If such recordings are not available, recordings of piano rolls sound surprisingly good, considering the technology. Because the performance is recorded onto the disc using today's technology, the full range of sounds can be heard clearly. Unfortunately, some studios tend to employ 70-80 year old player pianos that have suffered greatly. Such performances would sound much better on a modern or well-restored piano. Of course, modern renditions of these works are also available thanks to performers such as Max Morath, Richard Zimmerman and Judy Carmichael.
Ragtime is considered to be one of the first truly American musical styles.
It is characterized by a syncopated melodic line played over a steady base. The base line alternates between octaves toward the lower range of the keyboard and chords toward the middle range. The style gets its name from the syncopated right hand line. Today there is an active ragtime scene, with festivals, concerts and new compositions appearing regularly. Ragtime originated as dance music, and thus tempos were quite strict.