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Many musicologists consider jazz the only purely American form of music. Others, however, argue that jazz is rooted in a history similar to that of America itself, a history of confluence.
The immigration of Europeans and the slave trade of West Africans to America resulted in a convergence of cultures, traditions, and art forms, including music. Jazz, first played in New Orleans in the early 1900s, borrowed heavily from the European musical scale and harmonic system. Jazz ensembles were built predominantly on European instruments, such as the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and piano. The West African influence on jazz was manifested primarily in its performance. Scatting, a technique used by jazz vocalists to mimic the sounds of instruments, had its origin in West African vocal traditions.
The emphasis on improvisation in jazz music, in addition to group participation, also came from West African music.
Proponents of the argument that jazz is purely American often point to its genesis in New Orleans as evidence for this perspective. The irony, however, is that the essence of America lies in the plurality of its roots. To deny the rich and complex history of jazz, and the true origins of the art form, is in effect denying the very aspects of the art form that make it undeniably American.
Q.
Which of the following elements of jazz most likely has its origin in West African musical traditions?
  • a)
    the emphasis on a tonal harmonic structure
  • b)
    the use of the guitar as one of the primary rhythm instruments
  • c)
    melodic lines rooted in the dorian scale
  • d)
    the use of many instruments in a jazz ensemble
  • e)
    an i mpro mptu call-and-respo ns e between two instruments in the ensemble
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Many musicologists consider jazz the only purely American form of musi...
This is a specific question. The passage discusses the elements of jazz in the second paragraph, so that is where the justifying text should be found.  There, the author states that jazz “borrowed heavily from the European musical scale and harmonic system,” and that its “emphasis on improvisation…in addition to group participation…came from West African music.”
(A) The passage indicates that jazz “borrowed heavily from the European…harmonic system,” so an emphasis on a tonal harmonic structure was more likely a European influence.  
(B) The passage indicates that jazz “ensembles were built predominantly on European instruments,” so the use of the guitar was more likely a European influence. 
(C) The passage indicates that jazz “borrowed heavily from the European musical scale,” so the use of the dorian scale was more likely a European influence.
(D) The passage indicates that jazz “ensembles were built predominantly on European instruments,” so the make-up of a jazz ensemble most likely was influenced by European traditions.
(E) CORRECT. The passage indicates that the emphasis on “improvisation in jazz music, in addition to group participation…came from West African music.” Thus, it is likely that an impromptu call-and-response came from West African traditions. 
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Most Upvoted Answer
Many musicologists consider jazz the only purely American form of musi...
Origin of Jazz Elements in West African Music
An essential element of jazz that has its origin in West African musical traditions is the impromptu call-and-response between two instruments in the ensemble.

Explanation:
- **Call-and-response:** This musical technique, where one musician or group of musicians initiates a phrase that is answered or echoed by another musician or group, is a fundamental aspect of West African music.
- **Improvization:** The emphasis on improvisation in jazz music also finds its roots in West African music traditions, where musicians often engage in spontaneous musical creation during performances.
- **Group participation:** In West African music, the community aspect of music-making is highly valued, with group participation and collaboration being common practices. This communal approach to music is reflected in jazz ensembles where musicians interact and respond to each other's musical expressions.
These elements highlight the strong influence of West African musical traditions on the development of jazz, showcasing the rich cultural exchange that shaped this uniquely American art form.
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Many musicologists consider jazz the only purely American form of music. Others, however, argue that jazz is rooted in a history similar to that of America itself, a history of confluence.The immigration of Europeans and the slave trade of West Africans to America resulted in a convergence of cultures, traditions, and art forms, including music. Jazz, first played in New Orleans in the early 1900s, borrowed heavily from the European musical scale and harmonic system. Jazz ensembles were built predominantly on European instruments, such as the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and piano. The West African influence on jazz was manifested primarily in its performance. Scatting, a technique used by jazz vocalists to mimic the sounds of instruments, had its origin in West African vocal traditions.The emphasis on improvisation in jazz music, in addition to group participation, also came from West African music.Proponents of the argument that jazz is purely American often point to its genesis in New Orleans as evidence for this perspective. The irony, however, is that the essence of America lies in the plurality of its roots. To deny the rich and complex history of jazz, and the true origins of the art form, is in effect denying the very aspects of the art form that make it undeniably American.Q.Which of the following elements of jazz most likely has its origin in West African musical traditions?a)the emphasis on a tonal harmonic structureb)the use of the guitar as one of the primary rhythm instrumentsc)melodic lines rooted in the dorian scaled)the use of many instruments in a jazz ensemblee)an i mpro mptu call-and-respo ns e between two instruments in the ensembleCorrect answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Many musicologists consider jazz the only purely American form of music. Others, however, argue that jazz is rooted in a history similar to that of America itself, a history of confluence.The immigration of Europeans and the slave trade of West Africans to America resulted in a convergence of cultures, traditions, and art forms, including music. Jazz, first played in New Orleans in the early 1900s, borrowed heavily from the European musical scale and harmonic system. Jazz ensembles were built predominantly on European instruments, such as the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and piano. The West African influence on jazz was manifested primarily in its performance. Scatting, a technique used by jazz vocalists to mimic the sounds of instruments, had its origin in West African vocal traditions.The emphasis on improvisation in jazz music, in addition to group participation, also came from West African music.Proponents of the argument that jazz is purely American often point to its genesis in New Orleans as evidence for this perspective. The irony, however, is that the essence of America lies in the plurality of its roots. To deny the rich and complex history of jazz, and the true origins of the art form, is in effect denying the very aspects of the art form that make it undeniably American.Q.Which of the following elements of jazz most likely has its origin in West African musical traditions?a)the emphasis on a tonal harmonic structureb)the use of the guitar as one of the primary rhythm instrumentsc)melodic lines rooted in the dorian scaled)the use of many instruments in a jazz ensemblee)an i mpro mptu call-and-respo ns e between two instruments in the ensembleCorrect answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2024 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about Many musicologists consider jazz the only purely American form of music. Others, however, argue that jazz is rooted in a history similar to that of America itself, a history of confluence.The immigration of Europeans and the slave trade of West Africans to America resulted in a convergence of cultures, traditions, and art forms, including music. Jazz, first played in New Orleans in the early 1900s, borrowed heavily from the European musical scale and harmonic system. Jazz ensembles were built predominantly on European instruments, such as the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and piano. The West African influence on jazz was manifested primarily in its performance. Scatting, a technique used by jazz vocalists to mimic the sounds of instruments, had its origin in West African vocal traditions.The emphasis on improvisation in jazz music, in addition to group participation, also came from West African music.Proponents of the argument that jazz is purely American often point to its genesis in New Orleans as evidence for this perspective. The irony, however, is that the essence of America lies in the plurality of its roots. To deny the rich and complex history of jazz, and the true origins of the art form, is in effect denying the very aspects of the art form that make it undeniably American.Q.Which of the following elements of jazz most likely has its origin in West African musical traditions?a)the emphasis on a tonal harmonic structureb)the use of the guitar as one of the primary rhythm instrumentsc)melodic lines rooted in the dorian scaled)the use of many instruments in a jazz ensemblee)an i mpro mptu call-and-respo ns e between two instruments in the ensembleCorrect answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Many musicologists consider jazz the only purely American form of music. Others, however, argue that jazz is rooted in a history similar to that of America itself, a history of confluence.The immigration of Europeans and the slave trade of West Africans to America resulted in a convergence of cultures, traditions, and art forms, including music. Jazz, first played in New Orleans in the early 1900s, borrowed heavily from the European musical scale and harmonic system. Jazz ensembles were built predominantly on European instruments, such as the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and piano. The West African influence on jazz was manifested primarily in its performance. Scatting, a technique used by jazz vocalists to mimic the sounds of instruments, had its origin in West African vocal traditions.The emphasis on improvisation in jazz music, in addition to group participation, also came from West African music.Proponents of the argument that jazz is purely American often point to its genesis in New Orleans as evidence for this perspective. The irony, however, is that the essence of America lies in the plurality of its roots. To deny the rich and complex history of jazz, and the true origins of the art form, is in effect denying the very aspects of the art form that make it undeniably American.Q.Which of the following elements of jazz most likely has its origin in West African musical traditions?a)the emphasis on a tonal harmonic structureb)the use of the guitar as one of the primary rhythm instrumentsc)melodic lines rooted in the dorian scaled)the use of many instruments in a jazz ensemblee)an i mpro mptu call-and-respo ns e between two instruments in the ensembleCorrect answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Many musicologists consider jazz the only purely American form of music. Others, however, argue that jazz is rooted in a history similar to that of America itself, a history of confluence.The immigration of Europeans and the slave trade of West Africans to America resulted in a convergence of cultures, traditions, and art forms, including music. Jazz, first played in New Orleans in the early 1900s, borrowed heavily from the European musical scale and harmonic system. Jazz ensembles were built predominantly on European instruments, such as the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and piano. The West African influence on jazz was manifested primarily in its performance. Scatting, a technique used by jazz vocalists to mimic the sounds of instruments, had its origin in West African vocal traditions.The emphasis on improvisation in jazz music, in addition to group participation, also came from West African music.Proponents of the argument that jazz is purely American often point to its genesis in New Orleans as evidence for this perspective. The irony, however, is that the essence of America lies in the plurality of its roots. To deny the rich and complex history of jazz, and the true origins of the art form, is in effect denying the very aspects of the art form that make it undeniably American.Q.Which of the following elements of jazz most likely has its origin in West African musical traditions?a)the emphasis on a tonal harmonic structureb)the use of the guitar as one of the primary rhythm instrumentsc)melodic lines rooted in the dorian scaled)the use of many instruments in a jazz ensemblee)an i mpro mptu call-and-respo ns e between two instruments in the ensembleCorrect answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for GMAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for GMAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Many musicologists consider jazz the only purely American form of music. Others, however, argue that jazz is rooted in a history similar to that of America itself, a history of confluence.The immigration of Europeans and the slave trade of West Africans to America resulted in a convergence of cultures, traditions, and art forms, including music. Jazz, first played in New Orleans in the early 1900s, borrowed heavily from the European musical scale and harmonic system. Jazz ensembles were built predominantly on European instruments, such as the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and piano. The West African influence on jazz was manifested primarily in its performance. Scatting, a technique used by jazz vocalists to mimic the sounds of instruments, had its origin in West African vocal traditions.The emphasis on improvisation in jazz music, in addition to group participation, also came from West African music.Proponents of the argument that jazz is purely American often point to its genesis in New Orleans as evidence for this perspective. The irony, however, is that the essence of America lies in the plurality of its roots. To deny the rich and complex history of jazz, and the true origins of the art form, is in effect denying the very aspects of the art form that make it undeniably American.Q.Which of the following elements of jazz most likely has its origin in West African musical traditions?a)the emphasis on a tonal harmonic structureb)the use of the guitar as one of the primary rhythm instrumentsc)melodic lines rooted in the dorian scaled)the use of many instruments in a jazz ensemblee)an i mpro mptu call-and-respo ns e between two instruments in the ensembleCorrect answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Many musicologists consider jazz the only purely American form of music. Others, however, argue that jazz is rooted in a history similar to that of America itself, a history of confluence.The immigration of Europeans and the slave trade of West Africans to America resulted in a convergence of cultures, traditions, and art forms, including music. Jazz, first played in New Orleans in the early 1900s, borrowed heavily from the European musical scale and harmonic system. Jazz ensembles were built predominantly on European instruments, such as the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and piano. The West African influence on jazz was manifested primarily in its performance. Scatting, a technique used by jazz vocalists to mimic the sounds of instruments, had its origin in West African vocal traditions.The emphasis on improvisation in jazz music, in addition to group participation, also came from West African music.Proponents of the argument that jazz is purely American often point to its genesis in New Orleans as evidence for this perspective. The irony, however, is that the essence of America lies in the plurality of its roots. To deny the rich and complex history of jazz, and the true origins of the art form, is in effect denying the very aspects of the art form that make it undeniably American.Q.Which of the following elements of jazz most likely has its origin in West African musical traditions?a)the emphasis on a tonal harmonic structureb)the use of the guitar as one of the primary rhythm instrumentsc)melodic lines rooted in the dorian scaled)the use of many instruments in a jazz ensemblee)an i mpro mptu call-and-respo ns e between two instruments in the ensembleCorrect answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Many musicologists consider jazz the only purely American form of music. Others, however, argue that jazz is rooted in a history similar to that of America itself, a history of confluence.The immigration of Europeans and the slave trade of West Africans to America resulted in a convergence of cultures, traditions, and art forms, including music. Jazz, first played in New Orleans in the early 1900s, borrowed heavily from the European musical scale and harmonic system. Jazz ensembles were built predominantly on European instruments, such as the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and piano. The West African influence on jazz was manifested primarily in its performance. Scatting, a technique used by jazz vocalists to mimic the sounds of instruments, had its origin in West African vocal traditions.The emphasis on improvisation in jazz music, in addition to group participation, also came from West African music.Proponents of the argument that jazz is purely American often point to its genesis in New Orleans as evidence for this perspective. The irony, however, is that the essence of America lies in the plurality of its roots. To deny the rich and complex history of jazz, and the true origins of the art form, is in effect denying the very aspects of the art form that make it undeniably American.Q.Which of the following elements of jazz most likely has its origin in West African musical traditions?a)the emphasis on a tonal harmonic structureb)the use of the guitar as one of the primary rhythm instrumentsc)melodic lines rooted in the dorian scaled)the use of many instruments in a jazz ensemblee)an i mpro mptu call-and-respo ns e between two instruments in the ensembleCorrect answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Many musicologists consider jazz the only purely American form of music. Others, however, argue that jazz is rooted in a history similar to that of America itself, a history of confluence.The immigration of Europeans and the slave trade of West Africans to America resulted in a convergence of cultures, traditions, and art forms, including music. Jazz, first played in New Orleans in the early 1900s, borrowed heavily from the European musical scale and harmonic system. Jazz ensembles were built predominantly on European instruments, such as the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and piano. The West African influence on jazz was manifested primarily in its performance. Scatting, a technique used by jazz vocalists to mimic the sounds of instruments, had its origin in West African vocal traditions.The emphasis on improvisation in jazz music, in addition to group participation, also came from West African music.Proponents of the argument that jazz is purely American often point to its genesis in New Orleans as evidence for this perspective. The irony, however, is that the essence of America lies in the plurality of its roots. To deny the rich and complex history of jazz, and the true origins of the art form, is in effect denying the very aspects of the art form that make it undeniably American.Q.Which of the following elements of jazz most likely has its origin in West African musical traditions?a)the emphasis on a tonal harmonic structureb)the use of the guitar as one of the primary rhythm instrumentsc)melodic lines rooted in the dorian scaled)the use of many instruments in a jazz ensemblee)an i mpro mptu call-and-respo ns e between two instruments in the ensembleCorrect answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Many musicologists consider jazz the only purely American form of music. Others, however, argue that jazz is rooted in a history similar to that of America itself, a history of confluence.The immigration of Europeans and the slave trade of West Africans to America resulted in a convergence of cultures, traditions, and art forms, including music. Jazz, first played in New Orleans in the early 1900s, borrowed heavily from the European musical scale and harmonic system. Jazz ensembles were built predominantly on European instruments, such as the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and piano. The West African influence on jazz was manifested primarily in its performance. Scatting, a technique used by jazz vocalists to mimic the sounds of instruments, had its origin in West African vocal traditions.The emphasis on improvisation in jazz music, in addition to group participation, also came from West African music.Proponents of the argument that jazz is purely American often point to its genesis in New Orleans as evidence for this perspective. The irony, however, is that the essence of America lies in the plurality of its roots. To deny the rich and complex history of jazz, and the true origins of the art form, is in effect denying the very aspects of the art form that make it undeniably American.Q.Which of the following elements of jazz most likely has its origin in West African musical traditions?a)the emphasis on a tonal harmonic structureb)the use of the guitar as one of the primary rhythm instrumentsc)melodic lines rooted in the dorian scaled)the use of many instruments in a jazz ensemblee)an i mpro mptu call-and-respo ns e between two instruments in the ensembleCorrect answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GMAT tests.
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