Composer

:

William Bolcom

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1968

Average_duration

:

4:37

"Last Rag" is a composition by American composer William Bolcom. It was composed in 1999 and premiered on October 17, 1999, at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The piece is a ragtime composition and is written for solo piano. The composition consists of three movements. The first movement, titled "The Last Rag," is a fast-paced and energetic piece that features syncopated rhythms and a lively melody. The second movement, titled "Graceful Ghost," is a slower and more melancholic piece that features a haunting melody and a more subdued rhythm. The third movement, titled "Poltergeist," is a fast and frenzied piece that features complex rhythms and a playful melody. One of the characteristics of "Last Rag" is its use of ragtime style. Ragtime is a musical genre that originated in African American communities in the late 19th century. It is characterized by its syncopated rhythms and lively melodies. Bolcom's use of ragtime in "Last Rag" pays homage to this musical tradition while also incorporating his own unique style. Another characteristic of "Last Rag" is its use of humor and playfulness. The composition features unexpected twists and turns, as well as moments of whimsy and lightheartedness. This sense of humor is a hallmark of Bolcom's style and is evident throughout the piece. Overall, "Last Rag" is a lively and engaging composition that showcases Bolcom's skill as a composer and his love for ragtime music. Its three movements offer a range of moods and emotions, from the energetic and playful to the haunting and melancholic.

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