Maple Leaf Rag - Scott Joplin PIANO TUTORIAL - P. Barton, piano

Please note: This new Maple Leaf Rag edition is based on a transcription of Joplin’s piano roll but edited in such a way as to make the embellishments more practical to play at a moderate to fast tempo.

*Even though Maple Leaf Rag was written in 2/4 meter I prefer to play it in 4/4 meter, because (to me) the phrases arch best in 4/4.

In these recordings, I use the harmonic pedal (only) in resonance half-position. The harmonic pedal was invented by Denis de la Rochefordière.

[Gigasaur]

Paul, you provide for free on this platform what few could expect to see and hear in music colleges and universities around the world at great expense. By this alone you deserve everything you've earned and more. One of the greatest musicians and educators on YT. 👏👏👏

[kaylllake]

Paul is not only a remarkable pianist, he is a great teacher. In these days, it is so refreshing to find such a great person!

[jrileycain]

I appreciate this wonderful rendition. So many pianists insist on playing Maple Leaf Rag as fast as possible. They're using the music to show off their talent, to display themselves. Maestro Barton uses his talent to show off the beauty of the music.

[xanthopsized]

I was mesmerized by the piano roll version of Maple Leaf but couldn’t find a single video of anyone playing it, that’s until I found your video. Hands down the neatest version. You capture almost all the embellishments I hear in the piano roll version. I can’t thank you enough.

[artisuryavanshi]

Maple Leaf Rag" is a multi-strain ragtime march with athletic baselines and offbeat melodies. Each of the four parts features a recurring theme and a striding bass line with copious seventh chords. The piece may be considered the "archetypal rag" due to its influence on the genre; its structure was the basis for many other rags, including "Sensation" by Joseph Lamb.

Paul, your channel deserves 1M subs, "So guys please smash the subscribe button of his channel"on Paul's behalf.😁😁.He is very detailed too.

[ScorpionSpeed]

Absolutely astonishing!! You will always be my favorite modern-day pianist, Paul.

[robertthompson]

I'm so impressed . To find someone who knows and plays Scot Joplin to such a high standard. I have heard dozens of players but you are the very best.Thank you

[janjool]

Thanks for covering Scott Joplin. I always find practicing his pieces most enjoyable because they make you want to dance 🙂

[pattiannepascual]

Magnificent! and the actual piano is so well balanced. It sounds amazing.

[willie]

Thank you Sir! Your interpretation, your analysis, your commentary, and most of all, your respect for this man and his music, is by far, the best I have ever heard or seen. Although I have very little my talent, smarts or skills, you have inspired me to try playing this wonderful music once again. Thank you for doing justice to Scott Joplin!!

[pennyliao]

Learning this piece now. This video breaks down the differences across the versions so clearly. Thank you!

[peramundsson]

I am basically a classic pianist, but also very interested in old-fashioned American piano styles like boogie woogie, ragtime, stride and swing piano. Thank you Paul for a very entertaining, interesting and inspiring video. You play the piece perfectly and exactly as it was written, without any silly additions or changes as some other modern day ragtime players do. I could play Maple Leaf Rag when i was younger and will soon go about to re-learn this piece. Your video is very inspiring and helpful to me.

[solenecarre]

thank you for the score, I really like these embellishment notes !

[Khyree_Holmes]

one of my favorites! I heard this when I was little on TV or something....

[natfrey]

I learned this in my late teens and just last night played it while my in-laws and children danced to it.. When I heard your swing version a week or so ago, I longed to learn it that way. Thanks so much for the free score! Those embellishments are wonderful.

[olabystrom]

Thank you for the score with the added notes! 🙏🏼

[samwest]

This is so inspiring to watch and listen to. The explanation of the various approaches is expertly given, and brilliantly played, in such a calm manner too! Thank you Paul Barton!

[rodgermyles]

Having real difficulty with the Trio probably because I am a beginner. Have downloaded your version. many thanks for your demos. Will be back to get them solidly impressed so one day I might be able to play this reasonably well. Thanks.

[PiotrBarcz]

I like the third example without swing but with the offset accents. That is true ragtime.

[leyniaLip]

What a treat to hear and learn. I love this style of music and did not know anything about it. Thank you!