The Nonpareil (1907) - Scott Joplin (With Score / Sheet Music)

Details

Description

The cover with Uncle Sam holding the US flag would possibly indicate for this to be a patriotic march or fast two-step. However, it is actually a pleasantly paced Classic Rag, containing Joplin's now expected note, "NOTICE: Do not play this piece fast. It is never right to play "Ragtime" fast." Based on this and the French title, it is possible that publisher John Stark or his daughter named the piece, possibly even based on the current cover art availability. However, Joplin may have also had a say in the name, since there were various bars and performance venues named "Nonpareil" present in some of the locations where the composer resided.

The carefully quiet A section allows for a honorable introduction to Joplin's new experimentation with variations on the ragtime format in the B. From here, Joplin would utilize a flowing left hand melodic line underneath chords, alternating with a right hand melody in return. The C section reflects similarity to many of his lush trios of this era, though less complex harmonically, serving a suitable passage into the D section. This portion of the work being well syncopated, almost to the point of sounding improvisational, and sharing the end of the B section in an expression of unity and continuity.

Note that the title term came into the American lexicon in the mid-1880s in association with Irish-born boxer, "Nonpareil" Jack Dempsey (the original, not the 1920s fighter who took the same name), who remained undefeated in 41 bouts from 1883 to 1889. He had managed to remain mostly victorious in subsequent bouts over the next few years until his untimely death in 1895 at age 33 from tuberculosis. While there may be no direct association between Dempsey and the Joplin piece, his extraordinary career and national fame may have certainly kept the word floating around in the public's consciousness for many years afterwards.
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"The Nonpareil (A Rag & Two Step)" - Classic Piano Rag - Pattern: Intro A A B B Trio Trio D D
Music by Scott Joplin, published by Stark Music Co. in 1907
Cover Artist: Hickey

Music description provided & written by Bill Edwards
© 1998-2024 Bill Edwards

Music performed by Guido Nielsen with his album "Scott Joplin: The Complete Works (Rags, Waltzes, Marches & Songs)"

℗ 2000 Basta Audio-Visuals
Producer: Piet Schreuders
Music Publisher: Basta Music
Performer: Guido Nielsen