VOA慢速英语 华盛顿被子展尽显亚米西传统

　　Amish quilts from Midwestern states often have blue or black backgrounds with repeated designs. An example in the exhibit is the "Tumbling Blocks" quilt made of gray, red and black pieces of cloth. The pattern is so three-dimensional it almost seems to come off the wall.

　　These works are beautiful representations of Amish history and community. They show both the great technical skill of Amish women quilters and their ability to create traditional patterns in new and inventive ways.

　　(MUSIC)

　　Scott Joplin

　　HOST:

　　Our listener question this week comes from Russia. Victor wants to know about musician and composer Scott Joplin. Our listener notes that the Special English program WORDS AND THEIR STORIES begins with Joplin's "Bethena: A Concert Waltz."

　　(MUSIC)

　　Scott Joplin is famous for writing energetic dance music that earned him the title "King of Ragtime." The irregular rhythm of this music was described as "ragged time," a term that was later shortened to "ragtime." During Joplin's lifetime ragtime was often played in clubs and drinking places. He helped turn this special kind of music into an American art form.

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