The author would be most likely to agree wtih which one of the following?

Jacob-R on November 18, 2018

As always, let’s take a look at the question stem first. We are looking for the answer the author would most likely agree with.

For answer A, can we find support in the passage? We need to find lines that indicated classicism was attributed to Marsalis, and lines that indicate record companies have embraced a kind of classicism that is more rigid!

For the former, check out lines 27-32. “Critics charge that, by leading jazz into the realm of unbending classicism and by sanctifying a canon of their own choosing, Marsalis and his adherents have codified the music into a stifling orthodoxy. . . ” Wow, that sounds like rigid classicism attributed to Marsalis!

As for the record companies, check out lines 18-23. “Over the past few years Columbia has drastically reduced its roster of active jazz musicians, shifting its emphasis to reissues of old recordings . . . Essentially gave up on developing new artists.”

That sounds like sanctifying a canon of their own choosing! And that is why answer A is correct.

Jaime-Brown on November 4, 2021

Okay, I definitely see what Jacob is saying here, BUT I overlooked this answer because I didn't think the author saw the record companies as embracing a kind of classicism at all. The author saw them as embracing an opportunity to make a greater profit.

Line 46 says that the "record executives came away with a different message..." (From Marsalis' message of focusing on the classics)
Line 52 "...the record companies saw brand names—the ultimate prize of marketing"

How could I have prevented from overlooking this answer?
I didn't feel great about any of the answers, but ended up canceling this one out.

Ravi on February 6, 2022

@Jaime-Brown, one of the author's main points is that in trying to inspire young musicians, Marsalis emphasized respect for traditions. However, ultimately, it had the ironic effect of making classical jazz all that record companies really cared about. The author emphasizes the fact that even though Marsalis emphasized tradition, "he never advocated mere revivalism." However, revivalism is what's happened in the record companies. Thus, the author would agree that the companies are more rigidly preoccupied with classics than Marsalis. And, given Marsalis' objectives, this is ironic. Focusing on the author's main points is crucial in helping you not overlook A as the correct choice.