Maple Leaf Rag

"Maple Leaf Rag" by Scott Joplin is typically played in the key of A-flat major. Composed in 1899, it is one of the most famous ragtime pieces ever written. Scott Joplin, often referred to as the "King of Ragtime," composed and performed the piece himself. Notably, "Maple Leaf Rag" was one of the first instrumental compositions to sell over one million copies of sheet music. The piece is characterized by its syncopated melodies, lively rhythms, and intricate piano techniques, making it a challenging yet beloved piece for pianists to perform. Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag" remains an enduring symbol of the ragtime era and continues to be celebrated as a classic American composition.