A rare example of late-period or modern ragtime composition, utilizing classic syncopated rhythms. It offers a lighthearted and jaunty character typical of the genre.
At Henle 4 this is an intermediate piece that expects secure technique and real attention to phrasing. The main demands: a left hand with real melodic or rhythmic responsibility of its own, and precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.
The primary challenge is maintaining a steady, strict bass 'oom-pah' stride while keeping the syncopated melodies rhythmically accurate.
Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.
A level or two down with the same spirit — ideal if this piece is still out of reach.
Where this piece's skills lead: slightly harder works making similar technical demands.
Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.
Concoction Rag is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 4.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 4 — meaning you can already play level 3–4 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.
A typical performance of Concoction Rag lasts about 3 minutes.
Concoction Rag is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.
Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Clock Tower Rag by Cameron Lee Simpson, 24th Street Rag by Cameron Lee Simpson, Cockroach Rag by Cameron Lee Simpson — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.