What is "call and response" in music structure?

Call and response is a musical structure characterized by a leader who presents a musical phrase, which is then answered or echoed by a group. This form is prevalent in various musical traditions, including African music, jazz, blues, and gospel, where it creates a sense of dialogue within the performance. The leader—instrumental or vocal—initiates a musical idea, and the ensemble or audience responds, creating an interactive and engaging experience. This structure not only fosters participation but also enhances the communal spirit of the music, allowing performers and listeners to connect more deeply.

In contrast to other options, a conversation between singers does not encapsulate the specific musical framework inherent in call and response, as it could imply a looser form of interaction rather than the structured repetition typical of this concept. Repetition of the same melody by multiple voices refers to harmony or layering, which does not embody the back-and-forth dynamic of call and response. Lastly, a solo performance followed by audience reaction suggests a performance setting without the inherently structured exchange that characterizes call and response.