A discrepancy of dates re Ragtime Episode

[Jody Stecher]

According to all printed and internet resources I've seen the date given for Paul Eno's "A Ragtime Episode" is 1903. But Van Eps seems to have recorded it in 1902 and that date seems reliable. If the date 1903 were the date of publication rather than the date of composition that would resolve the mystery.  I'd like to provide a reliable date  for program notes for an upcoming concert. I just found out I need to write the program notes today!   

thanks!

 

[Trapdoor2]

I imagine all of the publication dates are wide of the mark re: actual "composition date"...unless someone has the original manuscript, I doubt we'll ever know exactly. Even then, lots of manuscript is undated. I seem to recall someone telling me that Joe Morley's manuscript is undated.

I have one piece of 1890's banjo sheet music in my collection which has owners markings (signature, date) that predate the publication date. That makes my head hurt.

[Jody Stecher]

Likewise it  makes my head hurt contemplating Fred Van Eps recording A Ragtime Episode a year before Paul Eno wrote it.

[Trapdoor2]

Deja Van Eps?

[Jody Stecher]

yeah, Deja VE

[Joel Hooks]

Here is a copy printed from the Stewart and Bauer plates from 1899--no trio though.

[Jody Stecher]

Thanks, Joel!