Who am I ? part III (final)

Dizzy Fingers - Ragtime Piano Solo - David Hicken / Zez Confrey

In 1924, I composed my first major classical work, XXXX  for orchestra and piano. This piece featured an intermediate work that would win over the audience when played. It was orchestrated by Paul Whitemans concert band in New York. It proved to be my most popular work.

In the mid-1920s, I stayed in Paris for a short period of time, during were I applied to study composition  along with several other prospective tutors.  They were afraid that rigorous classical study would ruin my jazz-influenced style^.  Maurice Ravel's rejection letter to me told me, "Why become a second-rate Ravel when you're already a first-rate  yourself ?" While there,  I wrote another piece. This work received mixed reviews upon its first performance at Carnegie Hall  on December 13, 1928, but it quickly became part of the standard repertoire in Europe and the United States.. Growing tired of the Parisian musical scene, I returned to the United States.

Now to the fun work, but also hard-work and rehearsals. But, what I didn´t like was, when people showed up late for the rehearsals... and who does?

Rag och ragtime on the piano was very popular in the 10´s and 20´s, but to me it was a little "stiff" in a way. And they put nails on the clubs in the piano to get a loader sound too.

I wanted more rythm. and accents. The dances of Charleston and other simular dancestyles amused me..

During my time in France I discovered the new "classical pianostyle" it was called Impressioneur or whatever. Debussy and Ravels music attracted me awhile.

But to me I was just Impressed by the Chords they  used... some, would call them "modes"... Yes, in a romantic way perhaps...But, to me this cat Chopin had already used them before, nothing NEW really.. and "superimposed scales" ???

To me it was just adding more tones to a basic chord, and use the chords in a different style and rythm. Give or take some arpeggios to it , to "spice it up" a  little.

I wanted Rythm and accent to the music in a modern way !

like this !!

So I wrote a musical called Girl Crazy that was a big hit on Broadway !

Have you guessed me yet?

 

This guy  below could have studied my technics, maybe?

Chico Marx playing the Piano 2 - The Marx Bros.

 

Here I am!

Hoppity-boppity, hoppity-boppity, staccato-tom-catto, it must be George!

more of my music tomorrow..