Question

We know little about the music of very ancient civilizations because

A) there probably was almost none
B) it was too primitive to interest later generations
C) it is too difficult to be played today
D) hardly any notated music has survived from these cultures

Answer 1

It’s most likely D because

A - that’s incorrect, it’s known that music has spanned countless centuries

B - Historians amongst others would be very interested so this is incorrect

C - This is incorrect because people learn how to play all sorts of instruments

Thus, D is the most clear

Answer 2

We know little about ancient music because hardly any written notations have survived, though ethnomusicology provides some insights.

Step-by-step explanation:

We know little about the music of very ancient civilizations primarily because hardly any notated music has survived from these cultures. Prehistoric peoples used music to communicate, tell stories, and express cultural elements, but the lack of written documentation means that much of the music's specific forms and practices have been lost to time. The study of ancient musical instruments and ethnomusicology offers some insights into the musical artifacts of these societies, suggesting a richness in culture and technology that was akin to modern advancements in music creation and performance. However, without surviving notated examples of their music, it's difficult to fully understand the artistic nuances and theoretical foundations that defined their musical heritage.