Before you read the text

1. Give the Infinitive of the following verb forms.

conducting, impressing, striving, overpowering, resulting, convincing, using, distinguishing, playing, performing, leading, gaining

2. Practise aloud.

interpret – interpreter, listen – listener, represent – representative, exaggerate – exaggeration, convince – conviction, indicate – indication, admire – admiration clear – clarity, state – statement, simple – simplicity, master – mastery, purpose – purposefulness; force – forceful, shake – unshakable, vigour – vigourous, value – valuable, honour – honorary

3. Pronounce correctly.

impress, effect, idea, result, structure, tone, person, artist, philharmonic, orchestra, enthusiasm, principle, method, style, detail, ensemble, interpretation, standard, soloist, tour, audience, list, magic, academic, critical, artistic, harmonious, individual, unique, discuss, combine, train, realize, associate

4. Read the sentences and translate them paying special attention to the italicized words.

1. His attempt to improve the pronunciation was a success. 2. Broadcasting on the second program presents both classical and modern music. 3. The second movement of the symphony begins with forceful overtones. 4. The youthful appearance of the con­ductor increased the sympathy of the audience. 5. The baton rises in the hand of the conductor and the orchestra begins to play. 6. While reading Tchaikovsky's letters we realize that his love to his Motherland was simply astonishing. 7. Sergei Lemeshev is a brilliant representative of the Russian school of singing. 8. Shostakovich's symphonies convince that he is one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. 9. Well-thought-out educational methods bring good results. 10. Under his conducting the audience always enjoys music of high quality. 11. The orchestra has reached an astonishing sense of blending. 11. During the first rehearsal the musicians did not quite understand their task. 13. The manner of the conduction influences both the musicians and the singers. 14. Our rector did his best to establish a new Musical Theatre. 15. The invitation of the great film producer was an event in the cultural life of the city. 16. This singer is always greeted with admiration.

5. Translate into Russian analyzing the construction “there is /are/ was/were...”

1. There is a department of choir conducting in our Institute. 2. There were many outstanding musicians among Shostakovich's pupils. 3. There is no doubt great sense of humour in this story. 4. In his performing manner there is no striving for outward effects. 5. There were no commonplace performances of the Lenin­grad Philharmonic Orchestra under Mravinsky's leadership. 6. In an opera there are many different genres combined. 7. There is not a single dissonant note in the rhapsody. 8. There can be speaking parts in the opera. 9. There is a horn, a trumpet, a trombone and a tuba in the brass section of the orchestra. 10. There are two basic shapes of pianofortes: the grand piano and the upright piano.

6. Look through text A and tell a few words about it contents.

7. Read text A carefully.