Question

[Lê Quỳnh Anh]

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions.

          Of all modern instruments, the violin is apparently one of the simplest. It consists in essence of a hollow, varnished wooden sound box, or resonator, and a long neck covered with a fingerboard, along which four strings are stretched at high tension. The beauty of design, shape, and decoration is no accident. The proportions of the instrument are determined almost entirely by acoustical; considerations. Its simplicity of appearance is deceptive. About 70 parts are involved in the construction of a violin. Its tone and its outstanding range of expressiveness make it an ideal solo instrument. No less important, however, is its role as an orchestral and chamber instrument. In combination with the larger and deeper-sounding members of the same family, the violins form the nucleus of the modern symphony orchestra.

          The violin has been in existence since about 1550. Its importance as an instrument in its own right dates from the early 1600’s, when it first became standard in Italian opera orchestras. Its stature as an orchestral instrument was raised further when in 1626 Louis XIII of France established at his court the orchestra known as Les vinq-quatre violons du Roy (The King’s 24 Violins), which was to become widely famous later in the century.

          In its early history, the violin had a dull and rather quiet tone resulting from the fact that the strings were thick and were attached to the body of the instrument very loosely. During the eighteenth and nineteenth century, exciting technical changes were inspired by such composer-violinists as Vivaldi and Tartini. Their instrumental compositions demanded a fuller, clearer, and more brilliant tone that was produced by using thinner strings and a far higher string tension. Small changes had to be made to the violin’s internal structure and to the fingerboard so that they could withstand the extra strain. Accordingly, a higher standard of performance was achieved, in terms of both facility and interpretation. Left-hand technique was considerably elaborated, and new fingering patterns on the fingerboard were developed for very high notes.

“The King’s 24 Violins” is mentioned to illustrate ________.

A. the competition in the 1600’s French and Italian orchestras

B. how the violin became a renowned instrument

C. the superiority of French violins

D. why the violin was considered the only instrument suitable to be played by royalty

Answer 1

[Dương Hoàn Anh]

Đáp án B.

Key words:  The King’s 24 Violins, illustrate.

Clues: “Its stature as an orchestral instrument was raised further when in 1626 Louis XIII of France established at his court the orchestra known as Les vinq-quatre violons du Roy (The King’s 24 Violins), which was to become widely famous later in the century”: Vị thế của violon với tư cách là một nhạc cụ trong dàn nhạc được nâng cao hơn vào năm 1626 khi vua Louis XIII của nước Pháp thành lập một dàn nhạc tại cung điện của mình gọi là Les vinq-quatre violons du Roy, mà về sau trở nên nổi tiếng rộng rãi.

Như vậy The King’s 24 Violins được đề cập mục đích để minh họa cho việc violion trở thành một nhạc cụ nổi tiếng như thế nào → đáp án đúng là B. how the violin became a renowned instrument.