Solace', also known as a ragtime piece, is one of the most famous and recognizable compositions by Scott Joplin. Written in 1902, this classic piano rag has stood the test of time, captivating audiences with its unique melody and harmonies. The copyright on 'Solace' was registered along with two other Joplin rags, 'A Breeze from Alabama' and 'Elite Syncopations', all three published by Stark.

The dedication to 'James Brown and his Mandolin Club' suggests that some of the melodies in this piece may have been influenced by the steel-stringed plectrum instruments. Joplin may have performed 'Solace' at a fundraiser in Parsons, Kansas, on April 27, 1904.

Rosenfeld described 'Solace' as 'the best and most euphonious' of Joplin's compositions to that point. The B section contains an indication that the melody is to be played an octave higher on the repeat. It is primarily set in the key of C major, but for the C section (commonly referred to as the 'Trio'), it modulates to F major, then shifts back to C major for the D section.

The structure of 'Solace' is: Intro–AA–BB–A–CC–Intro2–DD. The subtitled 'A Rag Time Two Step', which was a form of dance popular until about 1911, and a style which was common among rags written at the time.

In 1928, blues and ragtime musicians the Blue Boys recorded the first version of 'Solace' on mandolin and guitar. It was later sold as sheet music by John Stark & Son of St. Louis, Missouri, in the 1910s. The piece has been widely performed and arranged over the years, with its most famous adaptation being composer and pianist Marvin Hamlisch's version.

In the 1970s, 'Solace' returned to international prominence as part of the ragtime revival when it was used as the theme music for the 1973 Oscar-winning film The Sting. In 2007, a live performance of 'Solace' took place. To this day, 'Solace' remains one of the classics of ragtime music and continues to captivate audiences around the world with its timeless melody and harmonies.

Scott joplin solace