Graceful Ghost Rag

National Federation of Music Clubs 2014-2016 Selection Piano Solo

By William Bolcom

"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.

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

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

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.

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