Musicologist: A recently discovered manuscript of choral music found in a monastery in Valencia is dated to 1420. This arrangement features a complex system of polyphony that was the hallmark of the Flemish school of composers during the early fifteenth century. Therefore, the manuscript must have been authored by a composer trained in the Flemish musical tradition.
Evaluate whether the following statement is true or false:
The musicologist's argument depends on assuming that the complex polyphony characteristic of the Flemish school was not independently developed by composers native to Valencia around 1420.
Answer: Answer
Answer
True
The statement accurately identifies a necessary assumption. The argument leaps from the premise that the manuscript matches a Flemish style to the absolute conclusion that the composer must have been trained in the Flemish tradition. For this conclusion to hold, there cannot be any other plausible reason for the manuscript to feature this style. Assuming that local Valencian composers did not independently invent the style is a necessary 'defender' assumption that blocks an alternative explanation.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Necessary Assumption (Defender Pattern)
Estimated Time:1m 30s