sat-dog

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of Steiger Butte Drum’s contributions to the musical work Natural History. In this context, “integral” means essential or necessary to the whole. The text states that Steiger Butte Drum not only took part in the piece’s creation, collaborating with composer Michael Gordon on it, but also “must be included in all performances.” This context clearly indicates that the ensemble’s participation is essential, or integral, to the piece, both in its creation and its performance. Choice A is incorrect because in this context, “tangential” would mean peripheral or of little relevance to something. The text emphasizes the importance of Steiger Butte Drum’s involvement in both the composition and performance of Natural History, indicating their role is central, not tangential. Choice B is incorrect because in this context, “subsequent” would mean following after or coming later than something else. The text doesn’t establish a temporal sequence where the participation of Steiger Butte Drum followed after the creation of Natural History; rather, it indicates that the ensemble was involved with the piece from the beginning, having worked with Michael Gordon during the creation process. Choice C is incorrect because in this context, “analogous” would mean similar or comparable to something else, and the text doesn’t compare Steiger Butte Drum’s participation in the creation and performances of Natural History to anything else; instead, it describes the nature and importance of the ensemble’s involvement.