Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which sections of Maple Leaf Rag are contained in this excerpt, and in which order?
Which sections of Maple Leaf Rag are contained in this excerpt, and in which order?
BAC
What is created by the accented notes that occur off the beat in the melody?
What is created by the accented notes that occur off the beat in the melody?
syncopation
What is created by the notes that form the peaks of the jagged melodic contour?
What is created by the notes that form the peaks of the jagged melodic contour?
compound melody
Why did many people see ragtime as a threat to the morality of the nation?
Why did many people see ragtime as a threat to the morality of the nation?
The musical device that uses accents occurring off the standard beat is called __________
The musical device that uses accents occurring off the standard beat is called __________
The sound that occurs when groups of three happen at the same time as groups of two is called __________
The sound that occurs when groups of three happen at the same time as groups of two is called __________
Maple Leaf Rag contains which of the following?
Maple Leaf Rag contains which of the following?
In a stride bass, the __________
In a stride bass, the __________
Why did Joplin call his pieces 'classic rags'?
Why did Joplin call his pieces 'classic rags'?
The C section, or 'Trio,' of Maple Leaf Rag features a __________
The C section, or 'Trio,' of Maple Leaf Rag features a __________
Ragtime was particularly popular with audiences of __________
Ragtime was particularly popular with audiences of __________
Although Joplin made a piano roll of Maple Leaf Rag, it may sound different than his performances because __________
Although Joplin made a piano roll of Maple Leaf Rag, it may sound different than his performances because __________
What was significant about the publishing contract Joplin signed for Maple Leaf Rag?
What was significant about the publishing contract Joplin signed for Maple Leaf Rag?
What is the meter of Maple Leaf Rag?
What is the meter of Maple Leaf Rag?
Maple Leaf Rag
Maple Leaf Rag
Ragtime
Ragtime
Maple Leaf combines _____________ with popular dance forms
Maple Leaf combines _____________ with popular dance forms
Maple Leaf origins in _________ rhythmic variations on popular tunes ('ragging')
Maple Leaf origins in _________ rhythmic variations on popular tunes ('ragging')
Maple Leaf is in _______ meter and easy to follow
Maple Leaf is in _______ meter and easy to follow
Syncopation
Syncopation
Hemiola
Hemiola
MP has _______ melodic contours form a 'compound melody'
MP has _______ melodic contours form a 'compound melody'
Stride bass pattern
Stride bass pattern
Sectional Form
Sectional Form
MP has each section ____ measures long, with subphrases of 2, 4, or 8 measures
MP has each section ____ measures long, with subphrases of 2, 4, or 8 measures
Third section changes key, called the '____' (borrowed from ternary forms)
Third section changes key, called the '____' (borrowed from ternary forms)
____________, only evidence we have for how Joplin may have played Maple Leaf Rag
____________, only evidence we have for how Joplin may have played Maple Leaf Rag
Joplin adds _______, ______, and flourishes throughout the piece that are not in the notated score
Joplin adds _______, ______, and flourishes throughout the piece that are not in the notated score
Whether Joplin actually played all the notes on the piano roll is debatable.
Whether Joplin actually played all the notes on the piano roll is debatable.
Joplin was known as?
Joplin was known as?
What instruments did Joplin learn?
What instruments did Joplin learn?
Joplin was settled in?
Joplin was settled in?
Established a profitable relationship with?
Established a profitable relationship with?
Joplin failed to establish himself as?
Joplin failed to establish himself as?
Joplin's contract with his publisher required him to receive ______ and _______
Joplin's contract with his publisher required him to receive ______ and _______
Typically no ______ or ______ for composers
Typically no ______ or ______ for composers
Study Notes
Maple Leaf Rag Overview
- Composed by Scott Joplin in 1899, Maple Leaf Rag is a prominent piece in the ragtime genre.
- Features a sectional form, with each section consisting of 16 measures and subphrases of 2, 4, or 8 measures.
Musical Characteristics
- Contains stride bass, which involves low bass notes played on the beat and chords in the middle range off the beat.
- Features rhythmic syncopation, creating off-beat accents in the melody.
- Incorporates hemiola, where groups of three occur simultaneously with groups of two.
Melodic Structure
- The piece showcases a jagged melodic contour forming a 'compound melody.'
- Accented notes that occur off the beat contribute to the piece's lively feel.
Cultural Context and Perception
- Ragtime music, including Maple Leaf Rag, was often associated with brothels and saloons, leading to moral concerns in society.
- Despite its roots in African American musical traditions, ragtime gained popularity with various audiences, particularly during the silent movie era.
Scott Joplin's Legacy
- Known as the "King of Ragtime," Joplin aspired to elevate ragtime, calling his pieces "classic rags" for sophistication.
- Established a profitable relationship with publisher John Stark, allowing him to receive royalties and credit for his work.
- Joplin’s journey includes attempts to be recognized as a classical composer, though he did not achieve this status.
Performance and Recordings
- Joplin created a piano roll of Maple Leaf Rag; however, its authenticity may be debated as alterations could have been made after its recording.
- The Listening Guide recordings serve as evidence of Joplin's performance style.
Noteworthy Terminology
- Syncopation: Rhythmic accents that occur off the beat, a hallmark of ragtime music.
- Hemiola: A rhythmic pattern where dual and triple rhythms align, creating a unique tension.
- Stride Bass: A left-hand piano technique featuring bass notes played on the strong beats, with chords played off the beat.
Miscellaneous Facts
- Joplin was proficient in multiple instruments including piano, violin, guitar, and mandolin.
- He settled in St. Louis, where he gained significant compositional support.
- Joplin's contract required him to receive credit and royalties, contrasting with the typical absence of such benefits for composers at the time.
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Description
Explore the history and musical characteristics of 'Maple Leaf Rag' by Scott Joplin, composed in 1899. This quiz delves into its rhythmic structure, cultural context, and the unique elements that define ragtime music. Test your knowledge on this iconic piece and its significance in music history.
