Swipesy Cakewalk

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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.

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.^[1] The photograph which was to appear on the cover of the new (and unnamed) composition featured a young boy 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.

[edit] References

1. ^ Hinson, Maurice. At the Piano with Scott Joplin.(1990) Van Nuys, California: Alfred Publishing Co.

[edit] External links

• Sheet music and mp3 at mfiles.co.uk (interactive version requires Scorch)