Flipping through my book (the COMPLETE rags of Scott Joplin), I notice that virtually every rag is written in a "flat" key–usually B-flat or E-flat major. Music theory nerd though I am, I cannot find a suitable explanation for why this is. Is it merely the author’s preference, or is there some technical reason as to why Scott Joplin’s rags–and presumably all other ragtime–is always written in "flat" keys?
Just a guess but I find improvising on the black keys to be much easier. I’ve noticed that Lionel Richie composes a lot of music in flat keys as well.
I’m working on the soundtrack of a lil’ film my friends working (indie) and I think what would match best would be Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag so I’d make a recording of myself playing the tune… But is it free domain like classical music?
In the US any music copyrighted and published before January 1, 1923 is in the public domain and free for performance or arrangement. If you make your own recording you are good to go!
Sue had the honor of being the very first pianist in the Chicago area to evaluate this limited production German piano in concert. The piece is Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin, The King of Ragtime. Here is a Scott Joplin’s own recording from his April 1916 piano roll:
http://music.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/9905_ragtime/rafiles/9905_mapleleafrag_28.ram
I’ve been playing for about 8 years, but my teacher was very laid back so it’s a very loose 8 years. I have a book of Scott Joplin rags, and I’d love to learn to play one of them, but just flipping thru and sight-reading a few, I couldn’t really tell which ones seemed easier.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Maybe as to which piece they found easier?
To me, The Entertainer has always been the easiest of Joplin’s rags, whether it be on piano, banjo or guitar.
One of the “big three” of ragtime, Joseph F. Lamb, describes how he first met Scott Joplin, and how it came to be that Joplin convinced publisher John Stark to sign Lamb as a composer.
Lamb was a self-taught composer, and unusual in ragtime in that he wasn’t part of any musical scene.
In modern terms, it’s like a fanboy who started creating his own works out of his home — not making a career of it — and he shows his work to his idol. The idol likes them so much, he arranges to have the work produced. The fanboy’s works become hugely popular and end up regarded as among the best in the genre.
Such an idea seems ludicrous in this day and age, but that’s how it happened for Joe Lamb, and the music world is so much better for it.
The recorded interview is an excerpt from Folkways record FW03562 — “Joseph Lamb: A Study in Classic Ragtime” — available on vinyl and from several music download sites. The album was recorded shortly before Lamb died, in 1960.
The recording of Lamb playing the “Sensation” rag here is not from the album, but from an earlier performance, when Lamb was better able to play. It’s a poor-quality tape recording, but a better, more indicative performance. Thanks go to Luigi Ranalli for sending me that recording (if I remember rightly).
Does anyone know where to find a recording of The Entertainer by Scott Joplin for a percussion ensemble? My school’s beginning band played it and I’d love to hear it again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPmruHc4S9Q
This is a ragtime piano version.
Here is a school band performing it.
There are many versions on youtube but most of them are piano!
What age did Scott Joplin start composing at? If you know the answer that would be great or if you could try to find out. I have looked at many websites and can’t find it but maybe I’m just lazy and don’t try hard enough. Well I don’t know so if you can answer thanks!
His first song, "Please Say You Will" was written in 1895. Joplin was born in 1868 so he was 27.
Here’s a side of Scott Joplin you may not have heard before, enjoy!
Note: this recording seems a bit too soft, adjust your volume to your liking
I noticed a spike in views for this video. Apparently this song was featured in the movie “the curious case of benjamin button”. cool, now i have to see it.
‘ Dancin’ Inside DVD ‘
“How to Play Blind Blake exactly as Blake played it ! ”
“Comment jouer du Blind Blake exactement comme lui ! ”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Scott Joplin (1868-1917)
” The Entertainer ” on a piano roll
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
The BLUES (1925-1945)
Texas Alexander
Pink Anderson
Kokomo Arnold
Barbecue Bob
Scrapper Blackwell
Black Ace
Ed Bell
Blind Blake
Ishman Bracey
Big Bill Broonzy
Richard “Rabbit” Brown
Willie Brown
Bumble Bee Slim
Gus Cannon
Bo Carter
Sam Collins
Floyd Council
Gary Davis
Sleepy John Estes
Blind Boy Fuller
Son House
Peg Leg Howell
Mississippi John Hurt
Papa Charlie Jackson
Jim Jackson
Skip James
Blind Lemon Jefferson
Blind Willie Johnson
Lonnie Johnson
Robert Johnson
Tommy Johnson
Charley Jordan
Luke Jordan
Leadbelly
Furry Lewis
Cripple Clarence Lofton
Tommy McClennan
Robert Lee McCoy
Blind Willie McTell
The Memphis Jug Band
Buddy Moss
Memphis Minnie
Hambone Willie Newbern
Charley Patton
Robert Petway
Jimmie Rodgers
Frank Stokes
Sonny Terry
Henry Thomas
Ramblin Thomas
Curley Weaver
Casey Bill Weldon
Peetie Wheatstraw
Bukka White
Josh White
Robert Wilkins
Big Joe Williams
I need a very pretty scott joplin rag song that won’t be too hard on my hands because they are rather small. Maple Leaf Rag made my hands super after playing the third page, and the Entertainer (sadly) is impossible for me to play.
Any ideas? It’s for a competition I’m entering.
Recorded Sunday, November 18, 2007 at Pearson Piano in Crete, IL by Sue Keller playing a Steingraeber 205 Conservatory Grand. 
One of the “big three” of ragtime, Joseph F. Lamb, describes how he first met Scott Joplin, and how it came to be that Joplin convinced publisher John Stark to sign Lamb as a composer.
Here’s a side of Scott Joplin you may not have heard before, enjoy!
BLIND BLAKE GUITAR LESSONS http://playblindblake.com/dancinrdg.php