What is a primary characteristic of jazz music?

Jazz music is fundamentally characterized by improvisation, making it a key element of the genre. This spontaneity allows musicians to express their creativity and individual style in real time, which distinguishes jazz from many other musical forms that rely heavily on composed and predetermined structures. Improvisation can manifest in various ways, such as through solo performances where musicians embellish melodies, create new riffs, or explore harmonic variations, resulting in unique interpretations of the same piece each time it is played.

In contrast to jazz, classical music often adheres strictly to composed forms, does not prioritize improvisation, and generally maintains defined written scores, which would make the other options less representative of jazz music. The flexibility and freedom associated with improvisation are what allow jazz to evolve continuously and reflect new influences, making it a dynamic and vibrant musical genre.