LSAT Explanation PT 29, S4, Q22: Critic: Most chorale preludes were written

LSAT Question Stem

If the critic's statements are true, then on the basis of them which one of the following CANNOT be true? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Must Be False question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This LSAT problem presents us with a "Must Be False" (MBF) question, which means that we need to find the answer choice that cannot be true based on the information provided in the passage. Let's briefly discuss the passage before diving into the answer choices.

The critic in the passage states that most chorale preludes were written for the organ, and most great chorale preludes written for the organ were written by J. S. Bach. The critic also mentions that Bach was a master artist and that master artists never create in order to express their own feelings.

Now, let's analyze each answer choice:

a) Bach believed that the close of the year was not a time for optimism and joyous celebration.

This answer choice can be true because it is possible that Bach's personal belief aligns with the tone of the hymn's text. The passage does not provide any information that contradicts this statement.

b) In composing music about a particular subject, Bach did not write the music in order to express his own attitude toward the subject.

This answer choice can also be true, as it aligns with the critic's statement that master artists, like Bach, never create in order to express their own feelings.

c) In compositions other than chorale preludes, Bach wrote music in order to express his feelings toward various subjects.

This answer choice cannot be true based on the passage, as the critic explicitly states that master artists never create in order to express their own feelings. Since Bach is considered a master artist, this statement cannot be true for any of his compositions, including those other than chorale preludes. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

d) Most of Bach's chorale preludes were written for instruments other than the organ.

This answer choice can be true because the passage only states that most chorale preludes were written for the organ and that most great chorale preludes written for the organ were written by Bach. It does not provide information about the distribution of Bach's chorale preludes across different instruments.

e) Most of the great chorale preludes were written for instruments other than the organ.

This answer choice can be true as well, since the passage only states that most chorale preludes were written for the organ and that most great chorale preludes written for the organ were written by Bach. It does not provide information about the distribution of great chorale preludes across different instruments.

In conclusion, the correct answer to this MBF question is answer choice (c), as it is the only statement that cannot be true based on the information provided in the passage.