Music Appreciation
Jazz is a type of music that originated from African –American communities in the late 19th century. Since its establishment, jazz has undergone several changes in the style used and composition with different performers coming up with new improvisations. Jazz spread through the world where it drew different national and local cultures leading to the rise of many different styles of jazz. Jazz music does not include many instructions, which allow for the creation of many styles of jazz music. Ragtime is a popular style of jazz, which was first played by African pianists in 1865 to entertain people in clubs. The chief characteristic of jazz music is improvisation and syncopated rhythms. Ragtime music consists of rhythm that is lively and springy with melodies that are ideal for dancing, and the style continues to gain popularity in the modern world of jazz.
Ragtime music style enjoyed its great popularity in the United States for a few decades, but the music style left a permanent landmark on the history of jazz music (Berlin, 45). Four main types of ragtime music exist, but the only kind of ragtime music that exists in modern society is the classical instrumental rag. Classical instrumental rag is composed of a very syncopated melody with a march-tempo piece of piano. Another type of jazz music style, which started earlier before the ragtime era included the practice of ragging an existing piece of music. “Ragging” in jazz is to change the rhythm of a well know music to make it syncopated. The style exists still in the modern day jazz musicians.
The hit time era of the ragtime music came to an end in the 1920s when jazz music claimed public imagination and ragtime was considered as “old hat.” Ragtime music did not fade out after the 1920s, but it continued to be recorded and performed where it still had a great influence on the jazz music (Stephens, 13). Scott Joplin was a famous ragtime composer who was referred to as the “King of Ragtime” by his supporters. The Maple Leaf Rag was his most famous rag, which was publishes in 1899. During his career he wrote around sixty compositions until 1917. Tom Turpin from Savannah Georgia was also one of the earlier famous ragtime composers who composed Harlem Rag. Many jazz brands started involving ragtime music in their rpm records and repertoire in the early 1940s. A significant revival of ragtime music style occurred in the 1950s when a wide variety of early ragtime music was made available on records. Also, new rags with syncopated melodies were composed and recorded for entertainment. In 1971, Joshua Rifkin composed and published one of the most popular ragtime music, which saw him be nominated for the Grammy Award (McNally, 273). In 1973, the movie “The Sting” brought back the feeling of the ragtime music back to the public. Ragtime music style has not faded but continues to gain popularity in modern society among its musicians and audiences.
In conclusion, Jazz music has evolved since its establishment by African-American communities in the late 19th century. Many different styles of jazz music exist because the music genre does not have many norms to follow, and any style depends on the ability of the musician to improvise. Ragtime was among the earliest styles of jazz music and the style has a significant influence on jazz music up to date. Ragtime music is characterized by syncopated melodies with march –tempo piece of piano. Ragtime music continues to gain popularity and has at last gained respect and recognition worldwide as an art that produces works of true genius.