One should be aware that both Maple Leaf Rag performances were major successes, where Scott Joplin used his original style, and Kelly Roll Morton added a new tune through his improvisation. It is evident that both versions were positively received among the ragtime listeners, but it is important to point out the key distinctions between them. Scott Joplin’s original performance can be considered as a version with a standard pace and rhythm. The entire composition follows a highly repetitive and regular pattern. For example, between 00:15 and 00:22 is the most representative section of the overall rhythmic pace, which can be only categorized as normal with no indication of strong melodic shifts, quick pacing, or sporadic form (TJaep, 2006). However, in Jelly Roll Morton’s version, there is an evident pacing increase, which is especially prominent between 00:08 and 00:20 (Lorenzo Tomelleri, 2014). In other words, repetitiveness is present in both compositions, but the difference lies in the speed of the rhythm.
Subsequently, the feelings evoked by these two versions of Maple Leaf Rag are distinct. Jelly Roll Morton’s music makes a listener a little anxious, excited, and in a hurry due to the pacing. The emotional elements are not similar to the case of the original Scott Joplin’s version, where it can be considered as uplifting, happy, and cheerful. There is no rush in the rhythm, but it remains relatively active and light, which means that it is not as slow as some classical piano performances. In other words, one might find both performances on a quicker end of the spectrum, but their distinctions are mostly subtle due to modifications of mid-range sounds, which bring a certain feel of uniqueness.
References
Lorenzo Tomelleri. (2014). Jelly Roll Morton – Maple Leaf Rag (The complete library of congress recordings by Alan Lomax). Web.
TJaep. (2006). Maple Leaf Rag Played by Scott Joplin [Video]. Web.