The Charleston Rag

Blake said he first composed the melody in 1899 at the age of 12, but he did not commit it to paper until 1915 when he learned to write in musical notation.

This piece was originally entitled Sounds of Africa by Will Marion Cook, an influential conductor of the time. In 1921 it was renamed to “Charleston Rag” and promptly sold a million records.

The tuba part is particularly difficult, but an easier ossia is provided in case it is needed.