Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.

The Violin has been in existence since about 1550. Its importance as an instrument in its own right dates (25) _____ the early 1600's, when it first became standard in Italian opera orchestras. Its stature as an orchestral instrument was (26) _____ 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 (27) ______ 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 (28) _____ to the Violin’s internal structure and to the fingerboard so that they could withstand the extra strain. (29) _____, 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.

Điền vào số (26)