Final answer:
The melody in the introduction to The Rite of Spring is begun by the bassoon, played in its upper-most range. This choice by Igor Stravinsky adds to the distinctive character of the piece, reflecting its avant-garde and groundbreaking status in the orchestral repertoire. b is correct
Step-by-step explanation:
The instrument that begins with the melody in the introduction to The Rite of Spring, playing in its upper-most range, is the bassoon. Igor Stravinsky's groundbreaking work features the bassoon in a register higher than it usually plays, creating a distinctive and haunting effect right at the start of the ballet. This introduction sets the stage for a work that is renowned for its challenging score and avant-garde nature, reflecting the primitive and visceral themes of the ballet itself.
In the realm of orchestral music, various instruments are designed to play across different ranges of pitch and frequency. Instruments like the bassoon have long tubes with finger holes and keys allowing for a wide range of notes and tones. It's quite intriguing that Stravinsky chose the bassoon for this opening melody, given that it typically plays lower-pitched parts, and his use of it in the extreme upper register is one of the factors that contribute to the innovative and startling character of The Rite of Spring.