Sensation — A Rag

J. Lamb

Key

Bb

Time

2/4

Tempo

♩=76

AO focus

AO3

Form

Classic ragtime — AABBACCDD. Joseph Lamb was the third of the 'Big Three' (with Joplin and Scott) and the only white member. Self-taught; published by John Stark on Joplin's recommendation.

Teaching points

• Lamb's hallmark — denser harmony than Joplin, more chromatic passing tones
• Trio (the C strain) modulates to E♭ major (subdominant). Track the tonal architecture
• AO3: race and ragtime — Lamb's success in a predominantly Black-composer genre. Discuss the social context of crossover