Class 9 English - RAJASTHAN
Prose: The Sound of Music
The chapter 'The Sound of Music' from the Class 9 English Beehive textbook for Rajasthan (RBSE) students explores the inspiring lives of two extraordinary musicians. Part I tells the story of Evelyn Glennie, a multi-percussionist who became deaf at a young age but learned to hear music through her body rather than her ears. Part II chronicles the life of Ustad Bismillah Khan, the legendary shehnai maestro who brought the instrument to the global classical stage and is a proud symbol of India's rich cultural heritage. The chapter teaches perseverance, passion, and the power of overcoming physical obstacles.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Evelyn Glennie's Disability and Determination
Evelyn lost her hearing by the age of eleven, but her profound determination and teacher Ron Forbes helped her sense music through different parts of her body.
Percussion Mastery
Despite her impairment, Evelyn auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music and scored one of the highest marks in its history, eventually mastering over a thousand instruments.
Origins of the Shehnai
Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of a noisy instrument called pungi in the royal residence, but a barber from a professional musician family improved it to create the shehnai.
Ustad Bismillah Khan's Legacy
Bismillah Khan associated the shehnai with Indian classical music, practicing on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi and receiving India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.
Secular Outlook on Music
Both biographies highlight that true art transcends physical barriers, religion, and boundaries, portraying India's rich composite culture through Bismillah Khan's life.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Rajasthan (RBSE) Class 9 English board exams, prose chapters like 'The Sound of Music' generally carry around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include short answer questions testing character traits and thematic understanding, long descriptive answers comparing the journeys of Evelyn and Bismillah Khan, and extract-based reading comprehension questions.
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, such as her feet and skin.
Why was the pungi banned by Emperor Aurangzeb?
Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in the royal residence because it had a shrill and unpleasant sound.
What is the main message of 'The Sound of Music'?
The main message is that physical disabilities cannot stop a dedicated person from achieving greatness if they have strong willpower and passion.
Learn Prose: The Sound of Music with Your AI Tutor
10 different ways to study this chapter. Free for 3 chapters per day.
Lecture
Key Points
Interactive
Quiz
Flashcards