一道阅读题

zz_cat10UID: 172686

2003年01月阅读（最后一篇）
Questions 37
47. According to the passage, early violins were different from modern violins in that early violins
(A) were heavier (B) broke down more easily
(C) produced softer tones (D) were easier to play

答案认为：对应原文In its early history, the violin had a dull and rather quiet tone
因此选C
而我认为，对应原文Accordingly, a higher standard of performance was achieved, in terms of both facility and interpretation. Left-hand technique was considerably elaborated, and new fingering patterns on the fingerboard were developed for very high notes.（更高的演奏标准被实现，在资质和演绎方面。左手技巧相当的精巧，并且新的指发法在fingerboard上被发展为了更高的音。）
说明modern violins 更难to play
因此我选D
请问：
1.我对文章的理解有错吗？
2.a dull and rather quiet tone是什么意思呢？我认为是形容音调很轻，而soft是柔和。dull and quiet和soft形容tone意思一样吗？