AR-- Joplin's relations with his community are intriguing---thanks for that background. It definitely sounds like the Houston Opera recording is worth getting--and it's too bad some more of the pieces from the opera don't get wider exposure--maybe they will later. It's interesting to note that Thomas Dorsey--of "Precious Lord" and other gospel music-- also had rocky relations with his community. They didn't like his persona of Georgia Tom, under which he did some real risque stuff (for the era). But I'm creeping away from the thread.
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