ML24-P. THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF SCOTT JOPLIN

Born in the backwoods of Texas in 1868 – in the aftermath of the Civil War – Scott Joplin, African American, decided not to labor in the fields but instead to head north where he would promote his self-taught talents at the piano. Advanced study in harmony and composition at the George Smith College for Negroes led to a profusion of original works: Rags, waltzes, marches, dances, one serenade, and two operas. But for his acclaimed Maple Leaf Rag, most of them met with dismissal or distortion from a still prejudicial northern society. Ultimately over time, the novelty, structure, brilliance, and energy represented in Joplin’s music speak to his genius in creating an iconic musical genre, unique in American art history. In this course, we will discuss Joplin’s life and play selected examples of his music on the piano.