19 Greatest Ragtime Piano Pieces Ever Written (Ultimate Playlist)

Ragtime, a vibrant and syncopated musical style that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, has left an indelible mark on American music. Known for its lively rhythms and intricate melodies, ragtime is most famously represented through the piano compositions of legendary artists like Scott Joplin, James Scott, and Joseph Lamb.

These composers crafted pieces that not only showcased their technical prowess but also captured the spirit of an era characterized by innovation and cultural transformation. In this article, we explore some of the greatest ragtime piano pieces, highlighting the timeless works that have come to define this quintessentially American genre.

From iconic compositions like “Maple Leaf Rag” to lesser-known gems, these pieces continue to delight and inspire musicians and audiences alike.

19 Greatest Ragtime Piano Compositions That You Need to Hear

These pieces are celebrated for their syncopated rhythms, lively melodies, and contributions to the development of ragtime music. They have left a lasting impact on both classical and popular music, influencing countless musicians and composers.

Here’s a list of 19 of the greatest ragtime piano pieces, featuring some of the most iconic and influential works in the genre:

#1 “Maple Leaf Rag” – Scott Joplin

Composed by Scott Joplin in 1899, “Maple Leaf Rag” is perhaps the most famous ragtime piece and a quintessential example of the genre. Named after the Maple Leaf Club in Sedalia, Missouri, where Joplin frequently performed, this piece is known for its syncopated rhythms and lively melodies.

It helped establish Joplin as the “King of Ragtime” and became one of the first pieces of sheet music to sell over a million copies. “Maple Leaf Rag” has a four-part structure typical of ragtime, with each section offering a distinct melody and rhythmic pattern. Its success marked a significant moment in American music history, solidifying ragtime as a popular genre.

#2 “The Entertainer” – Scott Joplin

“The Entertainer,” composed by Scott Joplin in 1902, is another iconic ragtime composition that remains widely recognized today. The piece gained renewed popularity in the 1970s when it was featured in the Oscar-winning film The Sting.

“The Entertainer” showcases Joplin’s mastery of syncopation and melody, with a playful and catchy tune that has made it a favorite among both performers and listeners. The piece follows the classic A-B-A-C-D structure of ragtime, with each section presenting a unique, memorable theme. Its light-hearted and jaunty character exemplifies the joyful spirit of ragtime music.

#3 “Pineapple Rag” – Scott Joplin

Composed in 1908, “Pineapple Rag” is one of Scott Joplin’s more complex ragtime pieces. It features a distinctive and catchy melody that is characteristic of Joplin’s work, along with a rich harmonic texture. The piece is known for its intricate syncopation and challenging technical passages, making it a favorite among skilled pianists.

“Pineapple Rag” has a lively, tropical feel, as suggested by its title, and showcases Joplin’s ability to blend classical and popular music elements. The composition is structured in the typical ragtime form, with four contrasting sections that each bring a new melodic idea.

#4 “The Easy Winners” – Scott Joplin

“The Easy Winners,” composed by Scott Joplin in 1901, is celebrated for its bright, cheerful melodies and intricate rhythms. The piece is structured in four sections, each with its own distinctive character, and features the syncopation and rhythmic drive typical of ragtime.

“The Easy Winners” was one of Joplin’s most popular compositions during his lifetime and continues to be a staple in the ragtime repertoire. Its title reflects the lively, upbeat nature of the music, which evokes a sense of celebration and joy. The piece has been widely recorded and performed, showcasing Joplin’s unique talent for melody and rhythm.

#5 “Solace – A Mexican Serenade” – Scott Joplin

“Solace – A Mexican Serenade,” composed by Scott Joplin in 1909, is one of his more lyrical and expressive works. Unlike the fast-paced and highly syncopated nature of many ragtime pieces, “Solace” is characterized by a slower, more reflective tempo and a gentle, melancholic melody.

The piece features a blend of ragtime syncopation with elements of the habanera rhythm, giving it a unique, cross-cultural flavor. “Solace” stands out in Joplin’s oeuvre for its emotional depth and sophistication, highlighting his versatility as a composer. It has been praised for its haunting beauty and remains a favorite among fans of ragtime and classical music alike.

#6 “Elite Syncopations” – Scott Joplin

“Elite Syncopations,” composed by Scott Joplin in 1902, is a lively and playful ragtime piece that exemplifies the genre’s hallmark syncopated rhythms. The piece features a series of catchy, contrasting themes that showcase Joplin’s skill in creating engaging and memorable melodies.

The composition’s title reflects its sophisticated and refined character, with the term “syncopations” highlighting the rhythmic complexity that is central to ragtime music. “Elite Syncopations” is structured in four sections, each bringing a fresh musical idea and contributing to the overall light-hearted and joyful feel of the piece. It remains a popular choice for performers and audiences, embodying the charm and energy of ragtime.

#7 “Cascades” – Scott Joplin

Composed in 1904, “Cascades” is a vibrant ragtime piece by Scott Joplin, named after the Cascades waterfall display at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The piece captures the lively and flowing nature of water with its rapid, cascading arpeggios and syncopated rhythms.

Joplin skillfully uses musical imagery to evoke the feeling of water cascading down, making it a favorite among pianists for its technical challenge and vivid character. The composition follows the standard ragtime form with a series of contrasting sections, each featuring Joplin’s signature melodic inventiveness and rhythmic vitality.

#8 “Ragtime Dance” – Scott Joplin

“Ragtime Dance” is a unique piece in Joplin’s repertoire, originally composed in 1899 and later published in 1902 in its more famous version. Unlike many ragtime compositions, it includes spoken instructions and dance steps in the original sheet music, reflecting its origins as a work for dance.

The piece blends elements of a traditional rag with syncopated dance rhythms and features a distinctive “stop-time” section where the music halts for a brief dance instruction. “Ragtime Dance” is notable for its lively and interactive character, inviting performers and audiences to engage with the music physically and rhythmically.

#9 “Gladiolus Rag” – Scott Joplin

“Gladiolus Rag,” composed by Scott Joplin in 1907, is known for its intricate syncopation and bright, cheerful melody. The piece is considered one of Joplin’s more technically demanding works, showcasing his mastery of the ragtime genre. The title likely refers to the gladiolus flower, symbolizing strength and grace, which is reflected in the music’s confident and elegant character.

The composition features several contrasting sections, each with its own unique melodic idea, and is praised for its expressive range and dynamic contrasts. “Gladiolus Rag” remains a favorite among ragtime enthusiasts and is often performed in concert settings.

#10 “Sunflower Slow Drag” – Scott Joplin and Scott Hayden

“Sunflower Slow Drag,” composed by Scott Joplin in collaboration with Scott Hayden in 1901, is a ragtime piece known for its smooth, laid-back rhythm and playful melodies. The “slow drag” refers to a dance style popular at the time, characterized by its relaxed tempo and syncopated movements.

The piece is structured in several sections, each featuring a distinct theme that showcases the collaborative effort of Joplin and Hayden. “Sunflower Slow Drag” stands out for its unique blend of syncopation and lyrical phrasing, making it a delightful and engaging piece that highlights the lighter, more relaxed side of ragtime music.

#11 “Felicity Rag” – Scott Joplin and Scott Hayden

Another collaboration between Scott Joplin and Scott Hayden, “Felicity Rag” was composed in 1911. The piece is known for its joyful and exuberant character, as suggested by the title “Felicity,” which means happiness. The composition features lively syncopation and catchy melodies, typical of Joplin’s style, while also incorporating Hayden’s unique musical ideas.

“Felicity Rag” is structured in four sections, each with a distinct melodic theme that contributes to the piece’s overall sense of playfulness and delight. It remains a popular choice among ragtime performers and listeners for its uplifting and cheerful nature.

#12 “Fig Leaf Rag” – Scott Joplin

Composed in 1908, “Fig Leaf Rag” is one of Scott Joplin’s more complex and lesser-known ragtime pieces. The title’s meaning is somewhat ambiguous, but the music itself is rich with intricate rhythms and harmonies. “Fig Leaf Rag” features a sophisticated blend of syncopation and lyrical melodies, showcasing Joplin’s evolution as a composer. The piece follows the traditional ragtime structure, with multiple sections each presenting a unique musical idea.

Despite its relative obscurity compared to Joplin’s more famous works, “Fig Leaf Rag” is appreciated for its compositional depth and technical challenges, making it a rewarding piece for both performers and audiences.

#13 “St. Louis Tickle” – Theron C. Bennett

“St. Louis Tickle,” composed by Theron C. Bennett in 1904, is a lively and spirited ragtime piece named after the vibrant city of St. Louis. The piece is known for its catchy, syncopated melodies and playful character, capturing the bustling energy of urban life in the early 20th century. “St. Louis Tickle” became popular during the ragtime era and remains a favorite among pianists for its infectious rhythm and engaging musical phrases.

The composition is structured in a series of contrasting sections, each featuring distinct melodic and rhythmic motifs. It exemplifies the fun and lively spirit of ragtime music, making it a classic piece in the genre.

#14 “Dill Pickles Rag” – Charles L. Johnson

Composed by Charles L. Johnson in 1906, “Dill Pickles Rag” became one of the most popular ragtime pieces of its time. The piece is characterized by its playful and catchy melody, featuring a distinctive syncopated rhythm that captures the essence of ragtime music. “Dill Pickles” stood out for its memorable main theme, which has been used in various media over the years, including cartoons and comedy sketches.

The composition follows the traditional ragtime structure with multiple sections, each showcasing Johnson’s knack for crafting engaging and lively tunes. Its infectious rhythm and cheerful character have made it a favorite among ragtime enthusiasts and performers.

#15 “Twelfth Street Rag” – Euday L. Bowman

“Twelfth Street Rag,” composed by Euday L. Bowman in 1914, is one of the most iconic and enduring pieces in the ragtime genre. Named after a street in Kansas City, the piece is known for its upbeat tempo and lively syncopation. The melody is catchy and vibrant, featuring a distinctive pattern that has been widely recognized and adapted in various forms of entertainment.

“Twelfth Street Rag” gained immense popularity, becoming a jazz standard and being covered by numerous artists over the years. The composition’s energetic and playful style exemplifies the joy and liveliness of ragtime music, making it a timeless classic.

#16 “Grace and Beauty” – James Scott

James Scott, one of the leading ragtime composers alongside Scott Joplin and Joseph Lamb, composed “Grace and Beauty” in 1909. This piece is celebrated for its elegant and flowing melodies, as well as its intricate syncopated rhythms. “Grace and Beauty” is notable for its refined structure and sophisticated harmonies, showcasing Scott’s compositional skill and artistic sensibility.

The piece features several contrasting sections, each with its unique melodic theme, reflecting the variety and complexity that characterize Scott’s work. “Grace and Beauty” remains a highly regarded piece in the ragtime repertoire, admired for its balance of lyrical grace and rhythmic vitality.

#17 “The Ragtime Nightingale” – Joseph Lamb

“The Ragtime Nightingale,” composed by Joseph Lamb in 1915, is a quintessential ragtime piece known for its lyrical beauty and technical demands. The composition showcases Lamb’s distinct style, blending smooth, flowing melodies with the intricate syncopation typical of ragtime.

The piece is structured in multiple sections, each featuring unique thematic material that mimics the song of a nightingale, as suggested by the title. “The Ragtime Nightingale” is admired for its expressive qualities and the skill required to perform it, making it a favorite among advanced pianists. Lamb’s work is often noted for its emotional depth and compositional finesse, with “The Ragtime Nightingale” standing as a prime example.

#18 “American Beauty Rag” – Joseph Lamb

Joseph Lamb composed “American Beauty Rag” in 1913, and it is considered one of his finest works. The piece is characterized by its charming melodies and intricate, syncopated rhythms, hallmarks of Lamb’s style. “American Beauty Rag” features a series of distinct sections, each showcasing a different melodic idea, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between the hands, creating a complex and engaging texture.

The composition’s title reflects its quintessentially American character, capturing the optimism and energy of the early 20th century. “American Beauty Rag” is highly regarded for its technical demands and musical richness, making it a standout piece in the ragtime genre.

#19 “X.L. Rag” – James Scott

“X.L. Rag,” composed by James Scott in 1912, is an exuberant and lively ragtime piece that exemplifies Scott’s ability to create engaging and memorable music. The piece is known for its upbeat tempo and intricate syncopation, with each section presenting a new and distinct melodic idea. “X.L. Rag” showcases Scott’s talent for blending complex rhythms with catchy, accessible melodies, making it a popular choice among ragtime performers.

The composition’s vibrant character and technical challenges highlight Scott’s contribution to the ragtime genre, cementing his reputation as one of the great ragtime composers alongside Scott Joplin and Joseph Lamb.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered the most iconic ragtime piano piece and why?

“Maple Leaf Rag” by Scott Joplin is often considered the most iconic ragtime piano piece. It popularized the genre in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with its distinctive syncopated rhythms and catchy melodies.

How did “The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin gain renewed popularity in the 1970s?

“The Entertainer” gained renewed popularity in the 1970s after being featured in the Oscar-winning film The Sting. The piece’s inclusion in the movie’s soundtrack introduced it to a new generation and cemented its place in popular culture.

What distinguishes “Solace – A Mexican Serenade” from other ragtime compositions?

“Solace – A Mexican Serenade” by Scott Joplin is distinguished by its slower tempo and lyrical, melancholic melody, blending ragtime with elements of the habanera rhythm. This piece showcases a more expressive and introspective side of Joplin’s work.

Why is “Twelfth Street Rag” significant in the history of ragtime music?

“Twelfth Street Rag” by Euday L. Bowman is significant for its catchy, upbeat melody and lasting popularity, becoming a jazz standard. Its lively syncopation and memorable theme have made it one of the most recognizable pieces in ragtime music.