Joplin is the most famous of the ragtime composers. He aspired to be taken seriously as a classical composer. Although some of his rags were popular when they were published, recognition as a serious composer never came during his lifetime. Other composers of rags may not have aspired to elevate their pieces as serious compositions, but Joplin certainly did.

Also, contrary to what this article states, ragtime pieces are not all "happy, joyful, playful, danceable, and uplifting". To take Joplin as an example again, although many of his piano pieces are lively and melodious, there are also melancholy pieces like Solace and Bethena Waltz perhaps reflecting the troubled life he led.

The article is also wrong when it states Joplin had no intentions in the way his work is performed. Joplin did not want his rags to be played at fast speeds. This is often the case in many recordings (including, in my opinion, with Joshua Rifkin). My favourite performer of Joplin's music is the late Canadian musician John Arpin.

I listen mostly to classical music and love Joplin's piano music, but even today, there's a lot of snobbishness about Joplin's music from some quarters in the classical music field.

But wherever you start with Joplin's music, the sound of a rag is irresistible.

By the way, if you are in the UK you can listen to an 2017 episode of Composer of the Week on Joplin on BBC Radio 3 here. BBC Radio 3 is the BBC's classical, jazz and world music radio station.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04z0qqt