Jazz musicians in the 1940s began incorporating elements from classical European composers into their improvisations. This _______ of different musical traditions resulted in bebop, a complex style that challenged both performers and audiences with its intricate harmonies and rapid tempos.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
rejection
isolation
criticism
blending
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. The passage describes jazz musicians "incorporating elements" from classical music, indicating a combination of styles.
- Context clues: "Incorporating elements" directly describes mixing or combining different sources.
- Meaning: "Blending" means mixing different things together, which precisely describes the fusion of jazz and classical elements.
- Verify: The "blending of different musical traditions" logically results in a new style like bebop.
💡 Strategy: Look for synonyms of key actions described in the passage.
Choice A is incorrect because "rejection" means refusing, which contradicts "incorporating." Choice B is incorrect because "isolation" means separation, not combination. Choice C is incorrect because "criticism" refers to negative evaluation, not musical combination.