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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate12 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
Chapter 2 'The Sound of Music' in Class 9 English Beehive textbook tells the inspiring stories of two renowned musicians - Evelyn Glennie and Ustad Bismillah Khan. Evelyn Glennie overcame her hearing impairment to become a world-famous percussionist through sheer determination and sensitivity to vibrations. Ustad Bismillah Khan is celebrated for elevating the shehnai, a traditional Indian instrument, to the classical music stage, reflecting his devotion to his art and his cultural roots.
Key Topics
- •Overcoming Adversity
- •Cultural Heritage
- •Musical Innovation
- •National Identity
- •Passion and Dedication
- •Influence of Environment
- •Role of Mentorship
- •Recognition and Awards
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the impact of Ustad Bismillah Khan on Indian classical music.
- ✓Identify how Evelyn Glennie overcame her disabilities to become successful.
- ✓Analyze the social and cultural influences in the musicians' lives.
- ✓Recognize the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.
- ✓Evaluate the significance of traditional music in modern contexts.
Questions in Chapter
Why did Aurangzeb ban the playing of the pungi?
Answer: It had a shrill unpleasant sound.
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How is a shehnai different from a pungi?
Answer: The shehnai is longer and broader than the pungi with seven holes on its body, producing a soft and melodious sound.
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Where was the shehnai played traditionally? How did Bismillah Khan change this?
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When and how did Bismillah Khan get his big break?
Answer: Bismillah's big break came with the opening of the All India Radio in Lucknow in 1938.
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Where did Bismillah Khan play the shehnai on 15 August 1947? Why was the event historic?
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Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A.?
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Find at least two instances in the text which tell you that Bismillah Khan loves India and Benaras.
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Additional Practice Questions
Discuss the role of Bismillah Khan in popularizing the shehnai as a classical instrument.
mediumAnswer: Bismillah Khan played a crucial role in popularizing the shehnai by taking it to the concert halls and onto international platforms. His performance on the shehnai during India's independence ceremony on 15 August 1947, and his numerous performances abroad, brought the shehnai into the limelight. Through his dedication, he elevated the instrument to a level of respect and recognition it hadn't enjoyed previously.
How did Evelyn Glennie manage to pursue music despite her hearing impairment?
hardAnswer: Evelyn Glennie, despite losing her hearing at a young age, pursued her passion for music through persistence and innovatively feeling vibrations through her body to perceive music. Her teacher, Ron Forbes, played a significant role by encouraging her to sense music through vibrations rather than hearing, which enabled her to develop an exceptional musical prowess.
Why do you think Bismillah Khan refused the offer to head a shehnai school in the U.S.A.?
hardAnswer: Bismillah Khan's deep attachment to his cultural roots and the city of Benaras made him refuse the offer. He valued the cultural and spiritual environment of Benaras and believed it could not be replicated elsewhere, including the Ganga's spiritual influence which was a significant part of his identity and music.
What did Evelyn Glennie achieve despite her disabilities, and what does it tell us about her character?
mediumAnswer: Evelyn Glennie achieved international fame as a virtuoso percussionist, receiving numerous awards and accolades. Her ability to overcome her hearing impairment through determination, innovation, and hard work demonstrates her resilience and passion for music.
How did Bismillah Khan's performance on 15 August 1947 contribute to his legacy?
easyAnswer: Bismillah Khan's performance on the first Independence Day of India from the Red Fort became a landmark moment by celebrating India's freedom with music. His performance touched a nation and remains etched in history, solidifying his legacy as a cultural icon of India.