The avant-garde composer's work was initially dismissed as discordant noise by traditional critics, though younger audiences embraced its unconventional harmonies as a refreshing departure from classical conventions.
As used in the text, what does the word "discordant" most nearly mean?
melodious
brief
inharmonious
popular
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. The passage contrasts the dismissive view (noise) with appreciation for "unconventional harmonies." "Inharmonious" captures the perceived lack of pleasant harmony that traditionalists criticized.
Choice A is incorrect because "melodious" is the opposite of noisy. Choice B is incorrect because "brief" refers to duration, not sound quality. Choice D is incorrect because "popular" contradicts initial dismissal.