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The minstrel show, also called minstrelsy, was an American form of theater developed in the early 19th century. [ 1 ] The shows were performed by mostly white actors wearing blackface makeup for the purpose of comically portraying racial stereotypes of African Americans. There were also some African-American performers and black-only minstrel ...
Most minstrels were unable to write their music down; their art was one of memory and improvisation. Consequently, little of their music survives, but it is not unlikely that the best minstrels, some of whom commanded large salaries, performed music equal in sophistication to surviving examples of the 12th- and 13th-century polyphony (part ...
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
minstrel show, an American theatrical form, popular from the early 19th to the early 20th century, that was founded on the comic enactment of racial stereotypes. The tradition reached its zenith between 1850 and 1870. Although the form gradually disappeared from the professional theatres and became purely a vehicle for amateurs, its influence ...
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
A minstrel was an entertainer, initially in medieval Europe. The term originally described any type of entertainer such as a musician, juggler, acrobat, singer or fool; later, from the sixteenth century, it came to mean a specialist entertainer who sang songs and played musical instruments. [ 1 ][ 2 ]
May 3, 2023 · Learn about the origins, role, and life of medieval minstrels, who were versatile performers of music, storytelling, and poetry. Discover how they differed from other entertainers of their time, such as troubadours, jesters, and jongleurs.
Sep 28, 2023 · Minstrel Performances: Not Just Music. Now, don’t get it twisted. While medieval minstrels were, indeed, musicians, their job wasn’t just belting out tunes. No siree, these folks were the total package when it came to entertainment. Beyond Music: Storytelling and Entertainment. A minstrel’s gig went way beyond strumming lutes and tooting ...
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Learn about minstrel shows, the first uniquely American theatrical form, featuring music and comedy with blackface characters. Explore the history, culture, and legacy of minstrelsy through YouTube and Spotify playlists.
