Joshua Rifkin is an American conductor, keyboard player, and musicologist, widely recognized for his versatile contributions to the field of classical music, with a special emphasis on early music and ragtime. Born in 1944, Rifkin has enjoyed a multifaceted career that spans academic study, performance, and recording.

Notably, Rifkin is credited with sparking the revival of ragtime music in the 1970s, particularly through his landmark recordings of Scott Joplin's piano rags. His album "Scott Joplin Piano Rags," released in 1970, was a substantial critical and commercial success, bringing the intricacies of ragtime to a wide audience and earning a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame. In the realm of classical music, Rifkin has made an indelible mark as an interpreter of Johann Sebastian Bach. His recordings, such as "Bach, J.S.: Cantatas" and "Bach, J.S.: 6 Favourite Cantatas," showcase his skill in capturing the depth and textures of Bach's compositions, often featuring the use of period instruments and historically informed performance practices. In addition to Bach, Rifkin's work with the compositions of Joseph Haydn and Mozart, as illustrated by his recordings of symphonies and serenades, attest to his breadth as a conductor. His scholarship and musicianship have made Joshua Rifkin a respected and influential figure in the ongoing appreciation and understanding of both baroque music and the ragtime genre.

Genres

Ragtime

Latest Release

Salzman: Nude Paper Sermon

Joshua Rifkin

Ep - 6 Tracks - Released October 2, 2012