ragtime

Ragtime piano features syncopated melodies over a steady bass. This topic is part of Genres within Music. This page currently draws on 7 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.

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ragtime trivia questions

Ragtime is especially associated with what instrument?

Answer: Piano

Bonus fact: Ragtime piano features syncopated melodies over a steady bass.

Which composer is known as the King of Ragtime?

Answer: Scott Joplin

Bonus fact: Joplin wrote Maple Leaf Rag and The Entertainer.

What rhythmic feature gives ragtime its characteristic feel?

Answer: Syncopation

Bonus fact: Accents often fall between the steady beats.

Who wrote the music for "Seussical"?

Answer: Stephen Flaherty

Bonus fact: Flaherty and lyricist Lynn Ahrens also created "Once on This Island" and "Ragtime."

Which genres make extensive use of syncopation?

Answer: Jazz and ragtime

Bonus fact: Syncopation is central to many African-derived musical traditions.

Early jazz was rooted in the blues and what other earlier style?

Answer: Ragtime

Bonus fact: Smithsonian Music describes jazz as an American synthesis with rhythmic roots in Africa and instrumentation and harmony influenced by Europe.

Jazz was rooted specifically in which two earlier African American styles?

Answer: Blues and ragtime

Bonus fact: Smithsonian Music says jazz combined African rhythmic and call-and-response elements with European instrumentation and harmonies in an American synthesis.

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