Julia Lee Niebergall Explained

Julia Lee Niebergall (15 February 1886 – 19 October 1968) was a musician and ragtime era composer.^[1]

Early life and education

Niebergall was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to a family of musicians. Her father played double-bass, her sister piano, and her brother percussion. Herself a pianist, she played at public events, as an accompanist for silent movies. and for ballet and gym classes. She also taught music at a high school.

Career

She is credited with but six musical compositions, two of which—Hoosier Rag and Red Rambler Rag—achieved popular success.^[2] She was a friend of May Aufderheide, one of the most popular female ragtime composers, who also lived in Indiana, and whose father published several of Niebergall’s compositions.

Niebergall reportedly supported herself as a musician and teacher until her death.^[3]

Compositions

• Clothilda (1905)
• Hoosier Rag (1907)
• Bryan Cocktail (1908)
• When Twilight is Falling (1909)
• Horseshoe Rag (1911)
• Red Rambler Rag (1912)

External links

• Hoosier Rag, played by John Remmers
• Red Rambler Rag, played by Jack Bradshaw
• Horseshoe Rag, played by Nora Hulse
• Red Rambler Rag sheet music
• Hoosier Rag sheet music
• Horseshoe Rag sheet music
• Clothilda sheet music

Notes and References

1. Book: Ragtime: An Encyclopedia, Discography, and Sheetography. Taylor & Francis. 23 February 2014. David A. Jasen. 90–91. 2007. 9780415978620.
2. Book: Ammer, Christine. Unsung: A History of Women in American Music. Hal Leonard Corporation. 23 February 2014. 186. 2001. 9781574670615.
3. Web site: Edwards. Bill. Julia Lee Niebergall. 23 February 2014.