2.1 Ragtime

Ragtime emerged in the late 19th century, blending African American musical traditions with European classical forms. This genre represented a pivotal moment in American popular music, laying the groundwork for jazz and reflecting the cultural changes of the post-Reconstruction era.

Characterized by syncopated melodies and steady, march-like bass lines, ragtime featured distinct themes in 16-bar sections. Key composers like Scott Joplin, Joseph Lamb, and James Scott shaped the genre, creating enduring works that continue to influence musicians across various styles today.

Origins of ragtime

• Emerged as a distinctive musical genre in the late 19th century, blending African American musical traditions with European classical forms
• Represented a pivotal moment in the development of American popular music, laying the groundwork for jazz and other 20th-century styles
• Reflected the cultural and social changes of the post-Reconstruction era in the United States

African American influences

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• Rooted in African rhythmic patterns and syncopation brought to America by enslaved people
• Incorporated elements of African American folk music, including work songs and spirituals
• Drew from the "ragging" technique used in earlier African American musical forms (banjo playing, field hollers)
• Utilized call-and-response patterns common in African and African American music

Late 19th century context

• Developed during the post-Reconstruction era, a time of significant racial tension and segregation
• Coincided with the rise of vaudeville and other popular entertainment forms
• Emerged alongside technological advancements in piano manufacturing and mass production
• Gained popularity during a period of increased urbanization and the growth of the American middle class

Precursors to ragtime

• Influenced by earlier African American musical forms such as cakewalks and plantation songs
• Drew inspiration from minstrel show tunes and their syncopated rhythms
• Incorporated elements of European march music, particularly the works of John Philip Sousa
• Evolved from "ragged" interpretations of popular songs and classical pieces performed by African American musicians

Musical characteristics

• Defined by its unique blend of syncopated melodies and steady, march-like bass lines
• Characterized by its use of formal structures borrowed from European classical music
• Typically composed in 2/4 or 4/4 time, with a strong emphasis on rhythmic complexity

Syncopated rhythm

• Features off-beat accents and unexpected rhythmic patterns in the melody
• Emphasizes weak beats or the "and" of beats, creating a sense of forward momentum
• Often uses tied notes across bar lines to create rhythmic tension
• Employs a variety of syncopated patterns, including the "Charleston" rhythm (dotted quarter note followed by an eighth note)

March-like bass

• Utilizes a steady, alternating bass pattern in the left hand
• Typically consists of single notes or octaves on strong beats and chords on weak beats
• Provides a stable rhythmic foundation that contrasts with the syncopated melody
• Often incorporates "stride" techniques, with the left hand covering a wide range of the keyboard

Melodic structure

• Composed of distinct themes or strains, usually in 16-bar sections
• Typically follows an AABBACCDD structure, with each section repeated
• Employs contrasting themes between sections, often in different keys
• Features memorable, singable melodies that balance complexity with accessibility

Key ragtime composers

• Played crucial roles in developing and popularizing the ragtime genre
• Composed works that defined the ragtime style and continue to be performed today
• Influenced subsequent generations of musicians across various genres

Scott Joplin

• Known as the "King of Ragtime" for his contributions to the genre
• Composed over 100 ragtime pieces, including the famous "Maple Leaf Rag"
• Sought to elevate ragtime to the status of classical music with his opera "Treemonisha"
• Developed a more refined and complex ragtime style, emphasizing musicality over showmanship
• Influenced countless musicians and helped establish ragtime as a respected musical form

Joseph Lamb

• One of the "Big Three" ragtime composers alongside Scott Joplin and James Scott
• Known for his sophisticated harmonies and elegant, lyrical melodies
• Composed notable rags such as "Topliner Rag" and "American Beauty Rag"
• Bridged the gap between ragtime and early jazz with his later compositions
• Continued composing ragtime well into the 1950s, long after the genre's peak popularity

James Scott

• Considered part of the "Big Three" of classic ragtime composers
• Known for his technically challenging and harmonically rich compositions
• Composed popular rags such as "Frog Legs Rag" and "Grace and Beauty"
• Developed a distinctive style that combined lyrical melodies with complex syncopations
• Influenced by and collaborated with Scott Joplin, helping to refine the ragtime genre

Popular ragtime pieces

• Represent the most well-known and influential compositions of the ragtime era
• Demonstrate the range and diversity of ragtime styles and techniques
• Continue to be performed and recorded by musicians today, maintaining ragtime's legacy

Maple Leaf Rag

• Composed by Scott Joplin in 1899, considered the quintessential ragtime piece
• First ragtime composition to sell over one million copies of sheet music
• Features a complex, four-strain structure with challenging syncopations
• Established many of the conventions of classic ragtime composition
• Influenced countless subsequent ragtime pieces and helped popularize the genre

The Entertainer

• Composed by Scott Joplin in 1902, gained renewed popularity in the 1970s
• Featured prominently in the 1973 film "The Sting," introducing ragtime to a new generation
• Consists of four distinct themes, showcasing Joplin's melodic inventiveness
• Demonstrates a more relaxed and playful style compared to "Maple Leaf Rag"
• Often used as an introduction to ragtime for piano students due to its memorable melody

Elite Syncopations

• Composed by Scott Joplin in 1902, exemplifies the classic ragtime style
• Features intricate syncopations and a lively, upbeat tempo
• Demonstrates Joplin's skill in balancing complex rhythms with accessible melodies
• Incorporates elements of the cakewalk, showcasing ragtime's roots in earlier dance forms
• Remains a popular choice for ragtime performers and competitions

Ragtime's cultural impact

• Played a significant role in shaping American popular culture in the early 20th century
• Reflected and influenced social and racial dynamics of the time
• Laid the groundwork for future developments in American music, particularly jazz

Dance halls and parlors

• Became the primary venues for ragtime performances and social dancing
• Contributed to the popularization of new dance styles (Turkey Trot, Grizzly Bear)
• Served as meeting places for diverse groups of people, crossing racial and class lines
• Helped spread ragtime music beyond its original African American context
• Influenced the development of the music publishing industry and sheet music sales

Racial dynamics in America

• Represented one of the first African American musical forms to gain widespread popularity among white audiences
• Challenged racial stereotypes through the artistic achievements of Black composers and performers
• Faced criticism and attempts at suppression from some who viewed it as "immoral" or "low-class" music
• Contributed to the ongoing negotiation of racial identity and cultural exchange in American society
• Paved the way for greater recognition of African American contributions to American culture

Influence on early jazz

• Provided a rhythmic and harmonic foundation for the development of jazz
• Introduced syncopation and improvisation techniques that became central to jazz music
• Influenced early jazz pianists (Jelly Roll Morton, Willie "The Lion" Smith)
• Contributed to the evolution of stride piano, a key component of early jazz styles
• Shared performance venues and audiences with early jazz, facilitating a musical exchange

Ragtime piano technique

• Requires a unique combination of skills, blending classical piano technique with syncopated rhythms
• Emphasizes independence between the left and right hands to create the characteristic ragtime sound
• Demands precise timing and control to execute complex syncopations and maintain a steady beat

Left hand patterns

• Employs a steady, alternating bass pattern known as the "boom-chick" or "oom-pah" rhythm
• Requires the pianist to cover a wide range of the keyboard, often using large leaps
• Incorporates single notes or octaves on strong beats and chords on weak beats
• Utilizes different left-hand patterns to create variety and support the melodic structure
• May include walking bass lines or other variations to add complexity to the accompaniment

Right hand syncopation

• Executes complex syncopated melodies and rhythmic patterns
• Emphasizes off-beat accents and unexpected rhythmic shifts
• Requires precise control to maintain clarity in fast-paced, syncopated passages
• Often incorporates ornaments and embellishments to enhance the melodic line
• Balances the need for rhythmic accuracy with expressive phrasing and dynamics

Stride piano connection

• Evolved from ragtime techniques, incorporating a more fluid left-hand movement
• Extends the range of motion in the left hand, covering greater distances on the keyboard
• Increases the rhythmic complexity of the left-hand patterns
• Allows for greater improvisation and variation in both hands
• Serves as a bridge between ragtime and early jazz piano styles

Ragtime beyond piano

• Expanded beyond its original piano-based format to influence various musical forms
• Demonstrated the versatility and adaptability of ragtime rhythms and structures
• Contributed to the development of new musical genres and performance styles

Ragtime for orchestra

• Adapted ragtime compositions for full orchestra, expanding their tonal palette
• Incorporated ragtime rhythms and melodies into orchestral works (Charles Ives, Igor Stravinsky)
• Led to the creation of "symphonic ragtime," blending classical and popular styles
• Influenced the development of orchestral jazz and early big band music
• Brought ragtime to concert halls and helped legitimize it as a serious musical form

Ragtime songs

• Combined ragtime rhythms and melodies with lyrics to create popular vocal music
• Popularized through vaudeville performances and sheet music sales
• Addressed a wide range of topics, from romantic themes to social commentary
• Influenced the development of Tin Pan Alley songwriting styles
• Featured notable examples such as "Alexander's Ragtime Band" by Irving Berlin

Novelty piano offshoots

• Evolved from ragtime in the 1920s, emphasizing technical virtuosity and unusual effects
• Incorporated more complex harmonies and rhythms than traditional ragtime
• Featured prominent composers such as Zez Confrey and Roy Bargy
• Influenced the development of stride piano and early jazz piano styles
• Included popular pieces like "Kitten on the Keys" and "Dizzy Fingers"

Revival and legacy

• Experienced a significant resurgence of interest in the latter half of the 20th century
• Continues to influence contemporary music and culture in various ways
• Maintains a dedicated following of performers, composers, and enthusiasts

1970s ragtime renaissance

• Sparked by the use of ragtime in the film "The Sting" (1973), featuring Scott Joplin's music
• Led to increased interest in ragtime performance and scholarship
• Resulted in new recordings and publications of classic ragtime pieces
• Inspired a new generation of ragtime composers and performers
• Contributed to the preservation and study of ragtime as an important musical genre

Ragtime in film scores

• Used to evoke nostalgia or set a period atmosphere in films and television shows
• Featured prominently in movies such as "The Sting" and "Ragtime" (1981)
• Influenced film composers to incorporate ragtime elements into their scores
• Helped introduce ragtime to new audiences through popular media
• Continues to be used in contemporary films and TV shows to create a specific mood or setting

Modern ragtime performers

• Includes dedicated musicians who specialize in authentic ragtime performance
• Features artists who blend ragtime with other styles (jazz, classical, contemporary)
• Encompasses both traditionalists who adhere to classic ragtime styles and innovators who push the genre's boundaries
• Participates in ragtime festivals, competitions, and concerts around the world
• Utilizes modern technology and social media to share and promote ragtime music

Ragtime vs other styles

• Distinguishes itself from other musical genres through its unique rhythmic and structural characteristics
• Shares elements with various musical styles while maintaining its own distinct identity
• Influenced and was influenced by other genres, contributing to the evolution of American popular music

Ragtime vs jazz

• Ragtime features more structured compositions, while jazz emphasizes improvisation
• Ragtime typically maintains a steady beat, whereas jazz often employs swing rhythm
• Ragtime predates jazz and influenced its development, particularly in piano styles
• Jazz incorporates more complex harmonies and extended chord structures compared to ragtime
• Ragtime focuses on syncopation in the melody, while jazz syncopates both melody and rhythm

Ragtime vs classical music

• Ragtime borrows formal structures from classical music but adds syncopated rhythms
• Classical music generally adheres to strict notation, while ragtime allows for some interpretive freedom
• Ragtime emerged as popular music, whereas classical music was associated with high culture
• Classical music spans a much broader range of forms and styles compared to ragtime
• Ragtime influenced some classical composers (Debussy, Stravinsky) in the early 20th century

Ragtime vs cakewalk

• Cakewalk predates ragtime and influenced its development
• Ragtime features more complex harmonies and structures compared to cakewalk
• Cakewalk originated as a dance form, while ragtime began primarily as instrumental music
• Both styles incorporate syncopation, but ragtime uses it more extensively
• Cakewalk retained stronger connections to its minstrel show origins than ragtime

Ragtime's global influence

• Spread beyond the United States to impact musical traditions around the world
• Adapted to various cultural contexts, resulting in unique regional interpretations
• Contributed to the globalization of American popular music in the early 20th century

European ragtime adaptations

• Gained popularity in Europe in the early 1900s, particularly in France and England
• Influenced European classical composers (Erik Satie, Claude Debussy)
• Led to the creation of European ragtime-inspired compositions and performances
• Contributed to the development of early jazz scenes in European cities
• Influenced the evolution of European popular dance music styles

Latin American ragtime

• Blended ragtime elements with local musical traditions in various Latin American countries
• Influenced the development of tango in Argentina and Uruguay
• Contributed to the evolution of Brazilian choro and early samba styles
• Inspired ragtime-influenced compositions by Latin American composers
• Facilitated cultural exchange between North and South American musical traditions

Ragtime in Asia

• Introduced to Asian countries through Western cultural influences and trade
• Adapted to local musical traditions, particularly in Japan and the Philippines
• Influenced the development of early jazz scenes in Asian cities (Shanghai, Tokyo)
• Inspired Asian composers to create ragtime-influenced works
• Contributed to the globalization of popular music styles in Asia