but beautiful piece. It has five pages of a mixture of octave stretches, syncopated single notes (the trickiest part!) and one key signature switch in the middle. I suggest getting a good MP3 recording by Bolcom and following this sheet music. And, customizing fingering to meet the numerous stretches and positions on the piano.

Cindy

Dec 16, 2011

This is definitely advanced, but sounds great once it is played well. It's quite a satisfaction to get through this piece.

Cindy

Dec 16, 2011

Wow, this is tricky stuff. It should have some fingering in it, but otherwise, it's accurately printed in easy to read notation. I suggest taking this 5 page piece one line at a time along with an MP3 recording by Bolcom to play it well. It's fun to play.

Shirlthe C.

Nov 7, 2011

This composition is not very difficult technically to perform, it is the musical nuances, rubatos, syncopation that is oftimes left up to the individual performer (pianist) to determine and execute. It's a wonderful addition to my repertoire and is loved by all who hear it.