Devil Rag is a lively example of early 20th-century syncopated piano music. It is distinct for its rhythmic vitality and the fusion of ragtime tropes with a structured piano solo format.
At Henle 4 this is an intermediate piece that expects secure technique and real attention to phrasing. The main demands: a waltz lilt that needs charm and a flexible left hand; precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece; and a left hand with real melodic or rhythmic responsibility of its own.
Precise rhythmic placement and sharp, crisp articulations are required to maintain the ragtime character.
Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.
A level or two down with the same spirit — ideal if this piece is still out of reach.
Where this piece's skills lead: slightly harder works making similar technical demands.
Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.
Devil Rag is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 4.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 4 — meaning you can already play level 3–4 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.
A typical performance of Devil Rag lasts about 3 minutes.
Devil Rag is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.
Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Blarney by Egbert Van Alstyne, Die Parade der Zinnsoldaten by Léon Jessel, Alexander's Ragtime Band by Irving Berlin — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.