Digital Art: Lesson 10; Unit 4

Printing helped musical scores to be mass-produced. Which BEST explains printing's impact on music in the era?

a. some composers became more famous than others in the era.
b. it encouraged printing in other forms of the performing arts, like drama.
c. new pieces could circulate quickly, expanding what musicians could play.
d. it ended the career of amateur musicians, who generally played without written music.

c. new pieces could circulate quickly, expanding what musicians could play.

The correct answer is c. new pieces could circulate quickly, expanding what musicians could play.

To answer this question, we need to understand the impact of printing on music in the era. Printing allowed musical scores to be mass-produced, which resulted in significant changes in the music industry and access to music.

To find the best explanation, we can analyze each of the options mentioned:

a. Some composers became more famous than others in the era.
- This option does not directly relate to the printing's impact on music. Although printing may have contributed to the popularity of certain composers, it is not the main focus of its impact.

b. It encouraged printing in other forms of the performing arts, like drama.
- This statement suggests that printing extended beyond music and impacted other performing arts forms. Although printing's impact on other arts might have occurred, it does not directly explain how it affected music specifically.

c. New pieces could circulate quickly, expanding what musicians could play.
- This option directly relates to the impact of printing on music in the era. The ability to mass-produce musical scores enabled new compositions to be widely distributed, allowing musicians to access a broader repertoire of music. This option best explains printing's impact on music.

d. It ended the career of amateur musicians, who generally played without written music.
- This option suggests that printing affected amateur musicians negatively, potentially ending their career. However, it is unlikely that printing alone directly caused the end of amateur musicians' careers. This option does not fully explain the impact of printing on music in the era.

Based on the analysis, the best explanation for printing's impact on music in the era is:
c. New pieces could circulate quickly, expanding what musicians could play.