Ragtime, a captivating genre born in the late 19th century, pulsates with a unique blend of melody and rhythm. Here’s a dive into its characteristics, history, and prominent figures:

Ragtime Style

• Compositions:Typically written for piano, ragtime pieces feature a syncopated melody (accents on off-beats) played against a steady, driving bass line.
• Performance:Ragtime demands dexterity from pianists, requiring them to play intricate melodies while maintaining a strong rhythmic foundation. Listeners are captivated by the interplay between the “ragged” melody and the steady bass.

Origins of Ragtime

The exact birthplace of ragtime is debated, but it emerged in African American communities around the Mississippi River basin in the late 1800s. Early ragtime likely drew inspiration from minstrel shows (theatrical productions with racist caricatures), African American musical traditions, and European marches.

“Rag” or “Ragging”

These terms describe the practice of taking a simple melody and “breaking” it up rhythmically by placing accents on off-beats. This creates a distinctive, syncopated feel.

Classic Ragtime

This period, roughly from 1897 to 1917, saw ragtime peak in popularity. Characterized by a structured form, intricate piano compositions, and a focus on written music rather than improvisation, classic ragtime is what most people think of when they hear the term “ragtime.”

Scott Joplin’s Vision and Legacy

Scott Joplin, the “King of Ragtime,” played a pivotal role in ragtime’s development. He aspired to elevate ragtime to the status of classical music, composing sophisticated pieces and using formal notation. Joplin faced social barriers due to racism in the music industry. Despite this, his influence on ragtime is undeniable.

Origins of “Coon” and its Relation to Music

“Coon” is a derogatory slur used against Black people. Unfortunately, the term was sometimes used in titles and sheet music covers of ragtime pieces, reflecting the racist attitudes of the time.

Ernest Hogan’s Contributions

Ernest Hogan was a Black composer and performer who contributed significantly to ragtime. His most famous song, “All Coons Look Alike to Me,” was a satirical piece using racist stereotypes to mock minstrel shows. Historians view it as a complex work, both critiquing racism and perpetuating stereotypes.

Cakewalk vs. Ragtime

Both ragtime and cakewalk are rooted in African American musical traditions. However, cakewalk was primarily a dance with a specific rhythm (often in 2/4 time), while ragtime was a genre of instrumental music (often in 4/4 time) with a wider range of rhythmic possibilities.

Ragtime Sheet Music Covers

The decorative covers you viewed likely reflect the following:

• Images:Often depicting African American musicians in stereotypical ways, these images catered to prevailing social attitudes.
• Text:Titles like “Chili Sauce Rag” or “Poverty Rag” might use playful or suggestive language.
• Intended Market:These covers aimed to attract a broad audience, including those with a fascination with (or curiosity about) African American culture.
• Social Attitudes:The portrayal of Black musicians can be seen as disrespectful and indicative of the racial prejudices of the time.

Beyond Scott Joplin: James Scott and Joseph Lamb

• James Scott:Known for his virtuosic playing and fast-paced compositions, Scott’s ragtime leaned more towards improvisation and blues influences compared to Joplin’s structured style.
• Joseph Lamb:Lamb’s ragtime was known for its romantic and lyrical qualities, incorporating more complex harmonies than typically found in Joplin’s work.

Scott Joplin’s Opera: Treemonisha

Joplin’s ambitious opera, “Treemonisha,” tells the story of a Black community striving for social and educational upliftment. It was largely ignored during his lifetime but has since been recognized for its cultural significance and musical merit.

In Conclusion

Ragtime, a vibrant genre born from African American traditions, thrived despite facing social barriers. Through the works of Scott Joplin and others, ragtime’s legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the power and beauty of African American contributions to music.