Jazz - Ragtime Flashcards
Where is the origin of Ragtime music?
Origins within African-American communities in cities such as St. Louis.
When was the first publication of Ragtime?
The first publication of a ragtime composition was “La Pas Ma La” in 1895, written by a comedian called Ernest Hogan (an African-American entertainer).
Which piece made Ragtime mainstream?
In 1896, “You’ve Been A Good Old Wagon But You’ve Done Broke Down” was released and became a hit - popularising the genre in the mainstream.
What was Ragtime derived from?
Ragtime was also derived from the march style popularised by John Philip Sousa, with extra polyrhythms coming from African music.
Who is a famous Ragtime composer?
Scott Joplin
Which Ragtime pieces is Scott Joplin famous for?
“Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer”
How did Scott Joplin influence ragtime music that came after him?
Through his melody lines, chord progressions and metric patterns.
What are common structures of Ragtime?
Pieces often contain up to 4 distinct themes of 16 bars each (divided into four 4-bar phrases), with common structures being AABBACCC, AABBCCDD and AABBCCA, with the first two strains in the tonic key and the proceeding strains in the subdominant.
Similar to ‘Rondo’ form
What are 5 common features of Ragtime music?
Solo Piano
Syncopation (“ragged” rhythm, hence the name ragtime)
Chromaticism in its melodic lines
Question and Answer phrases
Use of Octaves
What is the usual time signature for Ragtime Music?
Usually written in 4/4 or 2/4, a rag written in ¾ is called a “ragtime waltz”.
What key is Ragtime music commonly in?
Very commonly in “flat” keys, a rag in a “sharp” key is a rarity!
What 3 features are unique to Ragtime music?
Lack of Improvisation
Sticks to set structure - No solo breaks
Normally just solo Piano
What features link Ragtime music to other Jazz styles
Stride piano march like left hand under syncopated right - stride piano developed in Dixieland
