Commissions
Maple Leaf Rag
Scott Joplin
Composer:
Scott Joplin
Arranger:
Adam Maness
Publication:
Duration:
4:18
Program notes:
This commission was performed with the Cortango Orquesta
Cortango Orquesta, a tango ensemble with a symphonic twist, is a concert and dance band featuring members of the Saint Louis Symphony. Founded and led by Cally Banham, a trained social Tango dancer, Cortango specializes in popular classics from the beloved orchestra leaders of Tango's golden era. Cortango is named for the "Cor anglais," or "English horn" - the atypical instrument in this otherwise orquesta tipica! Their songbook comes entirely from original arrangements made by members of the band, and by Argentine bandoneon player and Tango arranger, Julian Hasse, a featured collaborator.
​
Cortango Orquesta was born from a desire to create a live music experience that would be ideal for social dancers and has evolved to become a fusion concert ensemble, exploring the vast repertoire of contemporary Tango, incorporating a mixture of jazz and classical styles. The band debuted at the St. Louis Ritz-Carlton's "Nuestra Milonga" in May 2013. Engagements during their first season included a New York City debut at Cary Hall and a Festival debut performance at the Midwest Tango FestivNo Information Available at this Timeal. The group has been featured twice in concert at spectacular Powell Symphony Hall, as well as the Public Media Commons presented by the Nine Network. As part of the community programs at the St. Louis Symphony, Cortango has performed for patients at Siteman Cancer Center and for veterans at The Jefferson Barracks. To celebrate the great community of Tango dancers in St. Louis, Cortango created the popular annual "Chapel Milonga" event!
​
Cortango's debut album, "Tandas," released in 2015, is available on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby and was featured on the PBS show "Arts America." Cortango is a featured collaborator on a new recording scheduled for release in November 2017. Learn more about Cortango by visiting their website - http://www.cortango.com/
​
Voicing:
SSAA
Accompaniment:
Piano, Oboe, English Horn, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
Themes:
Jazz, Ragtime, Musical Traditions​
Lyrics:
I came from ole VirginyNo Information Available at this Time
From the county Acomac.
I have no wealth to speak of
'cept the clothes upon my backNo Information Available at this Time.
I can do the country hoe down,
I can buck and wing to show down,
And while I'm in the notion,
just step back and watch my motion.
No Information Available at this Time
Go 'way man I can hypAdam ManessAdam Manessnotize dis nation,
I can shake de earth's foundation wid de Maple Leaf Rag.
Go 'way man just hold your breath a minut,
For there's not a stunt that's in it with the Maple Leaf Rag.
I dropp'd into de swellest ball,
The great exclusive it,
But my face was dead agin me
and my trousers didn't fit.
But when Maple Leaf was started
my timidity departed.
I lost my trepidation ---
you could taste de admiration.
Go 'way man I can hypnotize dis nation,
I can shake de earth's foundation wid de Maple Leaf Rag.No Information Available at this Time
Go 'way man just hold your breath a minut,
For there's not a stunt that's in it with the Maple Leaf Rag.
Sydney Brown
Become a Donor
Since 1995, the Saint Louis Women's Chorale has inspired our community through musical excellence. Every concert features a regional premiere, illuminating little-known stories through groundbreaking music by women composers and poets. Your sponsorship brings these powerful artistic experiences to life.