Text 1: Music theorist Dr. Sarah Wells analyzes Western classical music's global spread. "European classical music achieved universal status through aesthetic excellence," Wells writes. "Bach and Beethoven transcend cultural boundaries because their works possess intrinsic artistic value."
Text 2: Ethnomusicologist Dr. David Chen contextualizes classical music's prestige. "Western classical music's global status reflects colonial power, not inherent superiority," Chen argues. "European empires exported their culture as civilization itself. The 'universality' of classical music reflects historical domination, not objective aesthetic ranking."
How does Chen's historical explanation challenge Wells's aesthetic argument?
By arguing that Bach and Beethoven were not real composers
By suggesting that perceived universality resulted from power relations rather than intrinsic value
By claiming music has no aesthetic dimensions
By asserting that only non-Western music has value
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Wells attributes global status to "intrinsic artistic value." Chen offers an alternative explanation: colonial power, not aesthetic superiority, established classical music's prestige. Power relations, not quality.
- Evidence: Chen: "European empires exported their culture."
- Reasoning: Status could result from political history, not inherent excellence.
- Conclusion: Chen provides historical alternative to aesthetic explanation.
Choice A is incorrect because Chen doesn't deny composers existed. Choice C is incorrect because Chen doesn't reject aesthetics entirely. Choice D is incorrect because Chen questions hierarchy, not individual value.