[Dixielandjazz] Re: Rakhmaninov's prelude (and more)

[DWSI at aol.com]

There was an era when it was fashionable to  arrange a classical piece in 
ragtime, some say. I just noted on a great 2 CD  set I have, A Century Of 
Ragtime, 1897--1997, there is a piece  entitled Musical Massacre apparently composed 
by Mimi Blais and  performed by Willie Eckstein in 1923 in Montreal. This is 
Chopin's  Revolutionary Etude done up in ragtime, if you could believe it, and  
something's happening here. The blurb states Eckstein is "the world's 
foremost  cinematic interpreter" (whatever that is) and that he astounded all with 
his  flawless technique and ability to create brilliant ragtime arrangements 
based  upon classical themes. Anyone ever hear of this guy? He sure plays damned  
good.  

Dan (piano fingers)  Spink