Question

A list of the fifteen operas most frequently performed in recent times includes no works by the nineteenth-century German composer Richard Wagner. Although music producers tend to produce what audiences want, relative infrequency of performance probably does not indicate lack of popularity in Wagner's case, since Wagner's operas are notoriously expensive to perform on stage.
Which of the following, if true, most strongly supports the conclusion of the argument above?

• A. The list of most frequently performed operas does not include operas produced by small amateur groups.
• B. Some opera companies are backed by patrons who are willing to commit large sums of money in order to enjoy lavish productions.
• C. All of the fifteen most frequently performed operas of recent times are works that have been popular for at least 75 years.
• D. More recordings have been produced recently of the works of Wagner than of the works of any other composer of opera.
• E. Operatic works of all kinds have been increasing in popularity in recent years.

Hint:

To strengthen an argument that claims "X is not the cause of Y; Z is the cause," you can either provide more evidence for Z being the cause, or provide evidence that X is not the cause. Here, the argument is "unpopularity (X) is not the cause of infrequent performance (Y); cost (Z) is." Option (D) provides strong evidence against X by showing Wagner is, in fact, popular by another metric.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a "strengthen the argument" question. We need to find an answer choice that provides additional evidence for the author's conclusion.
Argument Breakdown: \begin{itemize} \item Observation: Wagner's operas are not on the list of the 15 most performed operas. \item Counter-premise: This infrequency of performance is not due to lack of popularity. \item Reason/Conclusion: The reason is that Wagner's operas are very expensive to produce. \end{itemize} The author is essentially arguing that popularity cannot be judged by performance frequency alone, because another factor (cost) is interfering. To support this conclusion, we need to find evidence that suggests Wagner's operas are indeed popular, despite not being performed often.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's evaluate the options to see which one provides evidence of Wagner's popularity.
\begin{itemize} \item (A) This suggests the list might be incomplete, which could slightly weaken the initial observation, but it doesn't directly support the idea that Wagner is popular. \item (B) This shows that some expensive operas can be produced, which might slightly weaken the author's "cost" explanation. It doesn't help the argument. \item (C) This provides a characteristic of the popular operas, but it doesn't tell us anything about Wagner. \item (D) This provides a strong piece of supporting evidence. Recordings are another measure of an opera's popularity. If Wagner's works are the most frequently recorded, it suggests a very high level of public interest and popularity. This supports the author's claim that the lack of live performances is not due to a lack of popularity, but to other factors (like cost). \item (E) A general increase in opera popularity doesn't specifically support the argument about Wagner's popularity versus his performance frequency. \end{itemize} Step 3: Final Answer:
The fact that Wagner's operas are the most recorded provides an alternative measure of popularity that supports the author's claim that he is popular, even if his works are not frequently performed live.