The Library of Ragtime and Early Blues Piano : Book Review

"The Library of Ragtime and Early Blues Piano" by Amy Appleby is an exceptional compilation of sheet music that caters to pianists of all skill levels who have an interest in playing ragtime and early blues on the piano. This book is a true gem as it offers a wide array of compositions from various influential artists of the time, making it a comprehensive collection for any piano player.

The book begins with an enlightening introduction that provides a deep dive into the history of ragtime and early blues piano, offering valuable background information for readers. The arrangements themselves are impeccably organized, featuring a diverse range of styles and difficulty levels. This allows beginners to start with simpler pieces and offers more advanced players the opportunity to challenge themselves with more complex compositions.

One of the standout qualities of this book is the inclusion of insightful notes and explanations for each piece. These notes offer historical context and provide performance tips, adding an educational element to the collection. This makes the book suitable for players seeking both recreational enjoyment and deeper study of the genre. Moreover, the book features a wide range of composers, including the likes of Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton, and W.C. Handy, ensuring that there is something to suit the preferences of every fan of this era of music.

The sheet music itself is clear and easy to read, with fingerings and chord symbols provided. This enables players to quickly grasp the dynamics and nuances of each piece, aiding in interpretation and performance. Additionally, the book is durably bound, making it suitable for regular use and ensuring that it will withstand the test of time.

In conclusion, "The Library of Ragtime and Early Blues Piano" is an invaluable resource for pianists looking to explore and master the beauty of ragtime and early blues music. Amy Appleby has compiled a fantastic collection of sheet music that is not only educational but also enjoyable to play, making it a must-have for anyone looking to expand their repertoire in this wonderful genre.

What are readers saying?

"The Library of Ragtime and Early Blues Piano" by Amy Appleby is a well-regarded book that has received numerous positive reviews from readers. With an average rating of 4.38 stars out of 5, it has garnered praise for its comprehensive coverage of ragtime and early blues piano music.

One recurring theme in the reviews is the book's depth of content. Readers appreciate Amy Appleby's extensive research and knowledge, and they find the book to be a valuable resource due to its inclusion of sheet music, historical information, and biographical details about prominent musicians from the ragtime and early blues era. The inclusion of lesser-known artists is seen as an enriching aspect of the book.

Readers also commend the book's organization, with several reviewers noting that the pieces are well-arranged and easy to navigate. The book provides clear indications of the difficulty level of each piece, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced players. This allows individuals to progress at their own pace.

The educational value of the book is another aspect that resonates with readers. Many appreciate the accompanying CD, which provides audio examples of the music and enhances the learning experience. Some readers credit the book with helping them develop their piano playing skills and gain a deeper understanding of ragtime and early blues music. The inclusion of historical context and background information is also seen as a valuable addition to the book.

While the overall sentiment towards "The Library of Ragtime and Early Blues Piano" is overwhelmingly positive, there are a few criticisms. Some readers feel that the historical information could have been more extensive, while others express a desire for more in-depth analysis and commentary on the pieces. However, these criticisms are minimal compared to the overwhelming praise for the book's comprehensive content and educational value.

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