One possible response is for classical performers to program attractive new music that is not yet available
on record. Gilbert‘s own interest in new music has been widely noted: Alex Ross, a classical-music critic, has described him as a man who is capable of turning the Philharmonic into ―a markedly different, more vibrant organization.‖ But what will be the nature of that difference? Merely expanding the orchestra‘s repertoire will not be enough. If Gilbert and the Philharmonic are to succeed, they must first change the relationship between America‘s oldest orchestra and the new audience it hops to attract.
21. We learn from Para.1 that Gilbert‘s appointment has
[A]incurred criticism. [B]raised suspicion. [C]received acclaim. [D]aroused curiosity.
22. Tommasini regards Gilbert as an artist who is
[A]influential. [B]modest. [C]respectable. [D]talented.
23. The author believes that the devoted concertgoers
[A]ignore the expenses of live performances. [B]reject most kinds of recorded performances.
[C]exaggerate the variety of live performances. [D]overestimate the value of live performances.
24. According to the text, which of the following is true of recordings?
[A]They are often inferior to live concerts in quality.
[B]They are easily accessible to the general public.
[C]They help improve the quality of music. [D]They have only covered masterpieces.
25. Regarding Gilbert‘s role in revitalizing the Philharmonic, the author feels
[A]doubtful. [B]enthusiastic. [C]confident. [D]puzzled.
Text 2
When Liam McGee departed as president of Bank of America in August, his explanation was surprisingly
straight up. Rather than cloaking his exit in the usual vague excuses, he came right out and said he was leaving ―to pursue my goal of running a company.‖ Broadcasting his ambition was ―very much my decision,‖ McGee says. Within two weeks, he was talking for the first time with the board of Hartford Financial Services Group, which named him CEO and chairman on September 29.
McGee says leaving without a position lined up gave him time to reflect on what kind of company he
wanted to run. It also sent a clear message to the outside world about his aspirations. And McGee isn‘t alone. In recent weeks the No.2 executives at Avon and American Express quit with the explanation that they were looking for a CEO post. As boards scrutinize succession plans in response to shareholder pressure, executives who don‘t get the nod also may wish to move on. A turbulent business environment also has senior managers cautious of letting vague pronouncements cloud their reputations.
As the first signs of recovery begin to take hold, deputy chiefs may be more willing to make the jump
without a net. In the third quarter, CEO turnover was down 23% from a year ago as nervous boards stuck with the leaders they had, according to Liberum Research. As the economy picks up, opportunities will abound for aspiring leaders.
The decision to quit a senior position to look for a better one is unconventional. For years executives and
headhunters have adhered to the rule that the most attractive CEO candidates are the ones who must be poached. Says Korn/Ferry senior partner Dennis Carey:‖I can‘t think of a single search I‘ve done where a board has not instructed me to look at sitting CEOs first.‖
Those who jumped without a job haven‘t always landed in top positions quickly. Ellen Marram quit as
chief of Tropicana a decade age, saying she wanted to be a CEO. It was a year before she became head of a tiny Internet-based commodities exchange. Robert Willumstad left Citigroup in
with ambitions to be a CEO. He finally took that post at a major financial institution three years later.
Many recruiters say the old disgrace is fading for top performers. The financial crisis has made it more
acceptable to be between jobs or to leave a bad one. ―The traditional rule was it‘s safer to stay where you are,