This piece often appears in its published editions with the words syncopated two-step printed below the title. While this description prepares the uninitiated for the style of music on the pages below, it is not particularly helpful since much, if not most of Joplin's keyboard works could be described that way. The title, too, like many by the composer, is rather generic in relation to the music: yes, it is euphonic in sound, but what Joplin piece isn't? But the music more than compensates for the inadequacies of the title and published descriptions, which are rather minor matters anyway. Euphonic Sounds presents a bouncy, carefree theme utterly typical of Joplin's colorful ragtime style. It consists of two phrases that repeat before a series of sassy, bouncing chords close out the theme's first appearance. The next time around only the concluding portion changes, turning a bit more serious but hardly jettisoning the playful spirit. The second subject and other materials maintain the ragtime flavors, but it is the infectious main theme, which returns throughout the piece, that is dominant and most charming in this four- to five-minute gem.

© Robert Cummings, Rovi