Music 187 Exam#1

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