Variations on an Alaskan Spooky Rag in Cm (movies, to move)

[Glitch]

I wrote the original theme ("Spooky Rag") in 2007 as part of a standard Rag in straight time and decided to add a few swing variations several years latter. I then added a country swing, jazz swing, and a 12/8 swing variation. Except in the 12/8 swing variation, the speed (175 bpm) and chords are exactly same, in 8/8 time. The 12/8 variation I had to slow it down to 115 bpm, but otherwise kept everything the same.

Variations on an Alaskan Spooky Rag in Cm

[starlite9]

I don't know, sounded a lot more upbeat than spooky...

Although the spooky cave looked like a grizzly standing up!

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by starlite9

I don't know, sounded a lot more upbeat than spooky...

Although the spooky cave looked like a grizzly standing up!

Really? It is rather fast paced, but minor keys usually evoke a more dramatic, sad/mournful, uneasy or scary emotion.

I appreciate the comment. Based upon the views and number of responses, I would have to say that most either do not care for Ragtime, this particular piece, or a combination of the two. I had fun writing this piece as an intellectual exercise, but that does not necessarily make it good piece or entertaining.

[starlite9]

Originally Posted by Glitch

Really? It is rather fast paced, but minor keys usually evoke a more dramatic, sad/mournful, uneasy or scary emotion.

I appreciate the comment. Based upon the views and number of responses, I would have to say that most either do not care for Ragtime, this particular piece, or a combination of the two. I had fun writing this piece as an intellectual exercise, but that does not necessarily make it good piece or entertaining.

It was catchy and had a nice tone to it, but not spooky to me anyway. Now Phantom of the Opera, was kinda spooky, even the old B/W Dracula movies were pretty spooky!

Be great though for a youtube type video background video of sorts, with a little action or comedy in it IMHO...

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by starlite9

It was catchy and had a nice tone to it, but not spooky to me anyway. Now Phantom of the Opera, was kinda spooky, even the old B/W Dracula movies were pretty spooky!

Be great though for a youtube type video background video of sorts, with a little action or comedy in it IMHO...

More of a Buster Keaton or Keystone COPs type of music. Interesting. Thanks for the feedback, it is good to know how other people perceive things.

[Glitch]

I would just like to point out to the 100+ viewers who chose not to leave a comment that when it concerns music there is no such thing as a "correct" or "wrong" opinion. The purpose of music is to evoke an emotion in its listener. The musician may strive to achieve a desired emotional effect, but it is entirely up to the listener to determine whether or not the musician achieved their goal.

Starlite9 comments tells me that I was unsuccessful in conveying that "spooky" feeling. Minor keys can be used to convey a lot of different emotions. The same is also true for major keys, but major keys tend (but not always) to evoke a more positive or happy emotion. While minor keys express more of a sad or melancholy mood.

My next piece is in a major key, but entire composed of dominate seventh chords. It is entitled: Alaskan Break-Up Blues. It is a standard twelve-bar blues with piano, acoustic guitars, acoustic bass, and a brush set. The music is done, I just need more muddy pictures from Alaska to include in the video.

Blues and boogie are my forte, I just dabble with rag and stride piano.

[naturesdreams]

Originally Posted by Glitch

I wrote the original theme ("Spooky Rag") in 2007 as part of a standard Rag in straight time and decided to add a few swing variations several years latter. I then added a country swing, jazz swing, and a 12/8 swing variation. Except in the 12/8 swing variation, the speed (175 bpm) and chords are exactly same, in 8/8 time. The 12/8 variation I had to slow it down to 115 bpm, but otherwise kept everything the same.

Variations on an Alaskan Spooky Rag in Cm

I like Version 5 the best... I loved the music and the different views of Alaska. I did hear the minor keys but I found myself enjoying it quite a bit actually... thanks for sharing

I watched Pepe the movie again... I find that so fascinating how he gets in, helps you with pest control and then moves back out.

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by naturesdreams

I like Version 5 the best... I loved the music and the different views of Alaska. I did hear the minor keys but I found myself enjoying it quite a bit actually... thanks for sharing

I watched Pepe the movie again... I find that so fascinating how he gets in, helps you with pest control and then moves back out.

Thank you for your comment. The fifth variation reminds me of a Cab Calloway song from the early 1930s, like Minnie the Moocher.

Swing has a tendency to get the foot tapping.

Peppe has not been back since last Thanksgiving. I no long have the mouse problem I had last winter.

[naturesdreams]

OMG.. I remember that song and this actually... trying to remember what movie it was in Do like big band.. of course I like all types of music...
MINNIE THE MOOCHER Lyrics - CALLOWAY

Go figure.. you can use it as a ring tone too... hehehe...

So glad you captured Pepe on video then. Somethings just need to move on with their life and he just shared a bit of his with you to help you out

Thanks again for sharing