Desdemona - Glenn Jenks

Glenn Jenks was never content to merely follow tradition—he expanded it. Desdemona (1989) stands as one of his most striking compositions, a work that both honors and transcends the ragtime form. While firmly rooted in the classic structure of ragtime, Desdemona ventures into bold new territory, reshaping the expected oom-pah left-hand with unexpected accompaniment, intricate inner voices, and moments of near-orchestral grandeur.

Desdemona breathes with an expressive freedom more commonly associated with late Romantic piano works. Jenks weaves a tapestry of counterpoint and syncopation, making the piece feel less like a march and more like a story unfolding at the keyboard. The result is an emotionally rich composition that elevates ragtime to new creative heights.

Glenn Jenks' own interpretation of Desdemona, which can be heard on YouTube, reveals the piece’s depth and brilliance. However, as with all great compositions, Desdemona invites individual interpretation. My own approach to this piece takes a different path, exploring its nuances from a fresh perspective—one that I believe Jenks himself would have welcomed. His music was never meant to be confined but to inspire, challenge, and evolve with each performance.

For those who love ragtime, Desdemona is a revelation—proof that the genre can be as sophisticated, daring, and breathtaking as any other form of piano music. Glenn Jenks left us a treasure with this composition, and it remains one of his most enduring and remarkable achievements.

If you like what you hear on my channel, please consider a small donation to help keep my fingers going!
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...

If you'd like to learn more about American composers like Glenn Jenks, please visit:
https://www.americanpianomusic.com/

You can find all of my digital piano albums here:
https://corteswearingen.bandcamp.com/
And don't forget to subscribe to this channel so you don't miss any new piano videos!