The Entertainer (rag)

The Entertainer was composed in 1902 and published by John Stark & Son in Sedalia, Missouri, as one of Joplin's early rags. It is written in 2/4 time with a moderate tempo, and its structure follows the standard ragtime form of four distinct strains, each repeated, with an introduction and a final strain that returns to the opening theme. The piece is notable for its use of chromatic passing tones and a left-hand pattern that alternates between octaves and chords, creating a driving, dance-like rhythm. Joplin's instructions on the score, such as "Notice! Don't play this piece fast," reflect his desire for a controlled, elegant performance rather than the frantic tempo often associated with later ragtime players.

After decades of relative obscurity, The Entertainer experienced a major revival in the 1970s. In 1970, pianist Joshua Rifkin released an album of Joplin rags that brought them to a new audience, and in 1973, Marvin Hamlisch adapted the piece for the film The Sting, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Score. The film's use of the rag, set in the 1930s, introduced it to millions and sparked a nationwide ragtime revival. The recording by Hamlisch reached the top of the Billboard charts, and the piece became synonymous with the genre itself. This revival also led to a reassessment of Joplin's work, culminating in his posthumous Pulitzer Prize in 1976.

The Entertainer is a classic example of the "classic rag" style, characterized by its multi-strain structure, syncopated melody, and steady bass. Each strain is typically 16 bars long, and the piece modulates to the subdominant in the later sections. The syncopation is created by placing accents on offbeats, often in the right hand, while the left hand maintains a steady oom-pah pattern. Joplin's tempo marking is "Not fast," and he advised performers to play with a singing tone and clear articulation. Modern pianists often debate the correct interpretation, with some favoring a slower, more lyrical approach and others adopting a livelier tempo. The piece has been transcribed for many instruments, including guitar, banjo, and full orchestra, and it remains a standard in the ragtime repertoire.

Despite its fame, several aspects of The Entertainer are less widely known. The original cover art, designed by an unknown artist, depicts a well-dressed man and woman dancing, reflecting the social context of the time. Joplin's publisher, John Stark, initially rejected the piece, but later published it after Joplin's success with Maple Leaf Rag. The Entertainer was also one of the first rags to be recorded on player piano rolls, and it was featured in the 1974 film The Sting, though the film is set in the 1930s, anachronistically using a rag from 1902. Additionally, the piece has been used in countless commercials, video games, and television shows, making it one of the most recognizable tunes in American music. Some musicologists have noted that the piece's structure subtly deviates from the standard rag form, with the final strain returning to the opening theme in a way that anticipates later developments in jazz.

Ragtime

A musical genre characterized by syncopated melodies and a steady bass, popular from the 1890s to the 1910s.

Strain

A distinct melodic section within a rag, typically 16 bars long.

Syncopation

The placement of rhythmic accents on weak beats or offbeats, creating a lively, unexpected rhythm.