ABOUT PETER MUIR | CONTACT | HOME

“I Love a Piano”: Neglected Gems of the American Parlor

This lecture recital explores the neglected musical treasures created for the American parlor at its heyday, in the first two decades of the twentieth century. Ragtime, light classical “parlor” music, popular songs, ballads, blues, and more, combine to make an unforgettable presentation. Featuring the music of Scott Joplin, Irving Berlin, Jelly Roll Morton, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and many others, this recital powerfully brings to life the music of a bygone era in all its vitality and variety.

Topics include:

  • The different music genres of parlor music: ragtime, blues, jazz and light classical.
  • The piano: the center of domestic musical life.
  • What made popular songs popular?
  • Dancing in the home:  Waltzing, cakewalking, and turkey trotting.