A Rag for Niamh

From the composer:
‘A Rag for Niamh’ is a new piece for oboe and piano, inspired by ragtime rhythms and textures. After an ad lib, slightly ‘misterioso’ introduction, a warm C major slow waltz strongly brings to mind Joplin’s ‘Bethena Waltz’. This leads to an Allegro section in A minor with a syncopated running theme, and some puddle-jumping along the way. The piece is for players of around grade 7 or 8 and will provide a fun alternative to the standard oboe repertoire.

The PDF E-Edition comes with a piano score and oboe part, and two MP3 tracks professionally recorded by Niamh Connellan (oboe) and Annabel Connellan (piano) with sound recording by Ben Connellan.

The MP3 tracks consist of a full recording and a practice play-along track. In the play-along track the volume of the oboe is reduced in the more rubato sections, and completely removed in the sections with a consistent tempo.

“A Rag for Niamh” is included in the following exam syllabi:
ABRSM Oboe – Grade 8 – valid from 2026

Please check the latest exam syllabi for updates and amendments.

“A Rag for Niamh” is also available in printed edition from June Emerson Wind Music.