Sentence Correction

The violinist stated that many members of his orchestra are less apt to become nervous previous to the performance of a world premiere piece than a classic piece that audiences easily recognize.

(a) previous to the performance of a world premiere piece than a classic piece
(b )previous to the performance of a world premiere piece as to the performance of a classic piece
(c) before performing a world premiere piece than a classic piece
(d )before performing a world premiere piece than before performing a classic piece
(e) before they perform a world premiere piece than performing a classic piece

OA is D
Which option best fits in here. I would appreciate an Expert view. Thanks

Roland2rule wrote:The violinist stated that many members of his orchestra are less apt to become nervous previous to the performance of a world premiere piece than a classic piece that audiences easily recognize.

(a) previous to the performance of a world premiere piece than a classic piece
(b )previous to the performance of a world premiere piece as to the performance of a classic piece
(c) before performing a world premiere piece than a classic piece
(d )before performing a world premiere piece than before performing a classic piece
(e) before they perform a world premiere piece than performing a classic piece

OA is D
Which option best fits in here. I would appreciate an Expert view. Thanks

A) less apt to become nervous... than a classic piece Illogical comparison. Seems to imply a classic piece could become nervous
B) less... as to Nope. The idiom is "less than."
C) Same problem as A.
D) less apt to become nervous before performing [x].... than before performing [y] Looks good. Appropriate comparison. Nice parallel construction.
E) No antecedent for "they."

The answer is D