Nokea
They were known as "The Five": a group of Russian musicians who eschewed rigidly formal classical training and set out on their own to give a new artistic sound to classical music in Russia. Mily Balakirev and Cesar Cui are considered the founders of the movement, but the three who later joined them have become far more famous and respected outside, and perhaps even inside, of Russia. Modest Mussorgsky, with his passion for themes of Russian folklore and nationalism, is remembered for the pain piece Pictures and an Exhibition, as well as for the passionate opera Boris Godunov. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, who spend his early years as a naval officer, had a penchant for infusing his works with the sounds of the seas. But, he might be best remembered for the hauntingly beautiful symphonic suite Scheherazade. Alexander Borodin balanced a career as a skilled and highly respected chemist with his interest in classical music. he produced a number of symphonies, as well as the opera Prince Igor. Despite their lack of formal training and their unorthodox approach to producing classical music, The Five had an influence that reached far beyond their time. Composers such as Alexander Glazunov, Sergei Prokofiev, and Igor Stravinsky studied under Rimsky-Korsakov. Additionally, the mid-twentieth century composer Dmitri Shostakovich studied under Glazunov, creating a legacy of musical understanding that persisted well beyond the era of The Five
Based on the information in the passage, which of the composers among The Five would the author likely agree was the most influential?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. The passage highlights Rimsky-Korsakov's significant influence by mentioning that composers such as Alexander Glazunov, Sergei Prokofiev, and Igor Stravinsky studied under him. This demonstrates that Rimsky-Korsakov had a lasting impact on the development of these renowned composers. Choice A, Alexander Glazunov, is incorrect because the passage states that Glazunov studied under Rimsky-Korsakov, indicating he was influenced by him rather than being the most influential among The Five. Choice B, Modest Mussorgsky, is incorrect as the passage mainly focuses on his works and contributions but does not mention his influence on other composers. Choice D, Cesar Cui, is incorrect as he is considered one of the founders of the movement but is not highlighted for influencing other significant composers as Rimsky-Korsakov is. Therefore, based on the information provided, the author would likely agree that Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was the most influential among The Five.