Class 9 English - WEST-BENGAL
Prose: The Sound of Music
The Sound of Music in Class 9 English for West Bengal Board (WBBSE) introduces students to two inspiring parts about extraordinary musicians. Part I tells the moving story of Evelyn Glennie, a deaf percussionist who listens to music through her body rather than her ears. Part II chronicles the life of Bismillah Khan, the legendary shehnai maestro who brought the instrument to the classical stage. This chapter is vital for board exams as it teaches resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of passion against all odds. It frequently features in reading comprehension, character sketches, and long-answer questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Perseverance over Adversity
Evelyn Glennie's journey proves that physical disabilities can be conquered with strong determination and immense hard work.
Sensory Perception in Music
Evelyn does not hear music conventionally; instead, she senses the notes through different parts of her body, especially her skin and feet.
Cultural Heritage and Tradition
Ustad Bismillah Khan's life highlights India's rich musical heritage and the traditional roots of the shehnai.
Secularism and Patriotism
Bismillah Khan deeply loved his birthplace, Benaras, and the River Ganga, showing that true art transcends religious boundaries.
Distinction between Pungi and Shehnai
The chapter explains how a barber improved the shrill-sounding pungi to create the melodious shehnai, named after the shah and a naai.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the WBBSE Class 9 English exams, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 10 marks. Common question types include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answer type questions, and long descriptive questions focusing on character sketches of Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan, or the central theme of overcoming obstacles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Evelyn Glennie manage to hear music despite being deaf?
Evelyn could not hear through her ears, so she learned to open her mind and body to sounds and vibrations, feeling the music through her skin, cheekbones, and even her bare feet.
Why was the pungi banned by Emperor Aurangzeb?
Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in the royal residence because it had a shrill and unpleasant sound.
Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a shehnai school in the USA?
He refused because of his deep love for India, especially his hometown Benaras, the holy River Ganga, and Dumraon, where he could not imagine living anywhere else.
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