European art music is largely distinguished from many other non-European and popular musical forms by its system of staff notation, in use since about the 16th century. Western staff notation is used by composers to prescribe to the performer the pitches (e.g., melodies, basslines and/or chords), tempo, meter and rhythms for a piece of music. This leaves less room for practices such as improvisation and ad libitum ornamentation, which are frequently heard in non-European art music and in popular music  styles such as jazz and blues. Another difference is that whereas most popular styles lend themselves to the song form, classical music has been noted for its development of highly sophisticated forms of instrumental music such as the concerto, symphony, sonata, and mixed vocal and instrumental styles such as opera which, since they are written down, can attain a high level of complexity. COUNT 8
QSN1 How is European art music distinguished from non-European and popular music? ANS1 its system of staff notation QSN2 What method is used by composers to prescribe to the performer the pitches, tempo, meter and rhythms for a piece of music? ANS2 Western staff notation QSN3 What popular styles practice improvisation and ad libitum ornamentation? ANS3 jazz and blues QSN4 Since it is written down, classical music can attain a high level of what?  ANS4 complexity QSN5 How is European art music distinguished from many other musical forms? ANS5 its system of staff notation QSN6 How long has the system of staff notation been in use? ANS6 since about the 16th century QSN7 Jazz and blues use ad libitum and what other ornamentation?  ANS7 improvisation QSN8 Classic music can a attain a high level of what? ANS8 complexity