RE: VR2 SC 18
This is how i eliminated the other options.
(A) Except for a concert performance that the composer himself staged <correct>
(B) Except for a concert performance with the composer himself staging it
<The construction ‘performance with the composer’ distorts the meaning. Also, ‘staging’ is wrong, ‘staged’ should be used as it is ‘simple past’ tense.>
(C) Besides a concert performance being staged by the composer himself
(C) Besides a concert performance being staged by the composer himself
<‘Besides’ means ‘in addition to’, distorts the meaning>
(D) Excepting a concert performance that the composer himself staged
(D) Excepting a concert performance that the composer himself staged
<‘Excepting’ is wrong usage here. It means that “Excepting…., Scott Joplin’s ragtime opera”>
(E) With the exception of a concert performance with the staging done by the composer himself.
Similar to D. Wrong usage. “With the….,Scott Joplin’s ragtime opera. Also, the construction of the 2nd with, “performance with the staging’ seems wrong.>
Hope it helps.
-Kunal.