Poulenc Trio

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Syncopated Resistance: Ragtime and the Black and Jewish Roots of Music in America

Bryan Young

Journey with Poulenc Trio through the fascinating intersection of musical traditions that shaped American popular music. Through the lens of ragtime, we explore how both Black and Jewish communities developed powerful ways to express deep emotions through music, finding parallels in their ability to convey suffering, resilience, and hope.

From the syncopated rhythms of the Mississippi Valley to Tin Pan Alley, and from the streets of New Orleans to the concert halls of Paris, this program traces how marginalized voices transformed contemporary American music. Experience Stravinsky's modernist take on ragtime, commissioned works exploring cultural identity, and Duke Ellington's timeless jazz compositions.

More About Syncopated Resistance: Program Note

The Poulenc Trio's Syncopated Resistance project is a captivating exploration of the rich tapestry of American popular music, tracing the symbiosis of Black and Jewish musical traditions through the lens of ragtime. This innovative concert program and recording delves deep into the fascinating connection between these musical traditions, celebrating the spirit of innovation, resilience, and cross-cultural pollination that defined a pivotal era in American music history.

Through a carefully curated repertoire featuring works by composers from Jakov Jakoulov to Igor Stravinsky, and from Viet Cuong to Duke Ellington and Andre Previn, the Poulenc Trio invites audiences on a journey through time and culture. This project not only pays homage to the roots of ragtime but also traces its influence on 20th-century jazz and classical composers, and explores its connections to cutting-edge works by 21st-century masters. The performances incorporate collaborators who embody the Ragtime spirit, featuring instruments like voice, clarinet, and accordion.

Ragtime, a uniquely American musical style, emerged in the late 19th century, reaching its peak popularity between 1895 and 1918. It serves as a fascinating window into the cultural exchanges that shaped the American musical landscape. Originating in African American communities, particularly in the Mississippi Valley region, ragtime evolved from a diverse array of musical traditions, including minstrel show songs, African American banjo styles, and syncopated dance rhythms.

Characterized by its syncopated or "ragged" rhythm, structured piano compositions, and typically 4/4 or 2/4 time signature, ragtime quickly gained widespread popularity in the late 1890s. Scott Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag" (1899) became a runaway hit, cementing ragtime's place in the American musical consciousness. This surge in popularity had far-reaching effects, boosting piano sales and significantly expanding the nascent recording industry.

Key figures in ragtime's development include Scott Joplin, known as the "King of Ragtime," as well as James Scott, Joseph Lamb, and Tom Turpin, considered the "Father of St. Louis Ragtime." These pioneering musicians not only shaped the ragtime genre but also influenced the development of early jazz and other musical styles. Ragtime's impact extended beyond music, sparking dance crazes like the cakewalk and fox-trot, and even gaining popularity across the Atlantic in Europe.

The Poulenc Trio's Ragtime project explores how both Black and Jewish communities developed powerful ways to express deep emotions through music, finding parallels in their ability to convey suffering, resilience, and hope. Their shared experiences of oppression and marginalization profoundly influenced lyrical themes and melodic structures, creating a unique musical language that spoke to the human experience.

The fusion of Jewish and African-American musical styles led to innovative rhythmic developments, enriching the American musical vocabulary. The physical proximity of these communities in urban areas facilitated a vibrant musical exchange, as both groups reinterpreted their traditional music in the American context, influencing and inspiring each other's styles.

This cultural exchange and collaboration between Black and Jewish musicians contributed significantly to the rich tapestry of American popular music. It challenged racial segregation in the music industry and created powerful, expressive music that resonated far beyond the boundaries of individual communities.

Join us for an unforgettable musical experience that celebrates the enduring legacy of ragtime and the powerful synergy between Black and Jewish musical traditions in shaping the sound of America.

Program Repertoire

  • Jakov Jakoulov: Yiddish Lexicon

  • Igor Stravinsky (selected)

    • Ragtime for 11 Instruments

    • Chamber Suites

    • Pulcinella Suite / Suite italienne

  • Viet Cuong: Explain Yourself (opt. w/ clarinet)

  • Juri Seo: Breathing Light (w/ accordion)

  • Francis Poulenc: Selected Songs (w/ voice)

  • Duke Ellington

    • In a Sentimental Mood

    • Black and Tan Fantasy / The Mooch

    • I’m Beginning to See the Light

  • André Previn: Trio

  • Ragtime arrangements TBA

Artists, Composers, and Collaborators