Jazz Beginnings

In the 1600s, African music was predominantly

• Christian Music

• taught in African music conservatories

• artistic music

• functional music

One of the traits in jazz that is primarily of African origin is

• the number of musicians performing

• unexpressive musical content

• the use of polyrhythms

• the type of instruments used

One of the traits in jazz that is primarily of European origin is

• the use of polyrhythms

• the type of instruments used

• the time of day the music was performed

• the number of musicians performing

The basic difference between the concept of African music versus European music is

• African music was Christian music

• European music was functional

• the basic concepts are the same

• European music was more art music whereas African music was more functional music

• African music was a written tradition whereas European music was a n aural tradition

The blues evolved from

• the types of instruments being played together

• slave field hollers and African American folk songs

• European art music

• the blending of particular chords and rhythms

The blues are usually characterized by

• fast march-like tempos

• the sweet blending of harmonies

• a plaintive and melancholy melodic line

• an unemotional quality when played

The primary function of the pre jazz dance bands of the late 19th and early 20th centuries was

• to entertain the upper class at formal events only

• to play strictly for their own enjoyment

• to play at various functions, i.e., parties, funerals, parades, and dances

• to pass the time

The 19th and early 20th century pre jazz dance bands played

• strictly funeral music

• music that provides a sense of discipline and structure

• only tunes that were composed on the spot

• strictly parade music

• popular dances of the day, i.e., music with a steady beat

Ragtime is

• primarily a solo piano style

• dance band music

• known for its somber musical quality

• music with no syncopation

The rhythmic quality of ragtime music

• is simple and easy to play

• has no European influence

• incorporates a steady beat in the left hand and a syncopated melody in the right

• has no African influence