This is Joplin's piano original of The Entertainer which he described as A Rag Time Two Step. Composed in 1902, this music is instantly recognisable, which is a disadvantage to any instrumentalist because as a consequence it needs to played both accurately and musically. Ragtime is the first readily identifiable modern popular music in that it has elements and links with popular music that succeeded it. Unfortunately, much ragtime music is played very badly and frequently at too fast a tempo so the music editor suggests listening to Scott Joplin's own remastered piano rolls to obtain an understanding of the performance style. A tempo of around 72 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is recommended. Ragtime music is deceptive in that it sounds easy on the ear but is actually quite a challenge for the fingers to play.
