PrepTest 156, Section 3, Question 18
In typical accounts of the beginnings of bebop—the(447 more words not shown)
It can be inferred from(25 more words not shown)
- AThe lack of(13 more words not shown)
- BSwing music came(12 more words not shown)
- CThe insistence that(21 more words not shown)
- DSwing contained the(17 more words not shown)
- EThe originators of(10 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
Switch perspectives: this question asks what supporters of the typical history believe. Their story is that commercial success kept swing going after it had become artistically stale, obstructing possibilities for innovation. Bebop then broke through that obstruction.
What we’re looking for
We can answer from that account even though the author criticizes its portrayal of bebop. A statement that captures the author's objection would belong to the wrong side here.
Working the answers
- A
The comparison with classical history concerns stalled musical development. It doesn't tell us that these proponents attribute classical music's lack of innovation largely to commercialism. Similar stories don't establish the same commercial cause in both cases.
- B
They say the industry kept swing going after it had become stale. That doesn't explain why swing originally achieved commercial success. Maintaining a profitable formula and becoming popular because one is unadventurous are different claims.
- C
This is the author's criticism of the typical accounts. Their supporters believe they are explaining the history; they wouldn't thereby concede that their account serves current critics at the expense of historical inquiry.
- DCorrect
The second paragraph describes directions for development already indicated by the music itself. The third says the industry's commercial incentives kept musicians repeating the old style. Put those together: possibilities for innovation existed, but commercial pressures helped leave them undeveloped.
- E
Their story has bebop shedding jazz's ties to dance, popular song, and entertainment. Embracing those associations runs against that account.
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