Volume Four of Giovanni De Chiaro’s complete traversal of Scott Joplin’s piano works transcribed for guitar encompasses some of the ragtime pioneer’s lesser known yet loveliest pieces. Much of the music works surprisingly well on guitar: the Chopin-esque harmonies of “Gladiolus Rag” and the wistful lyricism of “Something Doing”, to name a few. More upbeat selections like “The Ragtime Dance” and “Scott Joplin’s New Rag”, on the other hand, need to be slowed down in order to fit within the limitations of six strings. The piano’s left hand “oom-pahs” are sometimes recast in the form of repeated bass lines, which imply pedal point effects Joplin never intends. Still, De Chiaro projects the full measure of Joplin’s syncopated elegance with smooth technical aplomb and cultivated musicianship. There’s one production glitch, though. “Pleasant Moments” is reproduced at a slightly lower pitch than the other 13 cuts. I trust Centaur will correct the problem. The booklet notes discuss the music in great detail, but say nothing about the performer. I look forward to Volume Five.
