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Participation Post for Music and Ethnicity | Week of 4/1-4/8

To receive participation points for this unit, please leave a comment on this post with your responses to the questions asked in the lecture videos for Music and Ethnicity. Like with blog posts, you are also expected to leave a substantial comment in response to one of your classmates. You can access the lecture videos on this Youtube playlist or from the course schedule. Lecture videos are uploaded on Wednesday evenings.

Participation comments are due by Wednesday 4/8 at 11:59pm.


50 Comments

  1. 1. Jazz and the blues are similar due in part because they’re synonymous with the South (United States), both became popular around the 1900’s-early 2000’s, instruments include guitars, saxophone, piano, bass (as a foundation, while others differ for both genres), both were enjoyed casually. The two are different because while Jazz is made up of African American folk music, spiritual, and work song (they can be fast rather than slow as compared to the Blues with an ensemble), Blues are a mix between African and European music and are very often (if not always) a slow tune with a single soloist (accompanied by an instrument like a guitar) Socially, the blues were more widespread in the world particularly in America compared to Jazz(which first started out in brothels and speakeasies).
    2. If I was a European composer and an audience member of performances of such ensembles I don’t particularly believe I would have chosen to use some or any of the music I had heard in my compositions. Even if I had used snippets of them, it wouldn’t have matched what the composers around that time were choosing to release to the public. Classical music was for enjoyment, both casual and formal, while the ensembles were for enjoyment as well, it’s more of a public curiosity at the time, the average person in that time period would choose something familiar to them rather than something out of the normal spectrum. It could also be a moral choice, considering it could be copyright or outright theft if I had chosen to include it without the proper credit, but that would be considering whether anyone would have cared enough to tell papers that a composer had done so.

    • I agree with your ideas on how jazz and the blues are similar. You added a good point about how the blues were more “widespread” compared to Jazz since so many years have gone by and the blues are still in style!

    • I like how you mentioned that the snippets from the performances wouldn’t match what the composers around that time were using to release to the public. I too mentioned that the new music wouldn’t match the western art music that the composers were using, and therefore I wouldn’t choose to use those new pieces as a composer during that time. I also like how you mentioned that the ensembles were for mere entertainment as well, and therefore people would want to choose music that is familiar to them. Great point!

    • I like your idea of Jazz and Blue and how it connects. You made your point very clear. I also think that you could have included the characteristics of Jazz music. Some of the key elements of Jazz include: blues, syncopation, swing and creative freedom.

  2. 1) Jazz and the blues are similar in a few ways. Both jazz and blues music originated in the South areas. These music genres were becoming popular at the end of the 19th century and early 20th century. African American backgrounds play a major role within both of these different genres. They use similar instruments such as saxophones, guitars, piano, trumpet, and bass. Jazz music focuses more on mixes of European and African traditions as to the blues music focuses more on African American folk and spiritual music. Jazz music contains aspects of swaying, similar rhythms, and create an energetic atmosphere. Blues music focuses on sharp and slow types of tone in music. From the other chapters, we read about jazz music using improvisation and the blues are based on set chords. Jazz music usually involves a group of people, the performers can play for a long time and have people dancing most of the time. However, the blues is usually performed by a soloist and/or vocalist.

    2) If I was a European composer I don’t think I would choose to not include some of the music I heard in my composition. Since there are different sounds that come together, I don’t think there would be the flow that I would expect. I would want the music to go together and create one type of vibe other than different ideas coming in when listening to the music. I think it’s more of an artistic decision in terms of if someone wants to combine the music ideas together tor try to create some type of good piece of music out of it.

    • I liked how you included that Jazz music has more of an energetic feel to it compared to the blues. For #2 though, it seems that your view is a bit contradictory, as you say, “I don’t think I would choose to not ” meaning you would have chosen to put some of the music into your composition, but you say later on that you would rather like a composition with one type of vibe rather than multiple all at once. I think you meant to take out the not in your statement, which would make the rest of your answer make sense.

    • I liked how you mentioned that there would not be a flow you would expect from the different sounds that come together. I agree with this because I also think that it would be difficult to create a composition solely based on parts from the performance and make it sound good together.

  3. Jazz music and the blues share a few similarities. Both these music genres originated from the Southern United States and started getting attention and popularity towards the late 19th century to the early 20th century. They both share some instruments like the guitar, bass, and piano. The difference between jazz and the blues is that jazz usually tends to just be instrumental, while blues always contain lyrics. The blues was also more widespread since the 20th century, while jazz was widely used in brothels. Jazz tends to have more of a rhythm that people can sway along too. Blues, on the other hand, are slower and less rhythmical.

    If I was a European composer visiting the 1889 Exposition Universelle and attending performances of African and Asian ensembles, I do not think that I would use some of the music I heard in my composition. Ensembles are defined to be a group of people who perform instrumental or vocal music. I do not think that I can use parts of the performance and make or add it to a song. It would be difficult to make the rest of the composition based on that one part compared to just writing a composition from scrap.I think it is more of an artistic decision. People all have their different opinions and interests. To some people, the vocals or instrumentals heard from the performances could be so pleasant in a way that they would want to use it. People might also know how to use those from the ensembles in a way to make it stand out.

  4. 1. Jazz and blues come from the same origins from the south and was a form of black expressions and art. Blues is usually focused on the voice with music playing in the background, a common blues form is the 12 bar blues AAB, it usually gets wrapped up at B, the last four bars. Jazz is commonly instrumentally focused, with instrument solos and has a very specific timbre with brass and woodwind instruments like the saxophone. Jazz contains a similar structure to b blues following the AAB pattern, but it adds fours bars making it a 16 bar blues the form being AABA going back to the A to wrap things up.
    2. If I were a European composer/ audience member attending African American ensembles, personally would, just because Europeans have a track record of stealing from other cultures so if I was in that headspace I don’t see why I wouldn’t. The ideas from it are different, there isn’t anything about copyright around that time, I don’t think. It is definitely an artistic decision without morals.

    • I agree I think the decision is both an artistic and moral decision. I also think it’s interesting that you brought up the mentality of Europeans during this time. That is definitely something to considered because as you said it was normal to take from cultures.

  5. 1) Jazz and blues both have southern origins and are part of African American culture. The timing of when these genres were popular are also close. The instruments used in both genres are very similar. The use of guitars, pianos, and saxophones are shared in both genres. The difference is that jazz is focused on the instrumental part of music whereas blues contain lyrics. Jazz also has European aspects mixed into it.
    2) If I was a European composer I wouldn’t use this music in my work. I think this music has a big cultural tie and using it wouldn’t be right. I also think that an artist having direct ties to this music changes the way it’s perceived. So being an outsider wouldn’t have the same flow as someone who is a part of this music. I think it’s an artistic decision more than a moral decision. However, some morals should be considered because recreating this music without the credit is wrong.

    • I think you brought up a good point how the music has a cultural tie! I agree being an outsider would not give the music the same meaning as an insider would. I also think morals should always be considered since we are raised with them and it helps us out with every decision in life, even if it is more of an artistic one.

  6. 1) Some similarities between Jazz and the Blues is the act of improvisation. As with Jazz, the Blues consist of being spontaneous and making stuff up when you are performing. In Jazz performances, a lot of the time the musicians are coming up with pieces of music in their head. Another similarity is their rhythmic groove. In the Blues, there’s a lot of “loose” feeling with the rhythm, and in Jazz they have something called “swing,” which is an unbalanced division of beats, which is that “loose” sense of rhythm, of how to feel the beat when you are not on the beat. They also both have a mixture of African musical elements incorporated in their music. Something that sets the two apart is that in the Blues, there’s usually a solo singer with instrumental accompaniment with a slow tune, and in Jazz it’s usually multiple singers all singing together in a group, usually being lively energetic and dancing around.

    2) I personally would not use the music I heard in my compositions. Despite the fact that watching the African and Asian ensembles helped the Europeans experience other cultures and music that otherwise they wouldn’t have encountered, morally it was so degrading and horrible to treat other human beings as animals. The fact that these human beings were put on display for the mere entertainment of the Europeans is horrifying. Although, at that time period, this was the norm for the composer to do, as the African/Asian sounds they encountered were very different from their own Western Art music, and helped create variety. I think if a composer chose to use that music in their work, it was based on an artistic decision. Still, despite this being standard for European composers, I personally don’t think I could have morally done that, as it was this immoral exhibition going against their rights as other human beings. In addition, the new music may not have fit well in the compositions as it was so different from the standard compositions.

    • I agree with your second answer that the exposing of others culture just for European entertainment is flawed. Perhaps it could have been done in away that respects the people and not just highlights their culture. At the very core, humans make up culture and because of this, they need to be respected and esteemed; not treated like an exotic exhibit.

  7. 1) Are there any similarities between jazz and the blues? What sets the two apart?
    Jazz and the blues have multiple similarities. Both types of music emerged in the South around the end of the 19th century and spread north. This helped form various sub-genres. Jazz and blues mainly focus on the musical characteristic of syncopated rhythm. They are also both characterized by the use of swung notes. On the other hand, jazz and the blues have various differences. Jazz is a broad musical style that includes improvisation and group interaction that is performed using different band instruments. The blues however, is a genre of music based on traditional chord patterns, scales, and emotive lyrics, often performed by a solo guitarist/vocalist. It also is a repeating progression of chords that uses the 12-bar blues form.

    2) Would you choose to use some of the music you heard in your compositions? Why or why not? Do you think it’s more of a moral or artistic decision?
    If I was a European composer visiting the 1889 Exposition Universelle and attend performances of African and Asian ensembles, I would choose not to use some of the music I heard. Although watching African and Asian ensembles helped spread culture to Europeans, overall it was not right dehumanizing people into animals and having others watch them as if it was a zoo. Not only that but not being directly involved in the music as an outsider may lead to a misunderstanding of the meaning behind the music and it would take away it’s potential that an insider could have created. I think it is an artistic decision with morals behind it. Every person is raised with a sense of what is right from wrong and I believe that mindset definitely affects a person’s artistic decision.

    • Hi! I found your post very interesting. I totally agree with what you said about how dehumanizing it is for people to watch humans like they are animal entertainment in a zoo. I also found that very disturbing! In addition, I like that you included in the first question that the blues has a specific form and chord pattern. I did not even think about that when I wrote my post. Thank you!

  8. 1. Like Jazz,the blues was developed by Black Musicians in the deep South around the early 1900s. Are there any other similarities between jazz and the blues? What sets the two apart? You can think about form, timbre,African musical elements,harmony,social context,etc.
    Jazz and the blues are similar in numerous ways. One similarity is historically. They both became popular during the same time period of the late 19th century and early 20th century. In addition, both genres use similar instruments such as guitars, piano, saxophone, and bass. Another similarity is the musicians and performers origin many of the musicians and composers were African American,
    The difference between the two is that in jazz, it is more lively and a catchy rhythm. Most times, jazz performances consist of numerous performers. But, the blues are more slow and have less of a rhythm. They also usually have performances that consist of only one performer, a soloist. Lastly, blues always contain lyrics but jazz does not. Jazz music sometimes contains lyrics but sometimes does not. The blues almost always contain lyrics.
    2. Imagine that you are a composer visiting the 1889 Exposition Universelle and attend performances of African and Asian ensembles. Would you choose to use some of the music you heard in your compositions? Why or why not? Do you think it’s more of a moral or artistic decision?
    Personally, I don’t think I would include the music I heard in the ensembles in my compositions. The dancers were treated horrifically. The dancers were like humans in a zoo, being treated immorally. To most, using humans being treated like animals as entertainment is unappealing. In addition, this music is unlike other music. It would not fit well in the compositions. I think this is a moral decision. The ensemble performers seem to be treated like animals which is extremely horrifying. I wouldn’t want to use music that was used when humans were treated like that.

    • I like your response to question #2. It is interesting to see that you view it as a moral decision instead of an artistic one. Although, the abuse of the dancers is horrific if we were to place ourself in that time period many would be used to that kind of treatment. I saw it as an artistic decision not to incorporate many different cultures into one composition as it would cause a divide between the European audience and composer

  9. Music & Ethnicity:

    Like Jazz the Blues was developed by Black musicians in the deep South around the early 1900’s. Are there any other similarities between Jazz & Blues? What sets the two apart? You can think about form, timbre, African musical elements, harmony, social context, etc.

    Stenem Cprnelius and Mary Natvig speak of Blues as “African ways of thinking and acting, of cooking and farming, and of making music and dance all took root across the Americas…. The emerging blues style was rough, but distinctive. It was simple in form, but capable of endless nuance. Like the jalolu an ocean away, blues artists focused on human experience. Songs spoke of everyday life, often of broken love and troubled times. (pg 188)”. There are many similarities and differences between the two. Jazz and Blues have a direct connection to certain ethnic groups. Both these genres were created to unify people, create stronger cultural bonds, and tell stories. One of the main differences between the two is that Blues usually focuses on a single vocalist accompanied by a guitar (or some type of instrument) while Jazz music focuses on dynamics. Dynamics refers to the volume of a note or passage of music. This means that the genre of jazz encompasses changing range between Fortissimo- Pianissimo.

    Imagine that you are a European composer visiting the 1889 Exposition Universallle and attend performances of African and Asian ensembles. Would you choose to use some of the music you heard in your compositions? Why or why not?

    If I were to be a European composer, I would make a conscious decision not to incorporate African and Asian ensembles in my composition. There most prominent reason why is social approval. Although, music is a source of expression as a composer you have an audience and their needs that you must take into consideration when creating a composition. I believe there would be a divide between the cultures (European, African & Asian) which would correlate to a divide between the composition and furthermore a divide in the audience.

  10. 1. 1. Like Jazz,the blues was developed by Black Musicians in the deep South around the early 1900s. Are there any other similarities between jazz and the blues? What sets the two apart? You can think about form, timbre,African musical elements,harmony,social context,etc.

    One difference between jazz and blues would be the origin. While Jazz originated in New Orleans, the Blues was from Mississippi. However, both were inspired by African culture and life in the South for Blacks. Jazz is has both African culture and a mix of European influences. The Blues is mostly songs from salves that often held spiritual themes. A similarity in both of them is that their main instrument is the piano. They both also incorporate improvisations but the Blues improv is mostly through the singer, while the Jazz improv is with any instrument in the group.

    2. Imagine that you are a composer visiting the 1889 Exposition Universelle and attend performances of African and Asian ensembles. Would you choose to use some of the music you heard in your compositions? Why or why not? Do you think it’s more of a moral or artistic decision?

    I would not choose music because it is not genuine to other’s cultures and it’s degrading. There is a difference between appreciating people’s cultures to exploiting them and using them for what they bring to the table. Even though the dance and music may be as experience of their culture it is in a “showcase” which can change the authenticity of the culture itself. This is a moral decision because the human aspect of and the means by which the cultural arts were performed was flawed.

    • I agree with what you said on question two where you couldn’t choose to incorporate their music because it is degrading and it’s rude to their culture. I also didn’t know that the blues were songs that often help spiritual themes and that Jazz had a mix of european influence in it so that was really cool.

  11. 1. Jazz and Blues have a few similarities, for example, they both were performed in the South and typically had African American singers and artists. Both genres of music typically used the same instruments, like pianos, guitars, and a main singer. A difference that both genres have is that Jazz music is usually just music, most of the time there isn’t a singer, it’s mostly instrumental. Blues music usually contains a singer and lyrics in their songs. Jazz music is more upbeat, focuses more on “swinging” and smoothness, while Blues music is more slow, and melancholic.
    2. I personally wouldn’t include the music I heard in my composition if I was an European composer because I believe that this type of music has some sort of”cultural tie” and if i just copied it, it would be sort of exploiting that culture. But I do also see composers in that time period not caring as much about copying other artists. If they enjoyed it, then they would just make their own version of it.

    • I agree with your statement for question 2, I like how you said it would be wrong since there might be cultural ties to the ensemble. I didn’t think of that while answering question 2.

  12. 1. Jazz and blues are similar because they both originated from the South around the same time period. Both use similar instruments like guitar, saxophone, piano etc. Some difference include how Jazz is more improvised, and more instrumental, while blues songs always have lyrics within them.
    2. If I was a European composer I would choose not to use the music. I say no because I don’t think it would be authentic because I am not apart of the culture. In that sense it wouldn’t feel right using it. But, I can see how composers during that time period wouldn’t care if they used a piece that wasn’t directly tied to their culture.

    • When reading your comment, I realized how I never noticed that Jazz music doesn’t have vocal music in it. I would have to agree that using music without an understanding of its culture is wrong.

  13. One similarity between jazz and the blues are they both sound similar in music. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between the two because of the similar music. However, I feel like jazz never really has people singing while blues, there’s usually a singer.

    If I was a European composer watching African and Asian performers I would not put my musical compositions in their ensemble. This is because it is not my song to change and everyone has their own artistic views. It could also be stealing their music and making it my own which seems wrong. I feel like there are many incidents where artists take someone else’s music to make it theirs which a lot of people bash on them for. I think it’s more of a moral choice because you don’t want to be caught “stealing” music and making it your own, even if it was an innocent mistake and wasn’t actually trying to copy the song.

    • I personally disagree about 2. This is because just because you borrow elements from another work doesn’t necessarily make it stealing, it only serves as inspiration. This can be seen even today, when many artists might borrow a beat, but they put their own spin on it and make it their own.

  14. 1. Like Jazz,the blues was developed by Black Musicians in the deep South around the early 1900’s. Are there any other similarities between jazz and the blues? What sets the two apart? You can think about form, timbre,African musical elements,harmony,social context,etc.

    Both Jazz and Blues both emerged in the South around the end of the 19th century and ended up spreading to the North. Another similarity between both genres would be the use of same instruments such as piano, bass, guitar, etc. These songs served purposes as they helped express the struggles that African Americans were going through, a way to express themselves, and used as an act of rebellion. A difference that sets the two apart is with blues, there’s typically a singer as to where in Jazz it is normally just instrumental. Jazz uses improvisation while the blues revolves around a singer/guitar player.

    2. Imagine that you are a European composer visiting the 1889 Exposition Universally and attend performances of African and Asian ensembles. Would you choose to use some of the music you heard in your compositions? Why or why not?

    If I were a European composer visiting the 1889 Exposition Universally and attended performances of African and Asian ensembles, I would not choose to incorporate some of the music into my composition with one of the reasons being that when looking at the pictures, I see that the people were treated horribly. They were like animals in a zoo for everyone to watch and that’s just terrible. Also it wouldn’t be my music so it would feel wrong to take their music and use it as mine.

  15. 1) Any other similarities between Jazz and the Blues. What sets the two apart?
    – A similarity between jazz and the blues is that they both have a similar sound to one another. If one of them would be played at an event for example it would’ve been easily distinguished as either jazz or the blues. Also, as mentioned they are both developed by black musicians and in the deep south during the same time period. Another similarity would be the abundance of instruments used to express such tone associated with both jazz and the blues. Something which sets the two apart would be that jazz has a greater focus on the ensemble while the blues provides greater attention to a solo guitarist or vocalist. Jazz music tends to have more instrumental while blues is accompanied with lyrical/ vocalist.

    2) If you were a European composer would you choose to use some of the music, you heart in your compositions? Moral or artistic decision?
    – If I was a European composer, I would not use the music heard in my composition. A large factor why I wouldn’t use this music is because of the way individuals were being treated as zoo animals. The African and Asian ensembles allowed the Europeans to understand other musical cultures they were still very degrading to them. And also, not giving them credit for their influence.

    • I agree with you about number 2. They are treated very unethically and that if their music was inspiring to others, they would not receive any credit for it.

    • I agree with your answer to question #2 on how a big factor is on the treatment they received, for me too its more of a moral decision.

    • I agree because the way they were treated should not continue to happen. The moral decision is a big part in peoples life.

  16. 1. Some similarities between jazz and blues is that they both developed throughout time by African Americans in the deep south and were brought north over time. They both encompass this passionate, amazing and storytelling music that can touch the soul and at times make you want to dance. What sets these two apart is that tends to focus more on the instruments in the music, while blues focus on the voice of the artist. Jazz also has a lot more improvisation in it while blues tend to have a pattern that blues artists follow.
    2. If I were a European composer and I’ve heard that music at the Exposition, I would be inspired by it, but I would not use it in my composition due to ethical reasons. No one should be treated like a zoo animal and exploited like that. I would try to go to more humane places like their genuine homes or seek people who are free and treated properly and attain knowledge about the music from them.

  17. 1. The similarities between Jazz and the blues is that both originates in the south and were influenced by African culture and the experiences of black people in the south. What sets these apart is for the blues focuses on the lyrical component while only having mainly just a guitar and vocalist, while Jazz focuses on the whole instrumental using more than one instrument.
    2. If I was a European composer visiting I would not use some of it I heard in my own work. This is due to the cruel treatment they had to experience and also being degraded. Taking some of their music would just have fuel the oppression they already felt especially if the music has cultural ties I am not familiar with or part of.

    • I strongly agree with you for the second question because I like how you said that this music has cultural ties especially how the the dancers were clearly put in a position where they wouldn’t want to be in. They were badly treated like animals and why would someone use such a terrible piece in their own work which has horrifying experiences for others.

  18. Jazz music and the blues share some similarities. Both of these generes began to become popular during the early 20th century. The instruments they share include piano, guitar, and bass. Blue contain lyrics whereas jazz usually only is instrumental. The blues are a slower type of music which makes it difficult to dance to. However, jazz has a Ruth that makes people want to move.

    If I was a European composer visiting the 1889 Exposition Universelle and attending performances of African and Asian ensembles, I would not use this in my composition. Mainly the treatment of people was inhumane. I would also not want to take someone else music and use it as my own, It would not be morally correct.

  19. 1. When I think about blues and jazz the main difference that comes to mind is the social context. Although both developed in the South, Jazz music was created as a representation of African American liveliness. You would hear Jazz in their homes and churches and it made you feel alive and happy. Meanwhile, the blues originated in the plantations with African Americans that experienced slavery. The music is more emotional and somber because of its history. Another main difference is the form. Jazz is 32 Bar Form while Blues is 12 Bar Blues. The blues are also simpler than Jazz due to its constant repetition of cords making it easier for those with less musical knowledge. A similarity is that both include a form of improvisation which brings a creative component to the music.

    2. Considering that I had the mindset of a European composer of 1889 I would personally not use the music I heard in my composition. As mentioned in the lecture many Europeans degraded other cultures due to the idea of them being superior. If I had that kind of mindset and moral I wouldn’t consider the music as “authentic.” The lack of authenticity would most likely hold me back from using the music performed. I believe the decision would be a mix of both moral and artistic. I believe your moral is what makes a decision initially, the artistic part comes in when you weigh in the benefits you would get.

    • I agree with your answer to the second question because I also believe I would not use the music heard in my composition. I like how you stated that their lack of authenticity held you back from using the music.

  20. 1. Like Jazz, the blues was developed by Black Musicians in the deep South around the early 1900s. Are there any other similarities between jazz and the blues? What sets the two apart? You can think about form, timbre,African musical elements, harmony, social context, etc.

    – Both Jazz and Blues both developed in the South around the finish of the nineteenth century and wound up spreading toward the North. These melodies filled needs as they helped express the battles that African Americans were experiencing, an approach to communicate, and utilized as a demonstration of defiance. A distinction that separates the two is with blues, there’s regularly a vocalist concerning where in Jazz it is typically simply instrumental. Jazz utilizes act of spontaneity while the blues spins around a vocalist/guitar player. Another comparability between the two types would be the utilization of same instruments, for example, piano, bass, guitar, and so on.

    2. Imagine that you are a composer visiting the 1889 Exposition Universelle and attend performances of African and Asian ensembles. Would you choose to use some of the music you heard in your compositions? Why or why not? Do you think it’s more of a moral or artistic decision?

    – I would not pick music since it isn’t certified to other’s societies and it’s corrupting. There is a distinction between valuing individuals’ societies to misusing them and utilizing them for what they bring to the table. Despite the fact that the move and music might be as understanding of their way of life it is in an “exhibit” which can change the validness of the way of life itself. This is an ethical choice on the grounds that the human part of and the methods by which the social expressions were performed was defective.

    • I like how your perspective is using different reasons why not to use different compositions. Although I disagree with that, I think it would help evolve our culture, it is interesting to read your perspective.

  21. Like Jazz, the blues was developed by Black Musicians in the deep South around the early 1900s. Are there any other similarities between jazz and the blues? What sets the two apart?
    – The main focus of jazz music is an ensemble’s dynamics, whereas blues music typically focuses on a single guitar player / vocalist, and the song’s personal lyrical material. Most of the jazz tunes are solely instrumental while the lyrics are still in a blues piece. Typically a blues band will have a bass player, a singer, a guitarist, a drummer and maybe a piano / keyboard player. There are exceptions to this but usually a blues band is small, and the emphasis is on the singer or the guitarist. There’ll be trumpets, saxophones, trombones, guitar, violin, piano and drums in a traditional jazz big band. Blues music was made up of slave spiritual and work songs that were mainly inspired by their African cultural traditions. Early Blues music was often slow and sad, and also had strong steady rhythms that were sung throughout the work. It also took on this African influence as Jazz evolved, but also mixed it with European influences to give it a unique sound and style. All styles make use of piano as a main instrument.

    Imagine that you are a composer visiting the 1889 Exposition Universelle and attend performances of African and Asian ensembles. Would you choose to use some of the music you heard in your compositions? Why or why not? Do you think it’s more of a moral or artistic decision?
    – I wouldn’t use the music in my compositions that I heard in the ensembles. The way in which the Europeans were using this music was quite immoral. The dancers have been handled very poorly, and in a way for European entertainment. It is an ethical decision on the grounds that the human element was faulty, and the processes by which the social expressions were implemented. It was not right to dehumanize people into animals.

  22. 1. Jazz and the Blues have similar origins, but that isn’t the only thing that is similar about them. They also served as an expression of African-American feeling during the early 1900’s. Some stylistic differences between them include the blue’s focus on singing and vocals, this is necessary for a blues track, meanwhile jazz’s most defining characteristic is the improvisation in performances, in which the performer does what they think sounds the best in the moment.
    2. I would borrow some ideas. This would be to get a new sound, not heard before. I think this is more of an artistic decision, as bringing in new and fresh ideas might make new pieces sound more varied and special than past works.

    • I agree with the fact that Jazz and Blues was a way for African Americans to express feeling and also Blues focuses more on vocals and Jazz on the instrument and improvisation

  23. 1) Jazz and the Blues are very similar as they both originated in the south for African Americans to express theselves and their emotions. Although they are similar in terms of timbre, meaning the instruments that are being used and focusing on the idea of communication and expression. The biggest difference between the two is that Jazz focuses more on the instrument and improvisation, meaning that they come up with things as they go and Blues focuses more on the vocals.
    2) If I was a European attending performances of African and Asian ensembles I wouldn’t use the music I hear in my own compositions because I don’t think it would fit with what I am trying to create. Different cultures have sounds that are unique to them that might not fit with others and I personally think my decision is more of a artistic choice because I am basing my decision purely on if it’ll make my composition better.

  24. 1. Jazz and Blues have similar characteristics. Such as, early African-American songs that led to both categories.The blues refers to both a certain type of chord progression and a genre built on this form. Jazz is much harder to define because its range is so broad. Both jazz and blues originated in the deep south around the end of the 19th century. What set Jazz and Blues apart is the music is structured differently and there are significant differences in timbre and instrumentation.
    2. If I was a European composer visiting the 1889 Exposition Universelle I wouldn’t try to mix some of the new sounds I heard into my compositions. One of many reasons is that the way the women were being treated is just unfair and cruel. I think it’s more of a moral decision because its being forced upon them.

  25. 1) Are there any similarities between jazz and the blues? What sets the two apart?
    Well, for jazz it is primarily derived from multiple instruments and mainly instruments while blues comprise of a single guitar player or singer. Jazz is mainly an ensemble without lyrics and just tunes while blues mainly contained lyrics. It is similar in the category of music however, the execution are different. They are also popular around the same time which made them similar based on environment.

    2) Would you choose to use some of the music you heard in your compositions? Why or why not? Do you think it’s more of a moral or artistic decision?
    Yes, I would because it used a second perspective to improve your artistic values. It is a moral decision because you are not recreating something rather adapting that into your own style which would improve your art style and possibly future styles.

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