DURING WHICH TIME HE ENJOYED THE PATRONAGE OF MADAME VON MECK, A...
1890, during which time he
enjoyed the patronage of Madame von Meck, a woman he never met, who gave
him a living stipend of about $1,000.00 a year. Madame von Meck later
terminated her friendship with
Tchaikovsky, as well as his living allowance, when she, herself, was facing financial difficulties. It was during
the time of Madame von Meck's patronage, however, that Tchaikovsky created the music for which he is most
famous, including the music for the ballets of Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty.
Tchaikovsky's music, well known for its rich melodic and sometimes melancholy passages, was one of
the first that brought serious dramatic music to dance. Before this, little attention had been given to the music
behind the dance. Tchaikovsky died on November 6, 1893, ostensibly of cholera, though there are now some
scholars who argue that he committed suicide.
Question 71: With what topic is the passage primarily concerned?
A. the life and music of Tchaikovsky
B. development of Tchaikovsky's music for ballets
C. Tchaikovsky's relationship with Madame Von Meck
D. the cause of Tchaikovsky's death
Question 72: Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word "productivity"?
A. fertility
B. affinity
C. creativity
D. maturity
Question 73: The phrase "enjoyed the patronage of" probably means _________
A. liked the company of
B. was mentally attached to
C. solicited the advice of
D. was financially dependent upon
Question 74: Which of the following could best replace the word "terminated"?
A. discontinued
B. resolved
C. exploited
D. hated
Question 75: According to the passage, all of the following describe Madame von Meck EXCEPT _________
A. She had economic troubles.
B. She was generous.
C. She enjoyed Tchaikovsky's music. D. She was never introduced to Tchaikovsky.
Question 76: It is known that before Tchaikovsky, _______ .
A. the music behind the dance had been taken seriously
B. serous dramatic music had been already brought to dance
C. the music behind the dance had been given very little attention.
D. music had been famous for its rich melodic passages
Question 77: According to the passage, for what is Tchaikovsky's music most well known?
A. its repetitive and monotonous tones B. the ballet-like quality of the music
C. its lively, capricious melodies
D. the richness and melodic drama of the music
Question 78: According to the passage, "Swan Lake" and "The Sleeping Beauty" are _________
A. dances
B. songs
C. operas
D. plays
Question 79: Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?
A. Tchaikovsky's influence on ballet music
B. Tchaikovsky's unhappiness leading to
suicide
C. the patronage of Madame von Meck
D. Tchaikovsky's productivity in composing
Question 80: Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word "behind"?
A. supporting
B. in back of
C. going beyond
D.
concealing
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