2011/06/24

"The Bethena Rag" - Scott Joplin







This Rag is almost finally completed, I've been work on it for months. This song really kicked me into learning play complicated rhythms. Many times he very simply throws in a "single repeating note" and it's 'timing' gives it the interesting syncopation.

Scott knows how to piece together sections of music with musical interludes or transitions that change keys. Most rags are in 4/4 and this one being in 3/4 sure opened my eyes. The 1st and 2nd endings on page 4 really give me a head ache!