Question 1: Describe the main characteristics of jazz music that emerged in the early 20th century. Include at least three features.

Answer: Jazz features improvisation, syncopated rhythms, swing feel, use of blue notes, and a combination of brass, woodwind, and rhythm instruments.

Question 2: Identify and explain two musical features that are typical of the music composed by Igor Stravinsky during the early 20th century.

Answer: Stravinsky's music often includes irregular rhythms and dissonant harmonies, creating a sense of unpredictability and intensity.

Question 3: Listen carefully to the following description: a piece features a repetitive bass line, a simple melody played by a clarinet, and a steady swing rhythm. Which genre is most likely represented?

Answer: Jazz

Question 4: Explain how the use of atonality in 20th-century music differs from traditional tonal music. Provide one example of a composer known for atonal music.

Answer: Atonality avoids a key centre, creating a sense of instability, unlike traditional tonal music which is based on a key. Arnold Schoenberg is a notable composer who used atonality.

Question 5: Describe the stylistic features of minimalism in 20th-century music. Mention at least two.

Answer: Minimalism uses repetitive motifs, gradual changes, and a limited harmonic palette to create hypnotic, meditative music.

Question 6: Draw a musical staff and sketch a simple melody consisting of four quarter notes. Indicate the pitch and rhythm clearly.

Answer: A correct sketch would show four notes on the staff, each as a filled-in note head with stems, spaced evenly to represent quarter notes, with pitches varying or staying the same as specified.

Question 7: Identify the period of the 20th century when electronic music began to develop significantly. Briefly explain one reason for this development.

Answer: Electronic music developed mainly from the 1950s onwards, due to advances in technology such as synthesizers and tape recorders, allowing new sounds to be created.

Question 8: Compare the use of rhythm in traditional Western classical music and in the style of jazz, highlighting one key difference.

Answer: Jazz often features syncopation and swing rhythms, whereas traditional classical music typically emphasizes steady, regular rhythms.

Question 9: List three influential composers or musicians from the 20th century and briefly state their contribution to music.

Answer: Igor Stravinsky – innovative rhythm and orchestration; Miles Davis – pioneering jazz and modal improvisation; Karlheinz Stockhausen – experimental electronic and spatial music.