Ragtime Classics for Mallets, Album 3 includes Philippe Van den Bossche’s versions of eight ragtime tunes arranged for unspecified solo mallet instrument (treble clef), piano, and optional drumset. Included for each piece are the piano score, solo mallet instrument part, and a fully notated drum part. The inclusion of drum parts is appreciated since, while many players perform ragtime accompaniments by ear or referencing the solo part, those less familiar with the tune or genre will surely find them helpful.

This “album” is the third of four published in this series and bears the subtitle “Miscellaneous Masters.”While the other three all feature the music of Scott Joplin, this one includes eight composers, including Charles L. Johnson (“Dill Pickles”), Tom Turpin (“The St. Louis Rag”), and George Botsford (“Black and White Rag”).

Neither the solo nor the accompaniment parts are particularly challenging, with the solo parts also only utilizing a range of about 2.5 octaves maximum. This collection would be great for a ragtime enthusiast looking to branch out, and it is appropriate for university, high school, and advanced middle-school students to explore.