Class 9 English - TELANGANA
Prose: The Sound of Music
The chapter 'The Sound of Music' from the Class 9 Telangana (TSBSE) English textbook is a two-part biographical narrative celebrating human determination. Part I tells the inspiring story of Evelyn Glennie, a deaf multi-percussionist who overcame hearing impairment by feeling music through her body. Part II chronicles the life of Bismillah Khan, the legendary shehnai maestro who elevated the instrument from a traditional ceremonial device to the classical stage, showcasing deep patriotism and dedication. This chapter is significant for board exams as it tests reading comprehension, character analysis, and thematic understanding, frequently appearing in short-answer and long-answer sections.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Evelyn Glennie's Determination
Despite losing her hearing by age eleven, Evelyn pursued her passion for music by learning to perceive sound vibrations through different parts of her body.
Perception of Sound
Evelyn explains that music pours in through every part of her body—tingling in her skin, cheekbones, and even her hair.
Origin of the Shehnai
Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of a noisy musical instrument called pungi, which led a barber from a royal residence to improve it into the melodic shehnai.
Bismillah Khan's Musical Journey
Bismillah Khan practiced music on the banks of the River Ganga in Buxar and Varanasi, developing a deep, lifelong devotion to Indian classical music.
Beni-Cultural Harmony
Bismillah Khan's life represents India's rich cultural heritage, as a devout Muslim who lovingly played the shehnai in the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Telangana (TSBSE) Class 9 English examinations, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 10 marks. Questions commonly include reading comprehension passages, paragraph-type questions on the character traits of Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan, and vocabulary or grammar exercises based on the text.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Evelyn Glennie listen to music despite being deaf?
She did not hear music through her ears; instead, she sensed the vibrations through her body, feet, and even hair.
Why was the pungi banned by Emperor Aurangzeb?
Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi because it had a shrill, unpleasant, and unmelodious sound.
What is Ustad Bismillah Khan's greatest contribution to music?
He brought the shehnai onto the classical stage and earned global recognition for Indian instrumental music.
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