Golden Age of Ragtime, The

Everybody loves ragtime! There is something special about this uniquely American musical genre that transports our imagination back to the late 1800s and early 1900s—to a time when life was simple yet exciting. This collection includes “Funny Folks” by W. C. Powell, “Colonial Glide” by Paul Pratt, and “The Nonpareil,” “Eugenia,” and “Maple Leaf Rag” by Scott Joplin. Even with these pieces being on the slower end of the metronome spectrum (between 85 and 100 bpm) each solo lasts around three minutes if all repeats are taken, or shorter if each section is only played through one time—perfect for state solo and ensemble events. 

Written in an accessible style, these pieces can be performed as a xylophone solo with piano accompaniment or with a quartet on two marimbas. The solo part is not overly complicated, although Hicks and Rath do offer other suggestions on how to “make things more flashy,” like swinging rhythms or adding improvised trills and embellishments. Likewise, the percussion ensemble accompaniment parts are straight forward in their harmonic presentation, can be played with two mallets, and have stickings and dynamics clearly laid out for the performers. The authors have also considered younger players, as evidenced by the inclusion of bass clef parts offered alternatively as treble clef parts. 

Educators will appreciate the pedagogical inclusions in this collection, such as printable progress charts for each player, historical information regarding ragtime at the turn of the century, and short facts relating to the composition year of each piece. (Did you know that in 1907 you could buy a pound of coffee for 15 cents?) What a great genre to introduce to your students, and what an effective collection to use in your classrooms. This latest offering from the dynamic duo of Hicks and Rath is a keeper! 

—Joshua D. Smith
Percussive Notes
Vol. 56, No. 5, November 2018