Question 1: Describe how the use of rhythm in jazz music of the early 20th century differs from traditional classical music.

Answer: Jazz music often features syncopated rhythms, swing feel, and improvisation, creating a more rhythmic and spontaneous style compared to the regular, metrical rhythms of classical music.

Question 2: Identify the musical era associated with the use of atonality and describe one characteristic feature.

Answer: The era is the avant-garde or modernist period of the early to mid-20th century. A characteristic feature is the absence of a tonal centre, creating music that sounds dissonant or 'unsettling.'

Question 3: Explain what is meant by 'serialism' in 20th-century music and name a composer known for this technique.

Answer: Serialism is a compositional technique that uses a series of values to manipulate different musical elements, such as pitch, in a structured way. Arnold Schoenberg is a key composer known for developing serialism.

Question 4: Listen to a piece of music that features a repeating rhythmic pattern that gradually changes over time. What is this technique called?

Answer: This technique is called 'motif development' or 'rhythmic variation,' where a rhythmic idea is transformed throughout the piece.

Question 5: Compare the texture of a piece by a minimalist composer with that of a Romantic-era composer. What is a typical feature of minimalist music?

Answer: Minimalist music features repetitive patterns and a steady pulse, creating a hypnotic effect. In contrast, Romantic music often has richer textures and more dynamic variability.

Question 6: Sketch a simple musical staff with four notes that illustrate a chromatic scale ascending in semitones.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a musical staff with four consecutive notes, each a semitone higher than the previous, such as from C to C# to D to D#.

Question 7: Identify two instruments that became prominent in the development of electronic music during the 20th century.

Answer: The synthesizer and theremin were prominent instruments used in electronic music development.

Question 8: Describe the main difference between the music of the Baroque period and that of the 20th century.

Answer: Baroque music is characterized by complex polyphony and ornamentation, with a focus on harmony and structured forms, whereas 20th-century music explores new sounds, dissonance, and experimental techniques, often breaking traditional rules.

Question 9: Identify the musical style that emerged in the 1950s involving improvisation, extended instrumental techniques, and often a free form.

Answer: Free jazz or avant-garde jazz.

Question 10: Explain the significance of the use of technology, such as tape recorders and synthesizers, in 20th-century music composition.

Answer: Technology allowed composers to experiment with new sounds, manipulate recordings, and create electronic music, significantly expanding the possibilities for musical expression and composition.