 |
We are the storm center of high-class instrumental rags. The whole rag fabric of this country was built around our 'Maple Leaf' 'Sunflower' 'Cascades' 'Entertainer' 'Frog Legs' Etc. We have advertised these as classic rags and we mean just what we say. They are a perfection of type. They have lifted ragtime from its low estate and lined it up with Beethoven and Bach. John Stillwell Stark, 1915
|
Select a composer to access midi files
All italicized text is from original Stark advertising copy
Scott Joplin |
James Scott |
Joseph Lamb |
Arthur Marshall |
Scott Hayden |
Louis Chauvin |
|
In the first two decades of the 20th century, John Stark published the core of America's "classic ragtime" music by ragtime's most gifted composers, including the "big three," Scott Joplin, James Scott, and Joseph Lamb. On the profits of "Maple Leaf Rag" Stark moved his publishing company from Sedalia, Missouri to St. Louis and eventually to New York, where he did battle bravely (but unsuccessfully) against the publishing powerhouses of Tim Pan Alley. Throughout his publishing career he employed a homespun, hyperbolic writing style as he tirelessly promoted his publications as American classics, and persistently challenged the musical (and racial) prejudices that prevented true ragtime from receiving its due.
Had the internet existed when John Stark and Son (later Stark Music Co.) was in business, Stark's web site might have looked something like this - except he wouldn't have posted midi sequences for free! The catalog above contains the best available midi sequences for the heart of the Stark publications, along with original cover art and samples of Stark's own advertising copy (shown in italics). Editor's Note: Though he was a prolific advertiser in his day, Stark's blurbs are now in rather short supply. The quotes used on this site were taken from books that emphasized Joplin. As a result, there are several blurbs for Joplin pieces, but few for Stark's other composers. If you have or know the location of additional Stark advertising copy, please e-mail the author at the address below. |
Comments, suggestions, questions welcome!
|
Of all the arts and sciences Music is the most worthy of cultivation. Since David charmed into peace the evil nature of Saul millions have been led from sadness of soul to sunshine an gladness by its gentle power. Sad indeed is the home where not one can bring optimistic rosy views of life to the circle with some musical instrument. Happy will be the memories of the old home where music made evenings glad.
John Stillwell Stark, 1898 |
Back to Gary's Ragtime Midi Page
Page first published August 29, 1998
Last updated: June 1, 2001