The Entertainer by Scott Joplin: B Section

How many sections are in The Entertainer?

There are three sections in this intermediate version of The Entertainer, which includes the Intro, the A section (which is repeated) and the B section (which is also repeated). The original advanced version of The Entertainer contains several more sections, including a C section and D section, which contain other melodies that contrast from the A and B sections.

How hard is it to play The Entertainer on piano?

This version of The Entertainer is considered an intermediate piano piece and can be learned by someone who is currently in Unit 17 or above. To play the intermediate arrangement of The Entertainer, you must be able to play syncopated rhythms (rhythms which accent off-beats), play legato melodies in the right hand while playing staccato chords in the left hand that span an octave, read ledger lines, and also play arpeggiated broken chords.

What is the difference between The Entertainer's A section and its B section?

The A and B sections are both in C major, but they contain contrasting melodies.

Is The Entertainer the most difficult piece written by Scott Joplin?

The Entertainer certainly has its challenges, but it is not considered the most difficult piece composed by Joplin. That award goes to the Fig Leaf Rag, which is considered most challenging for its long octave phrases that include inner thirds. This can quickly tire the hands of inexperienced pianists. The Entertainer contains some of these same techniques, but in shorter sections.

What is the structure of The Entertainer by Scott Joplin?

Our simplified intermediate version’s structure is Intro–AA–BB. The intro is the first four measures, the A section is ms. 5-21, and the B section is ms. 22-38. The A and B sections both contain repeats, and the entire piece is in C major. The original advanced version of The Entertainer is also in C major, but the structure is much more complex and follows this roadmap: Intro-AA-BB-A-CC-Bridge(reprise of final 4 ms. of section B)-DD. To hear the original version played by the composer Scott Joplin himself, click here.