Chopin - Marvel EDU

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Practice Listening: Multiple Choice, Single Answer ID: #38416 Medium Chopin

Instructions ›

Listen to the recording and answer the multiple-choice question by selecting the correct response. Only one response is correct.

Transcript:

Now, why has the world been so slow in recognizing that Chopin stands in the very front rank of creative musicians? One reason doubtless is that he was so quiet and retiring in his personal disposition. His still, small voice was lost in the din of musical warfare. He warmly defended the principles of the romantic school, if necessary, and had decided opinions of other musicians, especially of the popular pianists of his day who vitiated the public taste with their show pieces; but he generally kept them to himself or confided them only to his friends, whom he even occasionally implored to keep them secret. Had he, like Richard Wagner, attacked everybody, right and left, who stood in the way of the general recognition of his genius, his cause would have doubtless assumed greater prominence in the eyes of the public, even though the parlor piano does not afford so much play-ground for warfare as the operatic stage.

From the recording, which distinctive personal quality of Chopin stands apart from his music talents?

* Listen to the recording and select the correct answer

He never criticized his contemporaries or their work. He was timid and afraid of calling a spade a spade. He was quiet and reserved and generally kept things to himself and his friends. He let people know that popular pianists of his day had vitiated the public taste.

Result:

AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.

Option 2: "He was timid and afraid of calling a spade a spade."

Explanation: This option is correct as it aligns with the text's description of Chopin's quiet and retiring nature. The phrase 'timid and afraid of calling a spade a spade' captures his reluctance to openly criticize others, which is supported by the text stating he kept his opinions to himself or shared them only with friends.

Option 1: "He never criticized his contemporaries or their work."

Explanation: This option is incorrect because the text indicates that Chopin had decided opinions about other musicians and their work, particularly criticizing popular pianists of his time. Therefore, stating that he never criticized them contradicts the information presented in the text.

Option 3: "He was quiet and reserved and generally kept things to himself and his friends."

Explanation: While this option reflects some truth about Chopin's character, it is too broad and does not specifically highlight the distinctive quality of timidity. The text emphasizes his quiet nature but also points out that he had strong opinions, which he chose not to express publicly, making this option incomplete.

Option 4: "He let people know that popular pianists of his day had vitiated the public taste."

Explanation: This option is incorrect because the text states that Chopin generally kept his criticisms to himself or shared them only with friends. Therefore, he did not openly let people know about his opinions on popular pianists, which contradicts the assertion made in this option.

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