Joplin: Solace

Scott Joplin was 'the King of Ragtime Writers', a composer who raised banjo piano playing, a lowly entertainment associated with saloons and brothels, into an American art form loved by millions. Born in Texas around 1867 or 1868, Joplin was brought up in Texarkana, the son of a labourer and former slave. As a child, Joplin taught himself piano on an instrument belonging to a white family that granted him access to it, and in due course studied with a local, German-born teacher who introduced Joplin to classical music.

Joplin's first published rag dates from 1895 and the last from the year of his death, 1917, although an important 1914 piano roll of an unpublished rag was discovered as late as 1971.

Joplin's death did not make the headlines for two reasons: Ragtime was quickly losing ground to jazz and the United States would enter World War I within days. He was buried in St. Michael's Cemetery in the Astoria section of Queens.

A welcome break after a hard day's work! The lark, the ash and the English country garden are celebrated in gentle piano music and English folk song. The plaintive oboe and the haunting sounds of the lute and flute add to the atmosphere of calm and contemplation.

A charming album which combines music evoking children and childish things with music for moments of repose for a tired mum! A perfect gift for Mother's Day or any occasion, the album includes works by Mozart, Haydn and Brahms.

'Easy on a Sunday morning…' This collection of music is perfect for making a slow start to the day. So get the Sunday papers, put the kettle on, and relax with a beautiful mixture of piano and orchestral music with a slow, gentle style.

Music from America's brilliant period, from the end of the Civil War to the second decade of the 1900s, reflected in an album of piano music and songs. Edward MacDowell and others wrote music of great beauty and refinement: and there are songs from Stephen Foster, and early Ragtime too, in the works of Joplin and others.

"Paris Mécanique" presents some of the most charming and unique small works from the early 20th century in new arrangements done especially for Sabine Meyer, and Trio di Clarone Clarinet player Sabine Meyer is regarded as one of the most outstanding soloists of our time. Since her debut at the age of 16, she has performed with more than 150 professional orchestras around the world.

A fascinating exploration of piano works by American composers whose lives, in some way, have been touched by New York. "These pieces seemed tied inextricably with the American personality and culture", says Elizabeth Hayes of this programme, "at times warm and intimate, at others dazzling and extroverted, capturing an essence of blue-grass, jazz, hoe-downs and a cool, lyrical modernity".