the entertainer pdf
The Entertainer⁚ A Ragtime Classic
“The Entertainer” is a classic ragtime piano piece composed by Scott Joplin in 1902. The song, subtitled “A Ragtime Two-Step,” has become one of the most recognizable and beloved ragtime pieces of all time. It is known for its lively syncopated rhythms, catchy melody, and infectious energy. The Entertainer has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and recordings, and continues to be enjoyed by audiences worldwide.
The History of “The Entertainer”
“The Entertainer” was originally published as sheet music in 1902 by John Stark & Son in St. Louis, Missouri. The song’s popularity quickly spread, and it was soon being played on player pianos throughout the United States. In the early 1910s, piano rolls featuring “The Entertainer” were also produced, allowing the song to reach an even wider audience. Despite its initial success, “The Entertainer” fell into relative obscurity after the decline of ragtime in the 1920s.
The song experienced a remarkable revival in the 1970s, thanks to its inclusion in the soundtrack of the 1973 Oscar-winning film “The Sting.” The film’s success, coupled with the renewed interest in ragtime music, propelled “The Entertainer” back into the public consciousness. Since then, the song has remained a popular choice for musicians, dancers, and audiences alike, cementing its status as a timeless ragtime classic.
The Composer⁚ Scott Joplin
Scott Joplin (c. 1867/1868 – April 1, 1917) was an African-American composer and pianist who is widely recognized as the “King of Ragtime.” He was born in Texarkana, Texas, and began his musical career as a young man, playing piano in saloons and brothels. Joplin’s talent for ragtime composition soon became apparent, and he began publishing his work in the late 19th century.
Joplin’s most famous compositions include “The Entertainer,” “Maple Leaf Rag,” and “The Easy Winners.” His music is characterized by its syncopated rhythms, complex harmonies, and infectious energy. Joplin’s ragtime compositions helped to define the genre and paved the way for its popularity in the early 20th century. Despite his success, Joplin struggled financially throughout his life, and died in poverty in 1917. His legacy, however, has endured, and his music continues to be enjoyed and celebrated by audiences around the world.
The Ragtime Genre
Ragtime emerged in the late 19th century in African American communities of the United States, particularly in the Midwest and the South. It is characterized by its syncopated rhythms, often created by playing off-beats or accenting unexpected notes. This rhythmic interplay gives ragtime its distinctive “jazzy” feel, even though it predates jazz by several decades.
Ragtime was initially played on the piano, but it quickly spread to other instruments, including the banjo, guitar, and brass instruments. It was popular in dance halls and saloons, and its infectious energy made it a favorite of both African Americans and white Americans. Ragtime’s influence can be heard in many later musical genres, including jazz, blues, and rock and roll. It is a vibrant and enduring musical style that continues to be enjoyed and celebrated today.
“The Entertainer” as a Two-Step
The two-step, a dance form popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was a key element in ragtime’s rise to popularity. It was a lively and energetic dance that emphasized a two-beat rhythm, making it a perfect match for the syncopated rhythms of ragtime music. “The Entertainer,” as its subtitle suggests, was specifically composed as a ragtime two-step.
The two-step’s popularity and its connection to ragtime music helped to spread the genre to a wider audience. The dance provided a physical outlet for the energy and excitement of ragtime, making it a popular form of entertainment in dance halls and social gatherings. The two-step’s simple, yet engaging, structure also made it easy for dancers to learn, further contributing to its widespread appeal.
The two-step’s influence on ragtime music can be seen in the structure and rhythms of many ragtime compositions, including “The Entertainer.” The dance’s emphasis on a two-beat rhythm is reflected in the music’s syncopated patterns and its driving energy, making it a classic example of the interplay between dance and music in early 20th century America.
The Sheet Music and its Distribution
The sheet music for “The Entertainer” was first published in 1902 by John Stark & Son in St. Louis, Missouri. This publication marked a significant moment in the history of ragtime music, as it allowed the piece to be widely disseminated and played by musicians across the country. The sheet music’s availability played a crucial role in popularizing the piece and establishing it as a standard of the ragtime genre.
The sheet music’s distribution was further facilitated by the rise of player pianos in the early 20th century. Piano rolls, which contained the musical information for “The Entertainer,” were widely available, allowing even individuals without musical training to enjoy the piece. This widespread accessibility contributed to the song’s enduring popularity and solidified its place in popular culture.
The sheet music’s success can be attributed to its high quality and its appeal to a broad audience; Joplin’s skill as a composer is evident in the sheet music’s intricate melodies, complex harmonies, and driving rhythms. The sheet music’s accessibility, combined with the piece’s musical brilliance, ensured its widespread distribution and helped to establish “The Entertainer” as a cornerstone of ragtime music.
The First Recordings
While “The Entertainer” was initially distributed as sheet music and piano rolls, the first official recording of the piece wasn’t made until 1928. The recording was made by the Blue Boys, a blues and ragtime group, and featured a mandolin and guitar arrangement of the song. This recording, though a testament to the enduring popularity of the piece, was not widely distributed and did not achieve widespread recognition.
The first recordings of “The Entertainer” that truly captured the public’s imagination came during the ragtime revival of the 1970s. The song’s inclusion in the 1973 film “The Sting” catapulted it back into the spotlight, sparking a renewed interest in the genre and prompting numerous recordings by both classical and popular artists.
The recordings of “The Entertainer” made during this period played a pivotal role in ensuring the piece’s continued relevance and influence. They introduced it to a new generation of listeners, expanding its reach beyond the confines of ragtime enthusiasts and contributing to its lasting legacy.
The Entertainer’s Revival in the 1970s
The 1970s marked a significant turning point in the history of “The Entertainer,” a period that saw the song experience a remarkable revival. This resurgence in popularity was largely driven by its inclusion in the 1973 film “The Sting,” a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film that became a cultural phenomenon. The film’s director, George Roy Hill, chose “The Entertainer” as the main theme music, recognizing its inherent charm and ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and excitement.
The song’s prominent use in the film exposed it to a vastly wider audience, transcending its previous niche status within the ragtime community. It became a ubiquitous hit, topping the Billboard charts and earning an Academy Award for Best Original Score. This newfound fame sparked a wave of interest in ragtime music, leading to a resurgence in recordings and performances of Joplin’s works.
The Entertainer’s success in “The Sting” solidified its status as a timeless classic, demonstrating its enduring appeal across generations and genres. It became a symbol of the ragtime revival, ushering in a period of renewed appreciation for Joplin’s legacy and the rich history of ragtime music.
The Entertainer’s Legacy
“The Entertainer” stands as a testament to Scott Joplin’s enduring influence on music. It has left an indelible mark on popular culture, transcending its origins as a ragtime composition to become a widely recognized and cherished piece of musical heritage. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its infectious energy, its ability to evoke a sense of joy and nostalgia, and its timeless appeal across generations.
Joplin’s masterpiece continues to inspire musicians, composers, and artists across various disciplines. Its distinctive rhythms and melodies have been sampled, reinterpreted, and incorporated into countless works, serving as a source of inspiration for countless artists seeking to capture the essence of ragtime’s vibrant spirit.
The Entertainer’s legacy extends beyond the realm of music, serving as a symbol of ragtime’s enduring cultural significance. Its influence can be seen in film, television, literature, and visual arts, where its infectious energy and unmistakable melodies have been used to evoke specific moods and emotions. Its presence in countless cultural touchstones highlights the enduring power of this ragtime classic to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
“The Entertainer” in Film and Television
The Entertainer has graced the silver screen and television screens for decades, becoming a beloved soundtrack element that adds a touch of nostalgia and vibrancy to countless productions. The song’s infectious energy, its ability to evoke a sense of joy and nostalgia, and its distinctive syncopated rhythms have made it a perfect fit for a wide range of genres, from historical dramas to comedies, and even animated features.
One of the most iconic uses of “The Entertainer” in film is its appearance in the 1973 Oscar-winning film “The Sting.” The song’s ragtime spirit perfectly captured the film’s 1930s setting and its themes of deception and suspense, becoming synonymous with the film’s success. This use catapulted the song back into the public consciousness, reinvigorating its popularity and solidifying its place in film history.
Beyond “The Sting,” “The Entertainer” has been featured in numerous other films and television shows, often serving as a nostalgic backdrop for period pieces or injecting a dose of lighthearted energy into various scenes. From its appearance in the 1970s television series “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” to its use in more recent productions like the 2011 film “The Adjustment Bureau,” the song continues to be a popular choice for filmmakers seeking to evoke specific emotions or enhance the atmosphere of their productions.
The Entertainer’s Impact on Popular Culture
The Entertainer’s influence on popular culture extends far beyond its appearances in film and television. The song’s infectious rhythms and timeless appeal have transcended generations, becoming a symbol of ragtime music and a cultural touchstone that resonates with audiences across various demographics. It has permeated the fabric of popular culture, influencing music, fashion, art, and even everyday language.
The Entertainer’s iconic status is evident in its frequent use in advertising and marketing campaigns. Its catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it an ideal choice for commercials, jingles, and other promotional materials, creating a sense of nostalgia and familiarity that connects with consumers. It has also been used to promote a wide array of products and services, from automobiles to clothing to food and beverage brands.
The Entertainer’s impact on popular culture is also evident in its presence in various forms of popular entertainment, including video games, television shows, and online platforms. The song has been incorporated into the soundtracks of numerous games, adding a touch of old-world charm or a sense of playful energy to various scenes. Its melodies and rhythms have also been sampled by numerous musicians across different genres, showcasing its enduring appeal and its ability to inspire new interpretations and creative re-imaginings.
The Entertainer’s Continued Popularity
The Entertainer’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to transcend generations. The song’s infectious rhythms, catchy melody, and nostalgic charm continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, making it a staple in countless musical performances, recordings, and cultural events.
The Entertainer remains a popular choice for musicians of all levels, from seasoned professionals to aspiring amateurs. It is a frequent feature in piano recitals, jazz ensembles, and even orchestral performances, demonstrating its versatility and its ability to be adapted to various musical styles. The song’s accessibility and its relatively simple structure make it a popular choice for beginners, while its rhythmic complexity and intricate melodies provide a challenge for experienced players.
The Entertainer’s legacy extends beyond the realm of music, influencing fashion, art, and even everyday language. Its iconic status has inspired a range of merchandise, including clothing, accessories, and home decor, showcasing its enduring appeal and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. The song’s name and its associated imagery have also become synonymous with entertainment and joy, reflecting its positive connotations and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and good cheer.