Class 9 English - UP
Prose: The Sound of Music
The Sound of Music, a poignant chapter in Class 9 English (Beehive) prescribed by the Uttar Pradesh (UPMSP) board, explores the inspiring life of Evelyn Glennie, a multi-percussionist who became deaf at a young age yet achieved international fame by feeling music through her body rather than hearing it. It also features the legendary shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan, tracing the history of the instrument from Emperor Aurangzeb's ban to its elevation to the classical stage on India's Independence Day. This chapter matters for board exams as it teaches resilience, dedication, and cultural heritage, frequently appearing in reading comprehension and character sketch questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Evelyn Glennie's Determination
Despite losing her hearing completely by age twelve, Evelyn refused to give up on music, learning to sense sound vibrations through her legs and fingertips.
Percussion Mastery
Evelyn auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music and scored one of the highest marks in its history, eventually mastering over a thousand instruments and touring worldwide.
Origin of the Shehnai
The shehnai got its name when a barber (nai) improved upon the unpleasant sound of the traditional pungi in the royal court of Shah Bader, naming it 'shehnai' after a king (shah) and barber (nai).
Ustad Bismillah Khan's Patriotism
A devout practitioner of his art, Bismillah Khan deeply loved his birthplace Varanasi and the river Ganga, famously turning down a US university offer because he couldn't replicate the Indian atmosphere abroad.
Universal Message of Perseverance
Both biographical accounts teach students that physical limitations or humble origins cannot stop someone from achieving greatness with hard work and passion.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Uttar Pradesh (UPMSP) Class 9 English board examinations, this chapter typically carries about 4 to 6 marks. Questions often include short answer questions about Evelyn or Bismillah Khan, reference to context passages, and long answer questions focusing on character traits or the inspirational themes of the two parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Evelyn Glennie listen to music despite being deaf?
Evelyn didn't hear music through her ears; she learned to open her mind and body to sounds, feeling the vibrations through her skin, cheekbones, hair, and even barefoot on wooden floors.
Why did Emperor Aurangzeb ban the playing of the pungi?
Emperor Aurangzeb banned the pungi in the royal residence because it had a shrill, unpleasant sound, which led to it being categorized as a generic noisemaker rather than a musical instrument.
What was Bismillah Khan's most treasured reward?
Bismillah Khan's most treasured civilian award was the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, conferred upon him in 2001.
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