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A First Book of Ragtime
24 Arrangements for the Beginning Pianist
By DAVID DUTKANICZ Dover Publications, Inc.
Copyright © 2011 Dover Publications, Inc.
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-486-17167-8
CHAPTER 1
The Entertainer
Scott Joplin (c. 1867–1917)
Known as the "King of Ragtime," Scott Joplin is one of America's most celebrated artists. This work has become a symbol of the genre and is recognized throughout the world. Be sure to follow the tempo marking and play in an unhurried manner.
Magnetic Rag
Scott Joplin (c. 1867–1917)
This excerpt is taken from the second theme of the work. The sixteenth notes beginning each phrase are known as "pickups" and are used to lead into the melody. Play them evenly and do not rush.
Blue Goose Rag
Raymond Birch (1876–1950)
Raymond Birch was a prolific composer from Kansas City, who wrote over 300 songs. He was only the second artist (after Joplin) to sell one million copies of a single piece of music. Keep the mood lively by adding a sense of swing to the right hand.
Fig Leaf Rag
Scott Joplin (c. 1867–1917)
Practicing arpeggios may seem tedious, but they do come in handy. This melody by Joplin is a good example of how arpeggios can be used to create a playful sound. Use C and G major arpeggios to warm-up before practicing this rag.
Champagne Rag
Joseph F. Lamb (1887–1960)
Joseph F. Lamb was another major composer of ragtime whose career began after a chance meeting with Joplin in a New York City music store. He had many works published and became a part of ragtime's "Big Three," along with Joplin and James Scott. Be mindful of the melodic leaps in the right hand—practice them separately so that they are smooth and do not jump.
Tiger Rag
Nick La Rocca (1889–1961), et al
This catchy rag was an early hit, and was recorded by many artists on numerous albums. Use dynamics to emphasize the contrast between the subdued intro and roaring theme. Repeat the theme as many times as you like before playing the rousing finish.
Grace and Beauty
James Scott (1885–1938)
When playing this lovely rag, be mindful of the melody splitting between the left and right hands. Play smoothly and evenly, as if one hand were playing. Once your fingers are comfortable, add a slight touch of pedal.
Great Scott Rag
James Scott (1885–1938)
James Scott was a member of ragtime's "Big Three," with Joplin and Lamb. Scott also worked as a piano player for the silent movies of the day, writing original works and adapting popular tunes for the screen. It was Joplin who discovered his music and promoted it to various publishers.
Easy Winners
Scott Joplin (c. 1867–1917)
When playing this piece, you'll find that the "pulse" often lands on an upbeat. This is known as syncopation. Practice by counting the rhythm out loud before playing.
Felicity Rag
Scott Joplin (c. 1867–1917)
This standard work was first published in 1911, and co-written with Scott Hayden, one of Joplin's students. Keep the tone clean in the lower register by playing evenly, and lifting the fingers off the keys.
High Society
Porter Steele (1880–1910)
Originally marketed as a march, this upbeat work quickly found its way into the popular repertoire. Musicians often added their own melodies and accompaniments, transforming the work into something of their own. This can be heard here by the pairing of the "march" in the right hand, with spruced up passages in the left.
The Weeping Willow
Scott Joplin (c. 1867–1917)
To keep this piece lyrical, you will need to cross fingers on some of the accidentals. In these instances, keep your thumb stationary while the index finger plays the note and returns to its original position. It may feel awkward at first (like using chopsticks) but will become natural with a little practice.
Charleston Rag
"Eubie" Blake (1883–1983)
"Eubie" Blake was a prolific ragtime, jazz and Broadway composer who lived to celebrate his 100th birthday. He wrote this work when he was only 12 years old, and it quickly became a standard. Propel the music forward by identifying the chromatic passages before you begin to play.
Mississippi Rag
William Henry Krell (1868–1933)
Published in 1897, this rag is one of the earliest ever written. Note the vamp section. This is used to connect the sections, and give performers a chance to catch their breath before playing on. It also helps the music evolve from a march into a rag.
Sleepy Hollow
Clarence Woods (1888–1956)
This charming work by Clarence Woods uses an effect known as tremolo, where notes are repeated in a "shaking" manner. When playing these tremolos, it is important to keep the rhythm even between the two notes. Keep a steady pace when alternating the sixteenth notes, beginning with the top.
Chevy Chase Rag
"Eubie" Blake (1883–1983)
Another masterpiece by Blake, this curious title was most likely in reference to the Chevy Chase Country Club outside of Washington D.C. He "cuts to the chase" in measure 7 with a cascading pattern. You'll need to cross your hands over four octaves. Tip: the pattern is repeated, so locate the A's first on your way down.
Harlem Rag
Tom Turpin (1871–1922)
Tom Turpin was an early ragtime pioneer. This work was published in 1897, although it was written in 1892, and performed at the 1893 World's Fair. Its many sections provide a glimpse into the various moods of early ragtime.
A Breeze from Alabama
Scott Joplin (c. 1867–1917)
Before playing, take a moment to study the chromatic neighbors throughout the first half of the work. Joplin uses these "passing tones" to enrich the flow and flavor of the melody. He then introduces the "fresh breeze" in the second section by using accidentals.
Violin Rag
Irving Berlin (1888–1989)
Irving Berlin is one of America's most beloved composers, prolific in many genres. He was at the forefront of the "Ragtime Revival," helping to reintroduce the style to a new generation. Pay attention to the accidentals, and keep the mood upbeat.
Twelfth Street Rag
Euday L. Bowman (1887–1949)
Euday L. Bowman composed this best-selling rag in 1914. The repeating three-note pattern might seem a bit dizzying at first. Practice slowly, and use the repetition as a chance to look and plan ahead.
Fizz Water
"Eubie" Blake (1883–1983)
This is another popular melody written by Blake in 1911. Notice how the B[??] gives the melody color. This is part of a blues scale, where the third note is flattened.
Peach Rag
Arthur Marshall (1881–1968)
This charming rag was written by Arthur Marshall, who went to high school with Joplin's student and collaborator, Scott Hayden. Keep the tempo at a steady stroll, never rushing. Add a bit of "swing" to keep the melody moving.
Maple Leaf Rag
Scott Joplin (c. 1867–1917)
This famous work is an icon of American music. Written around 1897 for the Maple Leaf Club of Sedalia, Missouri, it quickly catapulted Joplin to fame. It was also the first piece of music to sell one million copies.
Bohemia Rag
Joseph F. Lamb (1887–1960)
This piece was written around 1919, when ragtime was beginning to loose popularity. Perhaps as a farewell to its heyday, Lamb captures a melancholic and wandering tone. It was his last published work, and signaled the end of an era.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from A First Book of Ragtime by DAVID DUTKANICZ. Copyright © 2011 Dover Publications, Inc.. Excerpted by permission of Dover Publications, Inc..
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