Musical Characteristics

-On-beat left hand, right hand frequently played off or against the beat

-Heavy use polyrhythm

-Form of the rag is like classical rondo (Used in many marches): Refrain (A) alternating with episodes (B,C,D)

Social Considerations

-Associated with a slave dance, the cakewalk

-Began as an oral tradition, improvised, while known rags are written down.

-Many were recorded piano rolls, frequently enhanced with additional notes and faster speeds

Ragtime Cont.

Key Artist:

1. Scott Joplin

-Received more education

-Received royalties, white publisher John Stark

-Classical Composer

-First published in 1899

-Wrote an Opera Called Tremonisha

In Class Song-"Maple Leaf Rag"

Musical Characteristics

-Strict, repetative rhythmic pattern in the left hand

-Highly syncopated, improvised right hand

-Built on 12 bar blues

-Rougher, earthier than ragtime

Social Considerations and Key Artists

-Likely built in East Texas

-Played in Barrelhouses

-Influences Kansay City rhythm & blues, later rock and roll

Key Artists:

Clarence "Pine-Top" Smith

Meade "Lux" Lewis