Final answer:
In Jing-mei's statement, 'discordant' describes music that is jarring and lacks harmony, evoking a sense of tension or discomfort in the listener.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word discordant as used in the selection when Jing-mei says, "...I learned to play only the most ear-splitting preludes, the most discordant hymns," refers to a combination of musical sounds that clash or straying away from a harmonious melody, resulting in a lack of harmony.
People usually associate "discordant" music with unpleasant, jarring, and disagreeable sounds which might be difficult to listen to. This term is often used to describe situations in music where the notes do not blend well together, creating a sense of tension or disharmony. The complexity or unexpected nature of the notes can evoke a sense of discomfort in the listener.