Historically, ragtime music was played in dance halls, clubs and theatres as well as honky-tonks and brothels. Being a versatile style of music, it served purposes as varied as accompanying silent films, entertaining crowds on the dance floor and delighting the upper class when played on parlour pianos in respectable homes.
Where is ragtime music played today?
Today, ragtime is played by pianists and musicians around the globe. Classic rags, written and published in the 1890s and early 1900s, are enjoyed by a large community of ragtime lovers and continue to thrive through live performances at dedicated ragtime festivals.
Ragtime tunes are also part of modern entertainment, featuring prominently in American theme parks, video games, film and online advertising. Modern ragtime composers continue to shape film and video game music, as well as popular dance culture.
What makes modern ragtime music valuable?
Modern ragtime combines the syncopation of classic rags with new styles like pop, jazz and rock to create distinctly catchy melodies. It is popular among musicians and businesses alike, as it brings a century-long tradition to the communities in which we live today.
Modern ragtime is a crowd favourite
Ragtime contributed to the development of genres as varied as blues, rock and dance music. It passed musical features – from syncopation to repeated melodic lines – to a diverse range of styles.
As a result, fans find elements reminiscent of ragtime in their favourite non-ragtime tunes – and the familiarity with such features gives modern ragtime its wide appeal today.
Modern ragtime works for every mood and moment
Modern ragtime tunes come in different moods – from a romantic rag for a candlelight dinner to upbeat tracks for lively dance events. While classic rags are usually fast-paced, Lion Ragtime also has a collection of slower, melancholic pieces for sad occasions.
Modern ragtime has an authentic sound
Modern ragtime is real music – free from synthesizers and sound effects. Enjoy its sheer beauty and purity. Because with ragtime, every note of a live performance can be found in the recording.
So, when you hear one of our ragtime pieces, you know you’re hearing the authentic sound of a real musician on the piano.
Where can I use ragtime music?
You can use ragtime music for dance shows and competitions, as a soundtrack for your film or video game, and as a background music in stores and shops. Ragtime music is also a popular choice for festivals and live events, as well as advertising.