Scott Joplin: Swipesy Cake Walk

Details
Title | Scott Joplin: Swipesy Cake Walk |
Author | Kate Price |
Duration | 3:29 |
File Format | MP3 / MP4 |
Original URL | https://youtube.com/watch?v=T5-39S6kmb8 |
Description
Disclaimer: I do not own this!
The "Swipesy Cakewalk" is a ragtime composition written in 1900 by a musical duo consisting of the notable ragtime master Scott Joplin and the young composer Arthur Marshall. Contrary to its name, "Swipesy" was written in a highly syncopated ragtime style, rather than the simple syncopations of a cakewalk. The style follows the AA BB A CC DD musical form common for both cakewalks and rags, particularly after the earlier publication of Joplin's hit Maple Leaf Rag.
"Swipesy" begins with a four-measure introduction in B-flat major (two flats). It modulates to three flats for the trio (C) section, returning to two flats for the final (D) section. It is thought that Joplin wrote the trio and Marshall wrote the final section.[1]
A popular legend says that the title was suggested by John Stillwell Stark, one of Joplin's original publishers, when "Swipesy" was first being considered for publication.[2] The photograph which was to appear on the cover of the new (and unnamed) composition featured a young Sedalia newsboy[1] with a shy expression on his face. Stark allegedly remarked that the boy's countenance seemed to suggest that he had just "swiped" something from a cookie jar. "Lets call [the song] 'Swipesy'," said Stark, and thus the title was decided.
The copyright for this piece was registered on July 21, 1900.