Class 9 English - BIHAR
Prose: The Sound of Music
The Sound of Music in Class 9 English Bihar Board (BSEB) is a deeply inspiring two-part chapter. Part I tells the remarkable story of Evelyn Glennie, a multi-percussionist who became deaf at a young age but overcame her disability to master music by feeling the vibrations through her body. Part II highlights the life of the legendary shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan, tracing his musical journey from the banks of the river Ganga in Buxar, Bihar, to receiving the prestigious Bharat Ratna. The chapter teaches students perseverance, dedication, and the power of hard work over adversities.
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Evelyn Glennie's Determination
Evelyn lost her hearing by the age of eleven, yet she refused to give up and learned to perceive music through different parts of her body rather than her ears.
Perceiving Sound Without Hearing
Percussionist James Blades recognized her talent and advised her not to listen through her ears, but to try and sense the sound in some other way, inspiring her unique playing style.
Banning of the Pungi
Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of a musical instrument called pungi in the royal residence because of its shrill, unpleasant sound.
Origin of the Shehnai
A barber of a royal household improved the pungi by using a pipe with a natural hollow stem and played it before royalty, naming the new instrument 'shehnai' (shah + nai).
Bismillah Khan's Deep Roots in Bihar
Ustad Bismillah Khan was born in Dumraon, Bihar, and spent his early childhood practicing music near the holy river Ganga, later bringing global fame to the Indian shehnai.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Bihar (BSEB) Class 9 English examinations, this chapter is very important and typically carries around 5 to 8 marks. Questions usually include short-answer questions about Evelyn and Bismillah Khan, reference-to-context questions, and long-answer questions focusing on the central theme of overcoming obstacles and cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Evelyn Glennie listen to music?
Evelyn listened to music not through her ears, but by sensing the vibrations through different parts of her body, especially her bare feet on wooden platforms and her fingertips on drum rims.
Why did Aurangzeb ban the pungi?
Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in his royal palace because it had a shrill and unpleasant sound.
What is the highest civilian award conferred on Ustad Bismillah Khan?
Ustad Bismillah Khan was awarded India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in the year 2001.
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