The ragtime or simply rag originated in the United States towards the end of the 19th century. At first it was developed as an especial piano style by Afro-American pianists. However, its popularity rapidly called for arrangements featuring other instruments and groups, and in particular, it was adopted by the Dixieland formations that had come into existence in New Orleans. The character of the ragtime mostly is gay and often quite witty too. Dick Ravenal arranged the famous TIGER RAG for youth wind orchestras. It was of prime importance to the composer to maintain the true character of the ragtime and to keep the humorous sections in an effective way in this simplified version too. Please pay attention to the tenor part from measure 50 onward – as you may imitate the “tiger” there. Have a lot of fun when performing this piece!
Dixieland The ragtime or simply rag originated in the United States towards the end of the 19th century. At first it was developed as an especial piano style by Afro-American pianists. However, its popularity rapidly called for arrangements featuring other instruments and groups, and in particular, it was adopted by the Dixieland formations that had come into existence in New Orleans. The character of the ragtime mostly is gay and often quite witty too. Dick Ravenal arranged the famous TIGER RAG for youth wind orchestras. It was of prime importance to the composer to maintain the true character of the ragtime and to keep the humorous sections in an effective way in this simplified version too. Please pay attention to the tenor part from measure 50 onward – as you may imitate the “tiger” there. Have a lot of fun...