Developments in jazz 1900-1950 = Ragtime

Question 1

summarise the origin of Ragtime

Answer 1

complex roots - black and white folk dance & brass band.

Pre dates jazz and develops alongside it

Question 2

main musical features of Ragtime

Answer 2

right hand syncopation
simple rhythmic striding “oompah” in bass (LH)
2/4 or 4/4
percussive tone
all creates energetic feel but “never should be” too fast - Scott Joplin
modulations and repeated theme link to band music of the time

Question 3

Melody

Answer 3

Melodically inventive , rhythmically lively
Percussive oompah bass
16 bar sections, imperfect cadences after 8 and perfect at 16
episodic themes
chromatic moments
syncopation often on 2nd and 4th quaver beats.

Question 4

Tonality/harmony

Answer 4

Chords I,IV,V, 2ndary dominance, tritone subs are used
Trio sections (C) in subdominant.
D sections in subdominant and some go back to tonic.
Antecedent and consequent sections
Chromatic moments in melody and bass

Question 5

Form and structure

Answer 5

AABBACCDD - some have introductions
antecedent and consequent sections
16 bar themes and repeats
multi thematic and symmetrical

Question 6

texture and instruments/voices

Answer 6

piano - later arranged for bands and orchestras
percussive brass and sound - limited pedal
percussive oompah striding bass
melodies can be chordal - 8ves, 3rds,, 6ths etc

Question 7

rhythm and metre

Answer 7

rhythmically lively - 4/4 or 2/4
syncopation often of 2nd and 4th quaver beats of a bar
Scott Joplin - “never right to play ‘Ragtime’ fast’’