What is the function and musical style of the African-American work song?

What will be an ideal response?

• The function of the group work song is to coordinate the workers' efforts and take their minds off the hard work.
• The chief distinguishing musical feature of the group work song is the call-and–response vocal organization: a leader sings the "call," which is answered by the group's response.
• Other musical features include blue notes, syncopation, and improvised lyrics.

Art & Culture

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Catharsis is

A. the ability to observe a work with a degree of detachment. B. the capacity to identify emotionally with the characters on stage. C. the purging of our aggressive desires through art. D. a hymn sung and danced in praise of Dionysus.

Art & Culture

Which contemporary composer died of an aneurysm just prior to his show's opening on Broadway?

A. Andrew Lloyd Weber B. Jonathan Larson C. Jason Robert Brown D. Steven Sondheim

Art & Culture