Class 9 English - ODISHA
Prose: The Sound of Music
The chapter 'The Sound of Music' in the Class 9 English curriculum for Odisha (BSE) students presents two inspiring biographical sketches. Part I tells the remarkable story of Evelyn Glennie, a multi-percussionist who overcame profound deafness to become a global music sensation, feeling music through her body rather than hearing it. Part II narrates the life of Ustad Bismillah Khan, the legendary shehnai maestro who brought the instrument to the classical stage and is a proud symbol of India's rich cultural heritage. This chapter is vital for board exams as it teaches resilience, dedication, and the power of hard work.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Evelyn Glennie's Disability
Evelyn lost her hearing completely by the age of eleven, but her passion for music drove her to master percussion by sensing vibrations through her body.
Perceiving Music Without Hearing
Percussionist James Blades recognized Evelyn's potential and advised her not to listen through her ears, but to try and sense the sound through other parts of her body.
The Origin of the Shehnai
The shehnai got its name when Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of a noisy instrument called pungi in the royal residence; a barber from a professional musician family improved it inside a royal chamber and called it 'shehnai'.
Bismillah Khan's Musical Journey
Bismillah Khan practiced music on the banks of the river Ganga in Varanasi and became the first Indian to greet independent India with his shehnai on August 15, 1947.
Bharat Ratna Award
In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian classical music, Ustad Bismillah Khan was awarded India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 2001.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
This chapter is important in the Odisha (BSE) Class 9 English examinations, typically carrying around 5 to 8 marks. Questions usually include short-answer questions about Evelyn's and Bismillah Khan's achievements, multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and long-answer questions testing character traits and thematic understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Evelyn Glennie manage to hear music despite being deaf?
Evelyn could not hear through her ears, so she trained herself to feel the music through different parts of her body, such as her feet, legs, and even her skin and fingertips.
Why did Aurangzeb ban the pungi?
Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in the royal palace because it had a shrill and unpleasant sound.
What was Bismillah Khan's connection to Banaras and Dumraon?
Bismillah Khan was born in Dumraon, Bihar, but his favorite haunts were the temples of Banaras and the banks of the river Ganga, where he spent hours practicing the shehnai.
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