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The Smoky Topaz (1901) March and Two Step

Composer:	Bolen  (1883-1974)	Suppliers:
Editor:	Geoff Grainger	Quintet:	Tenor/Tenor/Tenor/Bass/Great Bass(Bass)
Publisher:	Ditty Box Enterprises	Publication:	DBE 640
Audio:	Audio file information

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Length: approx. 3 ¾ mins. Sounds best with doubled 3rd tenor and bass.
Right at the outset Bolen amusingly sets the pace of The Smoky Topaz with Tempo di Cakewalk indicating a light-hearted approach. Despite the composition being set entirely in the lower registers and in the 4- and 5-flatted keys of Ab and Db respectively, it fairly bubbles along joyously. This recorder adaptation is very demanding. Not only the unusual keys, for the recorder that is, but also the unusual melody section of three tenors both demand their tribute. The tenors in particular have to see that their gentle tones really come through to provide a firm melodic line.
A tempo of 94 crotchets/min. is suggested.
The Smoky Topaz was published by Daniels, Russel & Boone, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
There is also a trio version of this item.

"The Smoky Topaz (1901)" has been recorded by:
 Tom Brier on "Dualing at the McCoys" CD(s) & MP3 Album(s)
 Jenks/Grinstead on "Ragtime Bigtime" 
 Squeek Steele on "Ragtime Volume One" CD(s) & MP3 Album(s)
 Dave Tucker on "Meadow Lark" CD(s) & MP3 Album(s)