What characterizes the stride piano style in jazz music?

The stride piano style in jazz music is distinctly characterized by its approach to playing the piano, particularly through the use of the left hand creating a solid, rhythmic bass line while the right hand plays chords and melodies. This style emerged in the early 20th century, particularly within the Harlem jazz scene, and it combines a sense of swing with a polyrhythmic feel, allowing for both harmonic complexity and rhythmic drive.

In stride piano, the left hand often alternates between a bass note on the first and third beats and chords on the second and fourth beats, which creates a “striding” effect that is energetic and engaging. The right hand is free to elaborate on melody lines, providing a sense of improvisation and sophistication that defines much of jazz music. This contrasts with the other choices, which do not encapsulate the essence of stride piano; for instance, a focus solely on improvisation or melodic lines would not convey the unique rhythmic interplay central to this style.