Mr. Punch in the Arts: The Puppet Suite, 1927

The Billy Mayerl Society

Written by the famed pianist Billy Mayerl, “The Puppets Suite” was published in 1927 and consists of three movements which encapsulate the joyful spirit of a “Punch and Judy” show.

The first movement is called “Golliwog.” The term is out-of-favor today and is generally thought to be a derisive term, however, for decades it simply referred to an African man. Such a character appears in the Punch and Judy tradition in the form of “Jim Crow” who acted as a footman to Mr. Punch.

The second movement is entitled “Judy.” This bluesy section reflect Judy’s position as Punch’s put-upon wide.

And, finally, there’s “Punch.” This section is considered a “masterpiece of brio.” A complicated piece, it is only successfully played when approached with the right speed and attack. This recording allows us to hear the Suite as it should be played—by Billy Mayerl himself.

Mr. Punch in the Arts: The Puppet Suite, 1927

The Billy Mayerl Society

Written by the famed pianist Billy Mayerl, “The Puppets Suite” was published in 1927 and consists of three movements which encapsulate the joyful spirit of a “Punch and Judy” show.

The first movement is called “Golliwog.” The term is out-of-favor today and is generally thought to be a derisive term, however, for decades it simply referred to an African man. Such a character appears in the Punch and Judy tradition in the form of “Jim Crow” who acted as a footman to Mr. Punch.

The second movement is entitled “Judy.” This bluesy section reflect Judy’s position as Punch’s put-upon wide.

And, finally, there’s “Punch.” This section is considered a “masterpiece of brio.” A complicated piece, it is only successfully played when approached with the right speed and attack. This recording allows us to hear the Suite as it should be played—by Billy Mayerl himself.

At the Music Hall: Billy Mayerl's Marigold, 1927

Billy Mayerl
Image from "The Billy Mayerl Society"

“Marigold” is perhaps the best known composition of celebrated English pianist and composer Billy Mayerl (1902-1959). Mayerl was the “Master of Light Music” and rose to great popularity on the boards of the English Music Halls and musical theatres. His syncopated novelty piano pieces (over three hundred which he wrote himself) were often named for and inspired by flowers and trees. Though he’s famous for these piano pieces, he also composed a variety of more substantial works for piano and orchestra. Mayerl also founded and operated the “School of Syncopation” which offered instruction in modern musical techniques such as ragtime. This led to his long-running correspondence course, “How to Play Like Billy Mayerl.”

These two videos are quite enjoyable. The first is a recent performance of “Marigold” and the second is a rare film of Billy Joseph Mayerl himself playing the piece.