"Bethena, A Concert Waltz" was the first Joplin work since the death of his wife Freddie from pneumonia on September 10, 1904, ten weeks after their marriage At the time, the composer was having serious financial problems.

The piece combines two different styles of music, the classic waltz and ragtime. "Bethena" is regarded as evidence of Joplin's extraordinary talent for composition.

Scott Joplin's date of birth is unknown, but is believed to have been born in Texas between June 1867 ...