Scott Joplin arranged Peter Lawson
THE ENTERTAINER for solo instrument & piano
Goodmusic GM435

The Entertainer was one of the most original of many piano rags written by the American composer-pianist Scott Joplin (1868-1917). It was published in 1902, and is subtitled "A Rag Time Two Step", which was a popular dance at the time. There was something of a revival in Joplin’s music after the centenary of his birth and The Entertainer was used as the theme tune in the well-known film, The Sting (1973), which won no less than seven Oscars. As a result, the tune became familiar to many. Ever since, its easy-going, memorable themes have continued to endear themselves to the listening public and to pianists of all ages, amateur and professional.
In this edition, there is an option to hear the first theme again at the end, or to end where Joplin intended, after the last of three contrasting sections. Phrasing, extra dynamics, articulation marks and suggested extra tempi instructions (ie all except the initial ‘Not fast’) have been added, as, in the original publication, there are just occasional indications.

The piano accompaniment part (which is the same for all solo instruments) and the individual solo parts are sold separately.
The Violin solo is shown in the pianist’s copy, but the parts for other instruments only differ in tessitura as befits the characteristics of the instrument and the pianist should not be at all troubled by the differences between what is written and what is being played!
Solo parts are available for Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Flute, Treble Recorder, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, and Tenor Trombone.
Duration 5 minutes

Also available for solo piano (GM434) and orchestra (GMCP025).