The Entertainer: piano sheet music

Piano sheet music for Scott Joplin’s famous ragtime, The Entertainer. _______ Scott Joplin, born in Texarkana, Texas, in November 1868, was an African American composer and pianist who became one of the most influential figures in the development of ragtime music. He is often referred to as the “King of Ragtime.” Joplin’s musical talents became evident at a young age. He was raised in a musical household where his mother played the banjo and his father the violin. Joplin started learning the piano around the age of seven receiving formal music training from a German immigrant, Julius Weiss, who taught him classical music theory and technique. This foundation in classical music combined with his exposure to African American folk music and the syncopated rhythms of the time became the basis for his unique style of ragtime. In 1894, Joplin settled in Sedalia, Missouri, where he published some of his earliest works, including the “Maple Leaf Rag.” This composition catapulted him to fame, selling over one million copies of sheet music and firmly establishing him as a leading figure in ragtime music. Joplin’s success continued throughout the 1890s and early 1900s. composing pieces such as “The Entertainer,” “Elite Syncopations,” and “The Easy Winners.” Joplin’s music was a fusion of African American musical traditions and European classical elements, showcasing his extraordinary skill as a composer. Scott Joplin’s career waned in the 1900s as he faced financial difficulties and health problems, including the onset of syphilis. Sadly, Joplin passed away on April 1, 1917, at the age of 48. Despite his untimely death, his contributions to music left an indelible mark on American culture. In the decades following his death, there was a resurgence of interest in Joplin’s music. In the 1970s, the award-winning film “The Sting” prominently featured his composition “The Entertainer,” bringing ragtime back into the mainstream. This led to a revival of interest in Joplin’s works, and he posthumously received a Pulitzer Prize in 1976 for his contributions to American music. Scott Joplin’s legacy endures as his compositions continue to be celebrated and performed to this day. His musical innovations and his efforts to elevate ragtime have had a lasting impact on American music, paving the way for future generations of composers and musicians. Scott Joplin’s mastery of ragtime and his pioneering spirit make him an iconic figure in the history of American music.