Dubbed the "King of Ragtime", Scott Joplin (ca. 1868-1917) was one of the most important and influential composers at the turn of the 20th century. At age seven, he discovered a piano in a neighbour's house and began experimenting with it by ear. In 1897, Joplin had his breakthrough, when he completed his Maple Leaf Rag.
Phillip Dyson, recognised as one of Britain's most sought after and innovative concert pianists and broadcasts regularly, has recorded the Joplin's complete piano works for Decca, reaffirming Joplin's reputation as a serious and influential American composer. Joplin's music has prevailed. Ragtime scholars and speciality pianists have kept his memory alive for decades. His rags, marches and waltzes are securely ensconced in the piano repertoire. © Decca Records