The Sound Of Music Class 9 Chapter Notes | Beehive English

Key Points: The Sound Of Music

• Evelyn Glennie's Journey: Lost hearing gradually by age 11, but refused to give up her passion for music.
• Mentor Ron Forbes: He encouraged Evelyn to feel music through her body, not her ears, by sensing vibrations.
• Sensory Experience: Evelyn learned to perceive music through different parts of her body, like the lower body for bass and fingertips for higher notes.
• Accomplishments: Became a world-renowned multi-percussionist, performing globally and receiving numerous awards, including the Royal Philharmonic Society's 'Soloist of the Year' award.
• Inspiration: Evelyn inspires disabled children, proving that determination can overcome any physical challenge.
• Shehnai's Origin: The shehnai evolved from the 'pungi' (a reed instrument banned for its shrill sound), refined by a barber in a royal court.
• Ustad Bismillah Khan's Devotion: From a young age, he practiced diligently at the Vishnu Temple on the banks of the Ganga and at Balaji and Mangala Maiya temples.
• National & International Recognition: Performed at Red Fort on India's Independence Day (1947), played for foreign dignitaries, and introduced shehnai to the world stage.
• Patriotism & Simplicity: Despite international offers, Bismillah Khan refused to leave India, citing his love for Varanasi and the River Ganga.
• Bharat Ratna: Awarded India's highest civilian honour in 2001, cementing his legacy as the shehnai maestro.

Key Terms & Definitions

Profound

Very great or intense; severe (as in profound deafness).

Percussionist

A musician who plays percussion instruments (drums, xylophone, cymbals, etc.).

Aspiring

Directing one's hopes or ambitions toward becoming a specified type of person.

Maestro

A distinguished musician, especially a conductor of classical music.

Convey

To make (an idea, impression, or feeling) known or understandable to someone.

Impervious

Unable to be affected by.

Evoke

Bring or recall to the conscious mind.

Antiquity

The ancient past, especially the period before the Middle Ages.

Duplicated

Copied or reproduced exactly.

The Power of Perseverance: Evelyn Glennie's Musical Journey

Evelyn Glennie's story is a compelling testament to the power of perseverance and adaptation. Diagnosed with profound deafness by the age of eleven, her world of sound began to fade, yet her passion for music remained undimmed. Most would consider deafness an insurmountable barrier to becoming a professional musician, but Evelyn chose to redefine what it means to 'hear' music. Her journey was transformed by her percussion teacher, Ron Forbes, who played a pivotal role in her development. Instead of allowing Evelyn to focus on her ears, he encouraged her to feel the music through different parts of her body. This revolutionary approach led Evelyn to discover that she could sense the vibrations of music through her skin, her hair, and her bones. She learned to differentiate sounds by how they resonated through her body – the lower notes through her lower torso and bare feet on a wooden platform, and higher frequencies through her fingertips and upper body. This unique sensory perception allowed her to connect with music on a deeper, more visceral level. Her dedication was immense, involving countless hours of practice and honing her ability to interpret these vibrations. Evelyn's story transcends the physical challenge; it teaches us that true listening comes not just from the ears, but from an attuned sensitivity to the world around us. Her global success as a multi-percussionist, performing with leading orchestras and musicians, and her inspiring work with disabled children, solidifies her legacy as a symbol of unyielding determination and the extraordinary capacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity and find unique pathways to achievement.

Comparing Two Musical Maestros: Evelyn Glennie & Ustad Bismillah Khan

Exam Tip: Analyzing Character & Theme

When answering questions on 'The Sound Of Music', focus on character traits (e.g., Evelyn's determination, Bismillah Khan's humility and patriotism) and central themes. For Evelyn, emphasize her adaptive abilities and how she turned a disability into a unique strength. For Bismillah Khan, highlight his devotion to his art and country. Use specific examples from the text, such as Evelyn feeling music through her body or Bismillah Khan's refusal to settle abroad. Structure your answers with clear topic sentences and supporting details to score well in both short and long answer questions. Pay attention to how both artists' lives inspire others.

Quick Revision Check

• Q: How did Ron Forbes help Evelyn Glennie pursue music despite her deafness? A: Ron Forbes encouraged Evelyn to not listen through her ears, but to try and sense music through different parts of her body, by making her feel vibrations.
• Q: What significant national event did Ustad Bismillah Khan participate in on August 15, 1947? A: He played the shehnai at the Red Fort on India's first Independence Day, a historic performance.
• Q: How did Evelyn Glennie learn to 'hear' music? A: She learned to feel the vibrations of music through her skin, especially from the wooden platform and through her body.
• Q: Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to settle in the U.S.A., even when offered a school for shehnai? A: He deeply loved India, particularly Varanasi and the River Ganga, which were integral to his music and life, and he couldn't imagine living away from them.

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