“Scott Joplin - Bethena” is classified as a Level 0 Piano work worth 0 points within the Road to Virtuosity progression system. It is categorized under Composers and is part of the Romantic collection. The sheet music for “Scott Joplin - Bethena” provided on this website is public domain. This means it may be downloaded, printed, copied, shared, performed, arranged, republished, sold, or used commercially.
Measures 1–8 open with a short high waltz figure, long rests, and a low bass line that leads into sustained chords.
Measures 9–24 establish the cantabile melody above a gently alternating bass and middle-register chords. Measures 25–28 linger on held, shifting harmonies before a new key and fuller chordal phrase in measures 29–44. A brief chromatic link in measures 45–52 returns to the opening melody.
Measures 53–68 restate that cantabile theme with small changes in its upper notes and bass replies. Measures 69–76 expand into long, rising upper runs over held harmonies.
Measures 77–92 introduce a more emphatic chordal theme, alternating with high melodic replies; its final bars soften and settle. Measures 93–101 use shorter chord exchanges and a slowing cadence before the next cantabile section.
Measures 102–117 set a new lyrical line over the familiar waltz bass. Measures 118–140 develop it with higher runs, stronger chords, alternate endings, and a sustained transition.
Measures 141–156 present the finale, bringing back the opening cantabile rhythm in a fuller texture. Measures 157–164 slow into an Andante close with held tones, low descending notes, and the final chord.
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