(also spelled rag-time or rag time)
Even if we can measure the leaves of a tree and its flowers, we will never know the depth of the roots of a tree.
How it sounds
As if Beethoven met South African-American musicians and together they decided to jam to break the nerves of white landowners.
Essentially like the music of silent cinema.
Why listen to it
To irritate those who think that musical colors have something to do with skin color.
Because we deeply like silent films, but also for encyclopedic reasons.
We will basically identify several patterns that were used in many species many decades later.
Why not
Two world wars have passed, we have electricity and internet and another 1000 music genres.
And we do not have a 78 rpm gramophone or even such discs.
Where we meet it
In the USA. Ragtime has its roots in African American communities, particularly in St. Louis and Missouri.
When did it start
Old, very old.
The first Ragtime composition to be published was “La Pas Ma La” in 1895, written by comedian Ernest Hogan.
Who are the pioneers
The pioneer of the genre is Ben Harney, who composed the song “You’ve Been a Good Old Wagon But You Done Broke Down” (1896).
This song helped to spread the genre, knowing great success.
Composer Scott Joplin (c. 1868–1917) also became famous for his song “Maple Leaf Rag” (1899).
For at least 12 years after its release, “Maple Leaf Rag” greatly influenced the composers who followed.
Scott Joplin is considered the “King of Ragtime”.
You have to listen
James Reese Europe, Ford Dabney, Eubie Blake, Euday L. Bowman, William Ezell, Arthur “Blind” Blake, Blind Leroy Garnett, Wally Rose, Winifred Atwell.
Days of glory
Its popularity peaked between 1895 and 1919 and of course in the golden age of silent cinema.
Later and through the musical investment of successful films such as “The Sting” (1973)
Red card
The racist stereotypes about this genre from musically ignorant, “pink” whites, where its tempo became a mockery of African-Americans.
Also the many repetitive musical motifs.
What is it confused with
With American blues, jazz, boogie-woogie, swing, and classical music.
How do you describe it to an irrelevant
What it plays in Buster Keaton movies.
You do not know who he is? When were you born;