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Directions:Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageHUMANITIES: Michael Nyman: Minimalist ComposerMany people take classical music to be therealm of the symphony orchestra or smaller ensemblesof orchestral instruments. Even more restrictive isthe mainstream definition of “classical,” which only(5) includes the music of generations past that has seem-ingly been pushed aside by such contemporary formsof music as jazz, rock, and rap. In spite of itswaning limelight, however, classical music occupiesan enduring niche in Western culture, always the(10) subject of experimentation on the part of composersand performers.Of the various schools of composition thatemerged in the 20th century, Minimalism remains oneof the most influential. English composer Michael(15) Nyman has emerged as one of the great writers,conductors, and performers of experimental and oftenminimalist pieces of music. In fact, it was he whocoined the term “Minimalism,” in a review of anothercomposer’s work. Nyman’s compositions vary greatly(20) in mood and orchestration, but generally reflect thecharacteristic tenets of minimalist fare; composer-author David Cope defines these as silence, conceptualforms, brevity, continuity, and strong patterns.A 1976 commission led Nyman to form what(25) he once called “the loudest unamplified street band”possible. Eventually coined the Michael Nyman Band,his group comprised several saxophonists and someplayers of ancient string and woodwind instruments ofvarious medieval-sounding names. When Nyman set(30) to developing material for his band, he implementedpiano segments for himself, a rich string section, andeventually, amplification of all the instruments. In thissetting, the composer honed his style of deliberatemelodies, malleable rhythms, and precise ensemble(35) playing. Nyman’s popularity grew within classicalcircles. He would often profit from it, accepting com-missions from celebrated orchestras, choreographers,vocalists, and string groups. These works, though,would not reach his largest audience.(40) Nyman will be remembered by the masses for hisstunning film scores. His most famous achievementwas the music for The Piano (1993), winner of theCannes Film Festival’s prestigious Palme d’Or awardfor best picture. In the U.S., the film was nominated for(45) six Academy Awards, and won three. However, a nom-ination was not even granted to Nyman’s soundtrackfor the Best Score award. Despite this oversight, thesoundtrack remains among the bestselling film musicrecordings of all time. Its grace is achieved through(50) skillful use of the piano to replace the female lead’svoice, which is absent throughout the film. Similarlyemotive is Nyman’s composition for Gattaca (1997),a film that tells the tale of a world obsessed with highlysophisticated bioengineering, which creates a society(55) woefully stratified according to genetic purity. Nymanlayers repetitive melodies played on string instrumentsto create an atmosphere of soaring highs temperedwith sorrow, but these melodies overcome hopelessmelancholy to finish on an uplifting note. The austere(60) blues and greens of the film’s cinematography blendwith Nyman’s round melodies to impose a trance onthe audience, infusing a cold future reality with vividromance.Following Nyman’s snub by the Academy, the(65) composer admitted the critics tend to look down theirnoses at his work. He concedes that giving a sold-out performance at a major concert hall does littleto impress them. According to Nyman, there willalways be some stuffed shirts anxious to cry foul at(70) the new and different. Though rarely awarded for hismany accomplishments, Nyman certainly remains animportant figure in the innovation of classical musicand represents a substantial reason for its persistentpopularity.Q.The second paragraph (lines 12–23) states that, at the time of Michael Nyman’s emergence as a composer, Minimalism was:a)in a period of stylistic turmoil.b)an ancient practice in classical music.c)a young musical style.d)invented by Michael Nyman.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for ACT 2025 is part of ACT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the ACT exam syllabus. Information about Directions:Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageHUMANITIES: Michael Nyman: Minimalist ComposerMany people take classical music to be therealm of the symphony orchestra or smaller ensemblesof orchestral instruments. Even more restrictive isthe mainstream definition of “classical,” which only(5) includes the music of generations past that has seem-ingly been pushed aside by such contemporary formsof music as jazz, rock, and rap. In spite of itswaning limelight, however, classical music occupiesan enduring niche in Western culture, always the(10) subject of experimentation on the part of composersand performers.Of the various schools of composition thatemerged in the 20th century, Minimalism remains oneof the most influential. English composer Michael(15) Nyman has emerged as one of the great writers,conductors, and performers of experimental and oftenminimalist pieces of music. In fact, it was he whocoined the term “Minimalism,” in a review of anothercomposer’s work. Nyman’s compositions vary greatly(20) in mood and orchestration, but generally reflect thecharacteristic tenets of minimalist fare; composer-author David Cope defines these as silence, conceptualforms, brevity, continuity, and strong patterns.A 1976 commission led Nyman to form what(25) he once called “the loudest unamplified street band”possible. Eventually coined the Michael Nyman Band,his group comprised several saxophonists and someplayers of ancient string and woodwind instruments ofvarious medieval-sounding names. When Nyman set(30) to developing material for his band, he implementedpiano segments for himself, a rich string section, andeventually, amplification of all the instruments. In thissetting, the composer honed his style of deliberatemelodies, malleable rhythms, and precise ensemble(35) playing. Nyman’s popularity grew within classicalcircles. He would often profit from it, accepting com-missions from celebrated orchestras, choreographers,vocalists, and string groups. These works, though,would not reach his largest audience.(40) Nyman will be remembered by the masses for hisstunning film scores. His most famous achievementwas the music for The Piano (1993), winner of theCannes Film Festival’s prestigious Palme d’Or awardfor best picture. In the U.S., the film was nominated for(45) six Academy Awards, and won three. However, a nom-ination was not even granted to Nyman’s soundtrackfor the Best Score award. Despite this oversight, thesoundtrack remains among the bestselling film musicrecordings of all time. Its grace is achieved through(50) skillful use of the piano to replace the female lead’svoice, which is absent throughout the film. Similarlyemotive is Nyman’s composition for Gattaca (1997),a film that tells the tale of a world obsessed with highlysophisticated bioengineering, which creates a society(55) woefully stratified according to genetic purity. Nymanlayers repetitive melodies played on string instrumentsto create an atmosphere of soaring highs temperedwith sorrow, but these melodies overcome hopelessmelancholy to finish on an uplifting note. The austere(60) blues and greens of the film’s cinematography blendwith Nyman’s round melodies to impose a trance onthe audience, infusing a cold future reality with vividromance.Following Nyman’s snub by the Academy, the(65) composer admitted the critics tend to look down theirnoses at his work. He concedes that giving a sold-out performance at a major concert hall does littleto impress them. According to Nyman, there willalways be some stuffed shirts anxious to cry foul at(70) the new and different. Though rarely awarded for hismany accomplishments, Nyman certainly remains animportant figure in the innovation of classical musicand represents a substantial reason for its persistentpopularity.Q.The second paragraph (lines 12–23) states that, at the time of Michael Nyman’s emergence as a composer, Minimalism was:a)in a period of stylistic turmoil.b)an ancient practice in classical music.c)a young musical style.d)invented by Michael Nyman.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for ACT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Directions:Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageHUMANITIES: Michael Nyman: Minimalist ComposerMany people take classical music to be therealm of the symphony orchestra or smaller ensemblesof orchestral instruments. Even more restrictive isthe mainstream definition of “classical,” which only(5) includes the music of generations past that has seem-ingly been pushed aside by such contemporary formsof music as jazz, rock, and rap. In spite of itswaning limelight, however, classical music occupiesan enduring niche in Western culture, always the(10) subject of experimentation on the part of composersand performers.Of the various schools of composition thatemerged in the 20th century, Minimalism remains oneof the most influential. English composer Michael(15) Nyman has emerged as one of the great writers,conductors, and performers of experimental and oftenminimalist pieces of music. In fact, it was he whocoined the term “Minimalism,” in a review of anothercomposer’s work. Nyman’s compositions vary greatly(20) in mood and orchestration, but generally reflect thecharacteristic tenets of minimalist fare; composer-author David Cope defines these as silence, conceptualforms, brevity, continuity, and strong patterns.A 1976 commission led Nyman to form what(25) he once called “the loudest unamplified street band”possible. Eventually coined the Michael Nyman Band,his group comprised several saxophonists and someplayers of ancient string and woodwind instruments ofvarious medieval-sounding names. When Nyman set(30) to developing material for his band, he implementedpiano segments for himself, a rich string section, andeventually, amplification of all the instruments. In thissetting, the composer honed his style of deliberatemelodies, malleable rhythms, and precise ensemble(35) playing. Nyman’s popularity grew within classicalcircles. He would often profit from it, accepting com-missions from celebrated orchestras, choreographers,vocalists, and string groups. These works, though,would not reach his largest audience.(40) Nyman will be remembered by the masses for hisstunning film scores. His most famous achievementwas the music for The Piano (1993), winner of theCannes Film Festival’s prestigious Palme d’Or awardfor best picture. In the U.S., the film was nominated for(45) six Academy Awards, and won three. However, a nom-ination was not even granted to Nyman’s soundtrackfor the Best Score award. Despite this oversight, thesoundtrack remains among the bestselling film musicrecordings of all time. Its grace is achieved through(50) skillful use of the piano to replace the female lead’svoice, which is absent throughout the film. Similarlyemotive is Nyman’s composition for Gattaca (1997),a film that tells the tale of a world obsessed with highlysophisticated bioengineering, which creates a society(55) woefully stratified according to genetic purity. Nymanlayers repetitive melodies played on string instrumentsto create an atmosphere of soaring highs temperedwith sorrow, but these melodies overcome hopelessmelancholy to finish on an uplifting note. The austere(60) blues and greens of the film’s cinematography blendwith Nyman’s round melodies to impose a trance onthe audience, infusing a cold future reality with vividromance.Following Nyman’s snub by the Academy, the(65) composer admitted the critics tend to look down theirnoses at his work. He concedes that giving a sold-out performance at a major concert hall does littleto impress them. According to Nyman, there willalways be some stuffed shirts anxious to cry foul at(70) the new and different. Though rarely awarded for hismany accomplishments, Nyman certainly remains animportant figure in the innovation of classical musicand represents a substantial reason for its persistentpopularity.Q.The second paragraph (lines 12–23) states that, at the time of Michael Nyman’s emergence as a composer, Minimalism was:a)in a period of stylistic turmoil.b)an ancient practice in classical music.c)a young musical style.d)invented by Michael Nyman.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.

Solutions for Directions:Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageHUMANITIES: Michael Nyman: Minimalist ComposerMany people take classical music to be therealm of the symphony orchestra or smaller ensemblesof orchestral instruments. Even more restrictive isthe mainstream definition of “classical,” which only(5) includes the music of generations past that has seem-ingly been pushed aside by such contemporary formsof music as jazz, rock, and rap. In spite of itswaning limelight, however, classical music occupiesan enduring niche in Western culture, always the(10) subject of experimentation on the part of composersand performers.Of the various schools of composition thatemerged in the 20th century, Minimalism remains oneof the most influential. English composer Michael(15) Nyman has emerged as one of the great writers,conductors, and performers of experimental and oftenminimalist pieces of music. In fact, it was he whocoined the term “Minimalism,” in a review of anothercomposer’s work. Nyman’s compositions vary greatly(20) in mood and orchestration, but generally reflect thecharacteristic tenets of minimalist fare; composer-author David Cope defines these as silence, conceptualforms, brevity, continuity, and strong patterns.A 1976 commission led Nyman to form what(25) he once called “the loudest unamplified street band”possible. Eventually coined the Michael Nyman Band,his group comprised several saxophonists and someplayers of ancient string and woodwind instruments ofvarious medieval-sounding names. When Nyman set(30) to developing material for his band, he implementedpiano segments for himself, a rich string section, andeventually, amplification of all the instruments. In thissetting, the composer honed his style of deliberatemelodies, malleable rhythms, and precise ensemble(35) playing. Nyman’s popularity grew within classicalcircles. He would often profit from it, accepting com-missions from celebrated orchestras, choreographers,vocalists, and string groups. These works, though,would not reach his largest audience.(40) Nyman will be remembered by the masses for hisstunning film scores. His most famous achievementwas the music for The Piano (1993), winner of theCannes Film Festival’s prestigious Palme d’Or awardfor best picture. In the U.S., the film was nominated for(45) six Academy Awards, and won three. However, a nom-ination was not even granted to Nyman’s soundtrackfor the Best Score award. Despite this oversight, thesoundtrack remains among the bestselling film musicrecordings of all time. Its grace is achieved through(50) skillful use of the piano to replace the female lead’svoice, which is absent throughout the film. Similarlyemotive is Nyman’s composition for Gattaca (1997),a film that tells the tale of a world obsessed with highlysophisticated bioengineering, which creates a society(55) woefully stratified according to genetic purity. Nymanlayers repetitive melodies played on string instrumentsto create an atmosphere of soaring highs temperedwith sorrow, but these melodies overcome hopelessmelancholy to finish on an uplifting note. The austere(60) blues and greens of the film’s cinematography blendwith Nyman’s round melodies to impose a trance onthe audience, infusing a cold future reality with vividromance.Following Nyman’s snub by the Academy, the(65) composer admitted the critics tend to look down theirnoses at his work. He concedes that giving a sold-out performance at a major concert hall does littleto impress them. According to Nyman, there willalways be some stuffed shirts anxious to cry foul at(70) the new and different. Though rarely awarded for hismany accomplishments, Nyman certainly remains animportant figure in the innovation of classical musicand represents a substantial reason for its persistentpopularity.Q.The second paragraph (lines 12–23) states that, at the time of Michael Nyman’s emergence as a composer, Minimalism was:a)in a period of stylistic turmoil.b)an ancient practice in classical music.c)a young musical style.d)invented by Michael Nyman.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for ACT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for ACT Exam by signing up for free.

Here you can find the meaning of Directions:Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageHUMANITIES: Michael Nyman: Minimalist ComposerMany people take classical music to be therealm of the symphony orchestra or smaller ensemblesof orchestral instruments. Even more restrictive isthe mainstream definition of “classical,” which only(5) includes the music of generations past that has seem-ingly been pushed aside by such contemporary formsof music as jazz, rock, and rap. In spite of itswaning limelight, however, classical music occupiesan enduring niche in Western culture, always the(10) subject of experimentation on the part of composersand performers.Of the various schools of composition thatemerged in the 20th century, Minimalism remains oneof the most influential. English composer Michael(15) Nyman has emerged as one of the great writers,conductors, and performers of experimental and oftenminimalist pieces of music. In fact, it was he whocoined the term “Minimalism,” in a review of anothercomposer’s work. Nyman’s compositions vary greatly(20) in mood and orchestration, but generally reflect thecharacteristic tenets of minimalist fare; composer-author David Cope defines these as silence, conceptualforms, brevity, continuity, and strong patterns.A 1976 commission led Nyman to form what(25) he once called “the loudest unamplified street band”possible. Eventually coined the Michael Nyman Band,his group comprised several saxophonists and someplayers of ancient string and woodwind instruments ofvarious medieval-sounding names. When Nyman set(30) to developing material for his band, he implementedpiano segments for himself, a rich string section, andeventually, amplification of all the instruments. In thissetting, the composer honed his style of deliberatemelodies, malleable rhythms, and precise ensemble(35) playing. Nyman’s popularity grew within classicalcircles. He would often profit from it, accepting com-missions from celebrated orchestras, choreographers,vocalists, and string groups. These works, though,would not reach his largest audience.(40) Nyman will be remembered by the masses for hisstunning film scores. His most famous achievementwas the music for The Piano (1993), winner of theCannes Film Festival’s prestigious Palme d’Or awardfor best picture. In the U.S., the film was nominated for(45) six Academy Awards, and won three. However, a nom-ination was not even granted to Nyman’s soundtrackfor the Best Score award. Despite this oversight, thesoundtrack remains among the bestselling film musicrecordings of all time. Its grace is achieved through(50) skillful use of the piano to replace the female lead’svoice, which is absent throughout the film. Similarlyemotive is Nyman’s composition for Gattaca (1997),a film that tells the tale of a world obsessed with highlysophisticated bioengineering, which creates a society(55) woefully stratified according to genetic purity. Nymanlayers repetitive melodies played on string instrumentsto create an atmosphere of soaring highs temperedwith sorrow, but these melodies overcome hopelessmelancholy to finish on an uplifting note. The austere(60) blues and greens of the film’s cinematography blendwith Nyman’s round melodies to impose a trance onthe audience, infusing a cold future reality with vividromance.Following Nyman’s snub by the Academy, the(65) composer admitted the critics tend to look down theirnoses at his work. He concedes that giving a sold-out performance at a major concert hall does littleto impress them. According to Nyman, there willalways be some stuffed shirts anxious to cry foul at(70) the new and different. Though rarely awarded for hismany accomplishments, Nyman certainly remains animportant figure in the innovation of classical musicand represents a substantial reason for its persistentpopularity.Q.The second paragraph (lines 12–23) states that, at the time of Michael Nyman’s emergence as a composer, Minimalism was:a)in a period of stylistic turmoil.b)an ancient practice in classical music.c)a young musical style.d)invented by Michael Nyman.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Directions:Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageHUMANITIES: Michael Nyman: Minimalist ComposerMany people take classical music to be therealm of the symphony orchestra or smaller ensemblesof orchestral instruments. Even more restrictive isthe mainstream definition of “classical,” which only(5) includes the music of generations past that has seem-ingly been pushed aside by such contemporary formsof music as jazz, rock, and rap. In spite of itswaning limelight, however, classical music occupiesan enduring niche in Western culture, always the(10) subject of experimentation on the part of composersand performers.Of the various schools of composition thatemerged in the 20th century, Minimalism remains oneof the most influential. English composer Michael(15) Nyman has emerged as one of the great writers,conductors, and performers of experimental and oftenminimalist pieces of music. In fact, it was he whocoined the term “Minimalism,” in a review of anothercomposer’s work. Nyman’s compositions vary greatly(20) in mood and orchestration, but generally reflect thecharacteristic tenets of minimalist fare; composer-author David Cope defines these as silence, conceptualforms, brevity, continuity, and strong patterns.A 1976 commission led Nyman to form what(25) he once called “the loudest unamplified street band”possible. Eventually coined the Michael Nyman Band,his group comprised several saxophonists and someplayers of ancient string and woodwind instruments ofvarious medieval-sounding names. When Nyman set(30) to developing material for his band, he implementedpiano segments for himself, a rich string section, andeventually, amplification of all the instruments. In thissetting, the composer honed his style of deliberatemelodies, malleable rhythms, and precise ensemble(35) playing. Nyman’s popularity grew within classicalcircles. He would often profit from it, accepting com-missions from celebrated orchestras, choreographers,vocalists, and string groups. These works, though,would not reach his largest audience.(40) Nyman will be remembered by the masses for hisstunning film scores. His most famous achievementwas the music for The Piano (1993), winner of theCannes Film Festival’s prestigious Palme d’Or awardfor best picture. In the U.S., the film was nominated for(45) six Academy Awards, and won three. However, a nom-ination was not even granted to Nyman’s soundtrackfor the Best Score award. Despite this oversight, thesoundtrack remains among the bestselling film musicrecordings of all time. Its grace is achieved through(50) skillful use of the piano to replace the female lead’svoice, which is absent throughout the film. Similarlyemotive is Nyman’s composition for Gattaca (1997),a film that tells the tale of a world obsessed with highlysophisticated bioengineering, which creates a society(55) woefully stratified according to genetic purity. Nymanlayers repetitive melodies played on string instrumentsto create an atmosphere of soaring highs temperedwith sorrow, but these melodies overcome hopelessmelancholy to finish on an uplifting note. The austere(60) blues and greens of the film’s cinematography blendwith Nyman’s round melodies to impose a trance onthe audience, infusing a cold future reality with vividromance.Following Nyman’s snub by the Academy, the(65) composer admitted the critics tend to look down theirnoses at his work. He concedes that giving a sold-out performance at a major concert hall does littleto impress them. According to Nyman, there willalways be some stuffed shirts anxious to cry foul at(70) the new and different. Though rarely awarded for hismany accomplishments, Nyman certainly remains animportant figure in the innovation of classical musicand represents a substantial reason for its persistentpopularity.Q.The second paragraph (lines 12–23) states that, at the time of Michael Nyman’s emergence as a composer, Minimalism was:a)in a period of stylistic turmoil.b)an ancient practice in classical music.c)a young musical style.d)invented by Michael Nyman.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Directions:Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageHUMANITIES: Michael Nyman: Minimalist ComposerMany people take classical music to be therealm of the symphony orchestra or smaller ensemblesof orchestral instruments. Even more restrictive isthe mainstream definition of “classical,” which only(5) includes the music of generations past that has seem-ingly been pushed aside by such contemporary formsof music as jazz, rock, and rap. In spite of itswaning limelight, however, classical music occupiesan enduring niche in Western culture, always the(10) subject of experimentation on the part of composersand performers.Of the various schools of composition thatemerged in the 20th century, Minimalism remains oneof the most influential. English composer Michael(15) Nyman has emerged as one of the great writers,conductors, and performers of experimental and oftenminimalist pieces of music. In fact, it was he whocoined the term “Minimalism,” in a review of anothercomposer’s work. Nyman’s compositions vary greatly(20) in mood and orchestration, but generally reflect thecharacteristic tenets of minimalist fare; composer-author David Cope defines these as silence, conceptualforms, brevity, continuity, and strong patterns.A 1976 commission led Nyman to form what(25) he once called “the loudest unamplified street band”possible. Eventually coined the Michael Nyman Band,his group comprised several saxophonists and someplayers of ancient string and woodwind instruments ofvarious medieval-sounding names. When Nyman set(30) to developing material for his band, he implementedpiano segments for himself, a rich string section, andeventually, amplification of all the instruments. In thissetting, the composer honed his style of deliberatemelodies, malleable rhythms, and precise ensemble(35) playing. Nyman’s popularity grew within classicalcircles. He would often profit from it, accepting com-missions from celebrated orchestras, choreographers,vocalists, and string groups. These works, though,would not reach his largest audience.(40) Nyman will be remembered by the masses for hisstunning film scores. His most famous achievementwas the music for The Piano (1993), winner of theCannes Film Festival’s prestigious Palme d’Or awardfor best picture. In the U.S., the film was nominated for(45) six Academy Awards, and won three. However, a nom-ination was not even granted to Nyman’s soundtrackfor the Best Score award. Despite this oversight, thesoundtrack remains among the bestselling film musicrecordings of all time. Its grace is achieved through(50) skillful use of the piano to replace the female lead’svoice, which is absent throughout the film. Similarlyemotive is Nyman’s composition for Gattaca (1997),a film that tells the tale of a world obsessed with highlysophisticated bioengineering, which creates a society(55) woefully stratified according to genetic purity. Nymanlayers repetitive melodies played on string instrumentsto create an atmosphere of soaring highs temperedwith sorrow, but these melodies overcome hopelessmelancholy to finish on an uplifting note. The austere(60) blues and greens of the film’s cinematography blendwith Nyman’s round melodies to impose a trance onthe audience, infusing a cold future reality with vividromance.Following Nyman’s snub by the Academy, the(65) composer admitted the critics tend to look down theirnoses at his work. He concedes that giving a sold-out performance at a major concert hall does littleto impress them. According to Nyman, there willalways be some stuffed shirts anxious to cry foul at(70) the new and different. Though rarely awarded for hismany accomplishments, Nyman certainly remains animportant figure in the innovation of classical musicand represents a substantial reason for its persistentpopularity.Q.The second paragraph (lines 12–23) states that, at the time of Michael Nyman’s emergence as a composer, Minimalism was:a)in a period of stylistic turmoil.b)an ancient practice in classical music.c)a young musical style.d)invented by Michael Nyman.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Directions:Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageHUMANITIES: Michael Nyman: Minimalist ComposerMany people take classical music to be therealm of the symphony orchestra or smaller ensemblesof orchestral instruments. Even more restrictive isthe mainstream definition of “classical,” which only(5) includes the music of generations past that has seem-ingly been pushed aside by such contemporary formsof music as jazz, rock, and rap. In spite of itswaning limelight, however, classical music occupiesan enduring niche in Western culture, always the(10) subject of experimentation on the part of composersand performers.Of the various schools of composition thatemerged in the 20th century, Minimalism remains oneof the most influential. English composer Michael(15) Nyman has emerged as one of the great writers,conductors, and performers of experimental and oftenminimalist pieces of music. In fact, it was he whocoined the term “Minimalism,” in a review of anothercomposer’s work. Nyman’s compositions vary greatly(20) in mood and orchestration, but generally reflect thecharacteristic tenets of minimalist fare; composer-author David Cope defines these as silence, conceptualforms, brevity, continuity, and strong patterns.A 1976 commission led Nyman to form what(25) he once called “the loudest unamplified street band”possible. Eventually coined the Michael Nyman Band,his group comprised several saxophonists and someplayers of ancient string and woodwind instruments ofvarious medieval-sounding names. When Nyman set(30) to developing material for his band, he implementedpiano segments for himself, a rich string section, andeventually, amplification of all the instruments. In thissetting, the composer honed his style of deliberatemelodies, malleable rhythms, and precise ensemble(35) playing. Nyman’s popularity grew within classicalcircles. He would often profit from it, accepting com-missions from celebrated orchestras, choreographers,vocalists, and string groups. These works, though,would not reach his largest audience.(40) Nyman will be remembered by the masses for hisstunning film scores. His most famous achievementwas the music for The Piano (1993), winner of theCannes Film Festival’s prestigious Palme d’Or awardfor best picture. In the U.S., the film was nominated for(45) six Academy Awards, and won three. However, a nom-ination was not even granted to Nyman’s soundtrackfor the Best Score award. Despite this oversight, thesoundtrack remains among the bestselling film musicrecordings of all time. Its grace is achieved through(50) skillful use of the piano to replace the female lead’svoice, which is absent throughout the film. Similarlyemotive is Nyman’s composition for Gattaca (1997),a film that tells the tale of a world obsessed with highlysophisticated bioengineering, which creates a society(55) woefully stratified according to genetic purity. Nymanlayers repetitive melodies played on string instrumentsto create an atmosphere of soaring highs temperedwith sorrow, but these melodies overcome hopelessmelancholy to finish on an uplifting note. The austere(60) blues and greens of the film’s cinematography blendwith Nyman’s round melodies to impose a trance onthe audience, infusing a cold future reality with vividromance.Following Nyman’s snub by the Academy, the(65) composer admitted the critics tend to look down theirnoses at his work. He concedes that giving a sold-out performance at a major concert hall does littleto impress them. According to Nyman, there willalways be some stuffed shirts anxious to cry foul at(70) the new and different. Though rarely awarded for hismany accomplishments, Nyman certainly remains animportant figure in the innovation of classical musicand represents a substantial reason for its persistentpopularity.Q.The second paragraph (lines 12–23) states that, at the time of Michael Nyman’s emergence as a composer, Minimalism was:a)in a period of stylistic turmoil.b)an ancient practice in classical music.c)a young musical style.d)invented by Michael Nyman.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Directions:Read the passages and choose the best answer to each question.PassageHUMANITIES: Michael Nyman: Minimalist ComposerMany people take classical music to be therealm of the symphony orchestra or smaller ensemblesof orchestral instruments. Even more restrictive isthe mainstream definition of “classical,” which only(5) includes the music of generations past that has seem-ingly been pushed aside by such contemporary formsof music as jazz, rock, and rap. In spite of itswaning limelight, however, classical music occupiesan enduring niche in Western culture, always the(10) subject of experimentation on the part of composersand performers.Of the various schools of composition thatemerged in the 20th century, Minimalism remains oneof the most influential. English composer Michael(15) Nyman has emerged as one of the great writers,conductors, and performers of experimental and oftenminimalist pieces of music. In fact, it was he whocoined the term “Minimalism,” in a review of anothercomposer’s work. Nyman’s compositions vary greatly(20) in mood and orchestration, but generally reflect thecharacteristic tenets of minimalist fare; composer-author David Cope defines these as silence, conceptualforms, brevity, continuity, and strong patterns.A 1976 commission led Nyman to form what(25) he once called “the loudest unamplified street band”possible. Eventually coined the Michael Nyman Band,his group comprised several saxophonists and someplayers of ancient string and woodwind instruments ofvarious medieval-sounding names. When Nyman set(30) to developing material for his band, he implementedpiano segments for himself, a rich string section, andeventually, amplification of all the instruments. In thissetting, the composer honed his style of deliberatemelodies, malleable rhythms, and precise ensemble(35) playing. Nyman’s popularity grew within classicalcircles. He would often profit from it, accepting com-missions from celebrated orchestras, choreographers,vocalists, and string groups. These works, though,would not reach his largest audience.(40) Nyman will be remembered by the masses for hisstunning film scores. His most famous achievementwas the music for The Piano (1993), winner of theCannes Film Festival’s prestigious Palme d’Or awardfor best picture. In the U.S., the film was nominated for(45) six Academy Awards, and won three. However, a nom-ination was not even granted to Nyman’s soundtrackfor the Best Score award. Despite this oversight, thesoundtrack remains among the bestselling film musicrecordings of all time. Its grace is achieved through(50) skillful use of the piano to replace the female lead’svoice, which is absent throughout the film. Similarlyemotive is Nyman’s composition for Gattaca (1997),a film that tells the tale of a world obsessed with highlysophisticated bioengineering, which creates a society(55) woefully stratified according to genetic purity. Nymanlayers repetitive melodies played on string instrumentsto create an atmosphere of soaring highs temperedwith sorrow, but these melodies overcome hopelessmelancholy to finish on an uplifting note. The austere(60) blues and greens of the film’s cinematography blendwith Nyman’s round melodies to impose a trance onthe audience, infusing a cold future reality with vividromance.Following Nyman’s snub by the Academy, the(65) composer admitted the critics tend to look down theirnoses at his work. He concedes that giving a sold-out performance at a major concert hall does littleto impress them. According to Nyman, there willalways be some stuffed shirts anxious to cry foul at(70) the new and different. Though rarely awarded for hismany accomplishments, Nyman certainly remains animportant figure in the innovation of classical musicand represents a substantial reason for its persistentpopularity.Q.The second paragraph (lines 12–23) states that, at the time of Michael Nyman’s emergence as a composer, Minimalism was:a)in a period of stylistic turmoil.b)an ancient practice in classical music.c)a young musical style.d)invented by Michael Nyman.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice ACT tests.