Discuss the significance of Amenhotep IV.

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Amenhotep IV is significant for his rejection of the traditional Egyptian religion that had supported a large number of gods. Amenhotep IV abolished the pantheon of Egyptian gods and established a religion whose adherents worshiped the sun disk Aten exclusively. Other gods were still acknowledged, but they were considered to be too inferior to Aten to be worth worshiping. Amenhotep changed his name and the name of the capital of Egypt to Akhenaten, reflecting his belief in Aten. Amenhotep IV consolidated the power of the pharaoh who, as the representative of Aten on earth, was the sole object of worship. He also initiated a new, more realistic and intimate style of art known as the Amarna style. Amenhotep IV gave prominence to his wife Nefertiti, who became a frequent subject of sculpture.

Art & Culture

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In the opera Madame Butterfly, the Italian "verist" Giacomo Puccini presented a timely view of

A. America's imperialistic presence in Asia. B. an absolutist monarch. C. the European obsession with nature. D. European aristocrats at leisure.

Art & Culture

Which of the following statement best applies to this excerpt?

a) an American composer attempting to evoke the musical traditions of Europe b) a European composer attempting to evoke the traditions of native American music c) a European composer attempting to evoke the traditions of nineteenth-century American popular music d) an African-American composer attempting to evoke the traditions of Europe

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One of the predominant cultural contexts of beiguan ensemble music is

a. ritual singing by aboriginals in an agricultural context. b. outdoor ritual music for funerals and temple festivities. c. Christian music played in a pop style in Hong Kong. d. instrumental music played by amateurs at teahouses.

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