Uploaded February 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
To celebrate Black History Month, we’re highlighting clips from our archival programming that present the experiences of the Black community and celebrate Black icons in music and art.
The iconic Scott Joplin, aka the “King of Ragtime,” revolutionized American music. His contributions helped lay the groundwork for jazz and his music continues to be popular today. During his career he wrote 44 ragtime pieces, one ragtime ballet, and two operas.
Enjoy this performance featuring pianist Lara Downes playing Scott Joplin’s final piece, Magnetic Rag, which he completed as he was dying of syphilis at the age of 48. Pay attention to the coda (the movement that brings the piece to an end) that is clearly Joplin saying “goodbye.” Watch the full performance and discussion on Scott Joplin’s New York here: youtu.be/A3vVWeOdETk
Stay up to date with upcoming events at The Greene Space by signing up for our newsletter: thegreenespace.org/contact-us/sign-up-for-our-newsletter
Follow The Greene Space on social:
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Twitter: twitter.com/TheGreeneSpace
The Greene Space is funded by you. Make a monthly donation of $10 or more to support us and all the programs and podcasts you love from WNYC, WQXR, Gothamist and more! pledge3.wnyc.org/donate/tgs/onestep/?utm_medium=partnersite&utm_source=tgs&utm_campaign=donatebutton
To celebrate Black History Month, we’re highlighting clips from our archival programming that present the experiences of the Black community and celebrate Black icons in music and art.
The iconic Scott Joplin, aka the “King of Ragtime,” revolutionized American music. His contributions helped lay the groundwork for jazz and his music continues to be popular today. During his career he wrote 44 ragtime pieces, one ragtime ballet, and two operas.
Enjoy this performance featuring pianist Lara Downes playing Scott Joplin’s final piece, Magnetic Rag, which he completed as he was dying of syphilis at the age of 48. Pay attention to the coda (the movement that brings the piece to an end) that is clearly Joplin saying “goodbye.” Watch the full performance and discussion on Scott Joplin’s New York here: youtu.be/A3vVWeOdETk
Stay up to date with upcoming events at The Greene Space by signing up for our newsletter: thegreenespace.org/contact-us/sign-up-for-our-newsletter
Follow The Greene Space on social:
Facebook: facebook.com/thegreenespace
Instagram: instagram.com/thegreenespacenyc/?hl=en
Twitter: twitter.com/TheGreeneSpace
The Greene Space is funded by you. Make a monthly donation of $10 or more to support us and all the programs and podcasts you love from WNYC, WQXR, Gothamist and more! pledge3.wnyc.org/donate/tgs/onestep/?utm_medium=partnersite&utm_source=tgs&utm_campaign=donatebutton
