Graceful Ghost Rag (for Viola and Piano) - William Bolcom

This score is a duo arrangement of William Bolcom’s Graceful Ghost Rag for solo instrument and piano. While preserving the original ragtime character and gentle lyricism, the key has been thoughtfully adapted to suit the technical and tonal qualities of each string instrument. The overall tonality is derived from the original B-flat minor, with the opening set in A minor for violin and C minor for viola and cello, allowing each instrument to speak with maximum resonance and ease. The piano accompaniment closely reflects the harmony and rhythmic language of the original, with selective additions and omissions to ensure practical balance and clarity in a duo setting. Expressive swing feel and subtle rubato are essential to bringing out the charm of this piece. Recommended positions are violin up to 5th position, viola up to 3rd position, and cello up to 5th position.