Words and music by Scott Joplin.
Adapted, arranged, and orchestrated by T.J. Anderson.

Treemonisha (1911) is an opera by American ragtime composer Scott Joplin. It is sometimes referred to as a “ragtime opera”, though it encompasses a wide range of musical styles. The music of Treemonisha includes an overture and prelude, along with various recitatives, choruses, small ensemble pieces, a ballet, and a few arias. The opera was largely unknown before its first complete performance in 1972, with orchestration done by composer T.J. Anderson.

On January 30, 1972 The New York Times published a review by Harold C. Schonberg: “In writing ‘Treemonisha’ – the libretto was his own — Joplin clearly intended to author a social as well as musical document. He set up the forces of ignorance and superstition against liberalism and education represented by a young lady named Treemonisha.” “Morehouse College, aided by a Rockefeller grant, gave ‘Treemonisha’ an ambitious performance.

Thomas J. Anderson, a visiting professor at the college, orchestrated the opera in a style that follows the one example of Joplin’s orchestration that has come down to us.” The opera concludes with ‘A Real Slow Drag.’ Schonberg writes: “This slow drag is amazing. Harmonically enchanting, full of the tensions of an entire race, rhythmically catching, it refuses to leave the mind. Talk about soul music!”

Scott Joplin was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize for music in 1976 for Treemonisha.

Cast of Characters

Treemonisha Monisha – Treemonisha’s mother
Ned -Treemonisha’s father
Remus – friend of Treemonisha
Lucy – friend of Treemonisha
Andy – friend of Treemonisha
Zodzetrick – a conjurer
Luddud – a conjure
Cephus – a conjurer
Simon – a conjurer
Parson Alltalk – a preacher.
Corn-huskers, conjurors, cotton pickers, visitors, etc.

Premiere
The first fully staged performance of the Scott Joplin opera was given on January 28, 1972 at Morehouse College, in a production staged by Katherine Dunham and conducted by Robert Shaw, with orchestrations by T.J. Anderson. This production received fine notices, and brought Treemonisha to international attention.

Conductor: Robert Shaw
Editors: T.J. Anderson & William Bolcom
Wendell Whalum, Chorus Director
Katherine Dunham, Stage Director

Premiere featured cast members: Alpha Floyd, Simon Estes, Seth McCoy, Louise Parker, Joseph Bias, the African-American Workshop of Morehouse College, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Recording of this performance with interviews available to NPR stations through satellite, 2000.

Available in full (with Overture, Acts 1, 2, 3),, or as excerpted sections.
Vocal score and rental parts also available from ACA.