MAY 7, 1840, WAS THE BIRTHDAY OF ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS RUS...
EXERCISE 9
May 7, 1840, was the birthday of one of the most famous Russian composers of the nineteenth
century Peter Illich Tchaikovsky. The son of a mining inspector,
Tchaikovsky studied music as a child and later studied composition at the
St. Petersburg Conservatory. His greatest period of productivity occurred between 1876
and 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.
Questions
Question 1: 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 2: Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word "productivity"?
A. fertility B. affinity C. creativity D. maturity
Question 3: 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 4: Which of the following could best replace the word "terminated"?
A. discontinued B. resolved C. exploited D. hated
Question 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: According to the passage, "Swan Lake" and "The Sleeping Beauty"
are__________.
A. dances B. songs C. operas D. plays
Question 9: 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 10: Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word "behind"?
A. supporting B. in back of C. going beyond D. concealing