What are the key characteristics of a ballad? A Strophic form with a repeated pattern of verse.often perfomed unaccompanied or with guitar, fiddle, or harmonica. B Complex orchestration with multiple instrumental solos. C Fast tempo with heavy percussion and improvisation. D Only performed in religious settings with choral harmonies.

## Step 1<br />A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music. The key characteristics of a ballad include a strophic form with a repeated pattern of verse, often performed unaccompanied or with guitar, fiddle, or harmonica. This is what option A describes.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Option B describes complex orchestration with multiple instrumental solos. This is not a characteristic of a ball as ballads are typically simple in structure and do not require complex orchestration.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Option C describes a fast tempo with heavy percussion and improvisation. This is not a characteristic of a ballad, as ballads are typically slow and steady in tempo, and do not require heavy percussion or improvisation.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Option D describes a setting only performed in religious settings with choral harmonies. a characteristic of a ballad, as ballads can be performed in any setting and do not require choral harmonies.