PlayPiano
The short answer
Wall Street Rag is a rag by Scott Joplin from the Ragtime era.
- rag
- Ragtime
- syncopation
- voicing
History
Wall Street Rag belongs to Joplin's 1909 output, after his move to New York. Its title points toward that city, but the score's title alone does not tell us what incident, if any, inspired him; the documented publication year is the reliable starting point for its story.
Sources
What to listen for
The two opening tracks share a measured tune with a long first note followed by shorter responses. Later, sustained lower notes support a more active upper pattern of pairs and offbeat attacks. Let the change of texture be audible without forcing a sudden change of speed.
How to practise it
- In the second window, sustain lower pitch 48 from quarter position 8 for two quarters while the upper pairs move. Keep the held support present but quieter than the changing line.
- Practise the upper paired attack at quarter position 8.75, which lasts half a quarter and crosses the next pulse. Count through the crossing without adding an extra attack on the beat.
About this piece
- Collection
- The ragtime corner
- Licence
- Public Domain
- Source
- mutopiaproject.org
