"Maple Leaf Rag" (Joplin)

"Maple Leaf Rag," composed by Scott Joplin in 1899, is a pioneering piano piece that helped popularize ragtime music. Characterized by its lively, syncopated rhythms and catchy melodies, it combines steady, march-like bass notes with off-beat accents, creating a vibrant, swinging feel. The piece showcases technical skill while engaging listeners with its cheerful and energetic spirit. As one of the most famous ragtime compositions, it played a significant role in shaping early American popular music and influenced future jazz and blues styles.