- 24/01/2013
- Posted by: essay
- Category: Free essays
Blues and ragtime were extremely popular genres in the early 20th century music. These genres of music were, to a certain extent similar, but such similarity was insignificant and overshadowed by the substantial difference that made both genres popular. At the same time, ragtime replaced blues and gained popularity in the 1920s, mainly due to its difference from blues.
At this point, it is important to dwell upon distinct differences between blues and ragtime, which actually determined their popularity. In this respect, one of the major difference is that blues is a vocal music, which is melodic and easy to play, whereas ragtime is rhythmic and it is the piano affair above all. Ragtime is primarily rhythmic that contrasts to blues’ vocal songs.
At the same time, it is possible to distinguish substantial difference in the contents of blues and ragtime songs. As the matter of fact, blues songs were light and easy to thing but still they could convey serious themes and they could have a shadow of tragedy. In stark contrast, ragtime songs were quite different and they were light, rhythmic and evoked gay emotions and feelings in the audience.
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Their main goals were to make the audience smiling and happy. Ragtime songs did not suppose to evoke some sufferings or compassion in the audience as some blues songs did. Instead, they were supposed to bring gayety and happiness to the audience. Ragtime songs helped people to forget their troubles and to become more optimistic and cheerful.
Thus, blues and ragtime were quite different. Even though both blues and ragtime songs were quite light they still born different message to the audience.
Works Cited:
Bimbaum, M. Blues and Ragtime. 2010. Retrieved on August 7, 2010
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