Joplin Scott

Bethena: A Concert Waltz

Scott Joplin (1868-1917) wrote Bethena, A Concert Waltz for piano originally in 1905. It was the first work Joplin published since the death of his wife Freddie in September of 1904, only ten weeks after their wedding. A financial failure at the time of its release, this combination of rag and the classical waltz was rediscovered during the revival of Joplin's music in the 1970s, after which it was deemed among his best works. This arrangement for oboe with piano accompaniment is by J. Michael Leonard.