Composer

:

Scott Joplin

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1895

Publication Date

:

1895

Average_duration

:

2:56

"A Picture of Her Face" is a piano ragtime composition by Scott Joplin, one of the most famous and influential composers of the genre. The piece was composed in 1906 and premiered the same year. It is a three-movement work that showcases Joplin's mastery of the ragtime style. The first movement of "A Picture of Her Face" is marked "Moderato" and features a syncopated melody that is typical of ragtime music. The left hand provides a steady bass line while the right hand plays the melody, which is characterized by its use of dotted rhythms and syncopation. The second movement, marked "Andante," is more lyrical and features a slower tempo. The melody is played in the right hand while the left hand provides a simple accompaniment. The third movement, marked "Allegro," returns to the syncopated rhythms of the first movement and features a more complex melody that is played in both hands. One of the characteristics of "A Picture of Her Face" is its use of chromaticism, which is the use of notes outside of the key signature. This gives the piece a more complex and sophisticated sound than many other ragtime compositions. Another characteristic is Joplin's use of counterpoint, which is the interweaving of multiple melodies. This is particularly evident in the third movement, where the left and right hands play different melodies that complement each other. Overall, "A Picture of Her Face" is a prime example of Joplin's skill as a composer and his ability to push the boundaries of the ragtime genre. Its complex rhythms and sophisticated harmonies make it a challenging piece for pianists to play, but also a rewarding one for those who are up to the task.

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