Final answer:
It is true that early instrumental music largely depended on improvisation. Improvisation was crucial in genres like dance music, folk music, and jazz. Technological advancements in musical instruments also influenced the role of improvisation in expanding musical expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early instrumental music largely depended on improvisation, which is a true statement. During various historical periods, music evolved in different ways, but improvisation played a key role throughout. For instance, dance music in the past often was improvised around familiar patterns or tropes, especially in the context of courtly entertainment. Similarly, in the context of early folk music, musicians frequently used improvised techniques, employing a variety of homemade or accessible instruments, such as harmonicas, violins, and guitars. Additionally, genres like jazz, which originated in the early 20th century, greatly emphasized improvisation, providing a vibrant and bold reflection of life experiences through improvised solos and rhythms unique to the African American communities.
As musical instruments evolved with technological advancements like those during the Industrial Revolution, the need for improvisation did not diminish. Instead, it provided musicians the freedom to explore the expanded capabilities of improved instruments such as woodwinds and brass with their new mechanical valves and keys. These developments allowed instrumental music to continue growing in complexity and expressiveness. Improvisation thus remained a fundamental aspect of early instrumental music and continues to be an integral part of many music genres today.