MUSIC 0711 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: The Minstrel Show, Theatre Owners Booking Association, Cakewalk
Document Summary
The minstrel show has often been called the mother of the american musical theater. The minstrel show did play a large roll in introducing certain aspects of african-american music to the general american populace. Divided into 3 distinct parts: the show proper. Introduced individual acts such as comedians and solo singers. Usually ended with cake walk: the olio. Consisted mostly of solo dance acts: the playet (or parody) The music was often gay and was not considered serious : termed minstrel music . Word minstrel believed to have originated from minister: evidence of some type of religious relationship. The accompanying music of background music for the show was ragtime. During intermission, or between acts, classic blues singers entertained the audience. Why was the minstrel show so important to the development of jazz in the united. States: because it was one of the major sources of employment for early jazz performers, launched the classic blues period.
