Ragtime

Definition

Ragtime is a musical genre that emerged in the late 1890s and peaked in popularity between 1895 and 1918. Scott Joplin, known as the “King of Ragtime,” was one of the most famous ragtime composers, with “The Entertainer” being perhaps the most well-known ragtime piece. Ragtime was a crucial predecessor to jazz and influenced the development of early American popular music.

Characteristics

  1. large leaps in the left hand alternating between bass notes and chords, providing a steady, march-like bass line
    • imitate the rhythm of a march: the octave bass notes take the place of the bass drum and the chords take the place of the cymbals
  2. syncopation (off-beat rhythm) in the right hand: accented notes or chords occur before or after the beat, sometimes rests are placed on strong beats
  3. a piece of ragtime has four or more melodies or themes, each lasting for 16 bars
  4. usually performed on piano
  5. form: a sequence of musical themes in succession
    6. A A B B A C C D D

Listening

Scott Joplin, Maple Leaf Rag

 

Scott Joplin, Entertainer