Swipesy Cakewalk
Encyclopedia
The "Swipesy Cakewalk" is a ragtime
composition written in 1900 by a musical duo consisting of the notable ragtime master Scott Joplin
and the young composer Arthur Marshall
. "Swipsey" uses the simple syncopations of a cakewalk
- the first beat being a sixteenth, eighth, sixteenth note division, and the second beat an even eighth note division. The style follows the AA BB A CC DD musical form
common for both cakewalks and rags, particularly after the earlier publication of Joplin's hit Maple Leaf Rag
. Only the C section, composed by Joplin, departs from the cakewalk rhythm and is more pure ragtime. The composition was written in the late 1890s when Joplin was living with the Marshall family, and was teaching Arthur (1881 - 1968), composition.
"Swipesy" begins with a four-measure introduction in B-flat major (two flats). It modulates
to three flats for the trio
(C) section, returning to two flats for the final (D) section. It is thought that Joplin wrote the trio and Marshall wrote the final section.
A popular legend says that the title was suggested by John Stillwell Stark
, one of Joplin's original publishers, when "Swipesy" was first being considered for publication. The photograph which was to appear on the cover of the new (and unnamed) composition featured a young Sedalia newsboy with a shy expression on his face. Stark allegedly remarked that the boy's countenance seemed to suggest that he had just "swiped" something from a cookie jar. "Lets call [the song] 'Swipesy'," said Stark, and thus the title was decided.
The copyright for this piece was registered on July 21, 1900.
Ragtime
Ragtime is an original musical genre which enjoyed its peak popularity between 1897 and 1918. Its main characteristic trait is its syncopated, or "ragged," rhythm. It began as dance music in the red-light districts of American cities such as St. Louis and New Orleans years before being published...
composition written in 1900 by a musical duo consisting of the notable ragtime master Scott Joplin
Scott Joplin
Scott Joplin was an American composer and pianist. Joplin achieved fame for his ragtime compositions, and was later dubbed "The King of Ragtime". During his brief career, Joplin wrote 44 original ragtime pieces, one ragtime ballet, and two operas...
and the young composer Arthur Marshall
Arthur Marshall (ragtime composer)
Arthur Marshall was an African-American composer and performer of ragtime music.Marshall was born on a farm in Saline County, Missouri, but a few years later his family moved to Sedalia, Missouri...
. "Swipsey" uses the simple syncopations of a cakewalk
Cakewalk
The Cakewalk dance was developed from a "Prize Walk" done in the days of slavery, generally at get-togethers on plantations in the Southern United States. Alternative names for the original form of the dance were "chalkline-walk", and the "walk-around"...
- the first beat being a sixteenth, eighth, sixteenth note division, and the second beat an even eighth note division. The style follows the AA BB A CC DD musical form
Musical form
The term musical form refers to the overall structure or plan of a piece of music, and it describes the layout of a composition as divided into sections...
common for both cakewalks and rags, particularly after the earlier publication of Joplin's hit Maple Leaf Rag
Maple Leaf Rag
The "Maple Leaf Rag" is an early ragtime musical composition for piano composed by Scott Joplin. It was one of Joplin's early works, and is one of the most famous of all ragtime pieces, and became the model for ragtime compositions by subsequent composers. As a result Joplin was called the "King...
. Only the C section, composed by Joplin, departs from the cakewalk rhythm and is more pure ragtime. The composition was written in the late 1890s when Joplin was living with the Marshall family, and was teaching Arthur (1881 - 1968), composition.
"Swipesy" begins with a four-measure introduction in B-flat major (two flats). It modulates
Modulation (music)
In music, modulation is most commonly the act or process of changing from one key to another. This may or may not be accompanied by a change in key signature. Modulations articulate or create the structure or form of many pieces, as well as add interest...
to three flats for the trio
Trio (music)
Trio is generally used in any of the following ways:* A group of three musicians playing the same or different musical instrument.* The performance of a piece of music by three people.* The contrasting section of a piece in ternary form...
(C) section, returning to two flats for the final (D) section. It is thought that Joplin wrote the trio and Marshall wrote the final section.
A popular legend says that the title was suggested by John Stillwell Stark
John Stillwell Stark
John Stillwell Stark was a United States publisher of ragtime music. He is best known for publishing and promoting the music of Scott Joplin....
, one of Joplin's original publishers, when "Swipesy" was first being considered for publication. The photograph which was to appear on the cover of the new (and unnamed) composition featured a young Sedalia newsboy with a shy expression on his face. Stark allegedly remarked that the boy's countenance seemed to suggest that he had just "swiped" something from a cookie jar. "Lets call [the song] 'Swipesy'," said Stark, and thus the title was decided.
The copyright for this piece was registered on July 21, 1900.
External links
- Sheet music and mp3 at mfiles.co.uk (interactive version requires Scorch)
- YouTube video of "Swipesy Cakewalk" being played