Maple Leaf Rag
Scott Joplin (1868-1917) / Arr. Gunther Schuller

THE STORY

In late 19th-century Missouri, a popular genre of music known as “ragtime” was finally beginning to be put down in musical notation. Named for its “ragged,” or syncopated, rhythms, which placed accents on irregular beats, ragtime was popular in bars and entertainment settings where pianists would often improvise tunes or play from memory. But it was composers like Scott Joplin, the “King of Ragtime,” who sought to elevate the genre to a position of musical esteem, crafting ragtime compositions and selling them as sheet music.

Joplin’s best-known piece, the Maple Leaf Rag, was written in 1899 and quickly became a model for other ragtime composers to follow with its catchy melodies, repetitive form, and of course, the “ragged” rhythm. Today, Joplin’s piano rags are regarded as essential works of American piano music that paved the way for one of the greatest American musical contributions—jazz.

LISTEN FOR

• The “ragged” rhythm created between the steady low brass accompaniment and the syncopated melody performed by combinations of violin, trumpet, and woodwinds in various sections of the piece

• The variation of musical ideas during the repetition of each section or “strain”—extreme dynamic contrasts and changes of instrumentation help amplify this staple aspect of ragtime

INSTRUMENTATION

Flute, clarinet, two trumpets, trombone, tuba, percussion, strings