Class 9 English Chapter 2 Important Question Answers - The Sound of Music

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. When was Evelyn’s deafness first noticed? When was it confirmed?

Ans: Isabel first suspected Evelyn had hearing issues when she did not respond to her name being called to play the piano. At the age of 11, this was confirmed during a visit to a specialist.

Q2. When and how did Evelyn lose her power of hearing?

Ans: Evelyn lost her power of hearing due to gradual nerve damage. This was first noticed when she was 8 years old while waiting to play the piano. By the age of 11, it was confirmed that she had lost her hearing ability.

Q3. Why was Evelyn nervous while going to the Royal Academy of Music?

Ans: Evelyn felt nervous about attending the Royal Academy of Music for several reasons:

• She was only 16 years old.
• She had just come from the Scottish farms.
• Her youth and background added to her anxiety.

Q4. How did Evelyn’s deafness come to light? OR When did Evelyn’s mother notice that something was wrong with her hearing?

Ans: At the age of eight, Evelyn's mother noticed something was wrong when she did not respond when her name was called to play the piano. By the time she was eleven, her academic performance had declined, prompting her headmistress to recommend a visit to a specialist. It was then confirmed that Evelyn had a severe hearing impairment.

Q5. Who helped Evelyn to continue with music? What did he do and say?

Ans: When Evelyn decided to pursue a career in music, she faced discouragement from many. However, percussionist Ron Forbes recognised her potential and offered his support.

• He encouraged her to listen to music in a different way.
• Forbes tuned two large drums to different notes and advised her: "Don't listen through your ears; try to sense it some other way."
• Evelyn discovered she could feel the vibrations of the drums in different parts of her body.
• Through this experience, she learned to open her mind and body to sounds and vibrations.

With determination and hard work, Evelyn continued her musical journey.

Q6. How did Evelyn hear music despite being deaf?

Ans: Evelyn could sense music through her body despite being deaf. Here’s how she experienced it:

• While playing the xylophone, she felt the music in her fingertips.
• By leaning against drums, she could sense the vibrations flowing into her body.
• On wooden floors, she removed her shoes to feel the music through her feet and legs.

Through these methods, Evelyn learned to connect with music in a unique way.

Q7. What is Evelyn’s secret of success and what message does she give to achievers?

Ans: Evelyn's secret of success lies in her strong determination and hard work. She inspires achievers with her message:

• Work hard to achieve your goals.
• Believe in yourself, regardless of challenges.
• Stay focused and committed to your passion.

Her journey shows that with effort and perseverance, success is attainable.

Q8. How has Evelyn Glennie inspired handicapped people?

Ans: Evelyn Glennie has inspired many people with disabilities through her remarkable achievements. Observing her success, they often think:

• If she can do it, I can too.
• Her journey shows that determination can overcome challenges.
• She has brought percussion to the forefront of music, proving it can be deeply moving.

Glennie's story encourages those facing difficulties to pursue their dreams, demonstrating that limitations can be transcended.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q10. How did Evelyn Glennie fight with her physical disability?

Ans: Evelyn Glennie faced her physical disability with remarkable courage. She learned to connect with sounds and vibrations through her body, feeling music flow within her. This passion led her to:

• Join an orchestra
• Attend the Royal Academy of Music
• Perform solo on stages worldwide

Her determination ensured she never missed out on the joy of music, ultimately making her a renowned musician.

Q11. In spite of her towering success, Evelyn Glennie does not accept any hint of heroic achievement. Explain?

Ans: Evelyn Glennie faced significant challenges due to her hearing loss, which was initially discouraged by her teachers. However, she persevered with the help of Ron Forbes, who taught her to listen through her body rather than her ears.

Through determination, Evelyn learned to connect with sound and vibrations, ultimately achieving remarkable success:

• She earned the highest marks in the history of the Royal Academy of Music.
• She received numerous prestigious awards.
• She brought percussion to the forefront of orchestras.
• She has inspired millions with her music.

Despite her extraordinary achievements, Evelyn remains humble and does not view herself as a hero. She believes that with hard work and a clear direction, anyone can succeed.

Q12. Evelyn’s determination to overcome her disability has made her a source of inspiration for deaf children. Comment?

Ans: Evelyn's journey as a deaf musician is truly inspiring. After losing her hearing, she was determined to lead a normal life and pursue her passion for music. Key points include:

• With encouragement from her percussion teacher, Evelyn learned to sense music through her body.
• She discovered she could feel different instruments: the higher drum from the waist up and the xylophone through her fingertips.
• By removing her shoes on wooden floors, she enhanced her ability to feel vibrations.
• Evelyn became a master of many instruments and is now a highly sought-after multi-percussionist.

Her determination and hard work have made her a role model for deaf children, showing them that they can achieve their dreams despite challenges.

Q13. How is Evelyn Glennie helping others with her popularity and skill?

Ans: Evelyn Glennie has made significant contributions to society despite her deafness:

• She attended the Royal Academy of Music and won the prestigious Soloist of the Year award.
• Evelyn dedicated hours to learning languages, including Japanese and French.
• She performed free concerts in prisons and hospitals, sharing her talent with those in need.
• As a role model, she inspires others, especially deaf children, showing them that they can achieve their dreams.
• Evelyn has brought percussion to the forefront of orchestras, demonstrating its emotional power.

Her story encourages many, proving that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

Q14. How did Evelyn succeed in pursuing her interest in music?

Ans: Evelyn succeeded in pursuing her interest in music through determination and support from Ron Forbes, a percussionist who recognised her potential. He encouraged her to:

• Focus on vibrations rather than sound.
• Feel the higher drum from the waist up and the lower drum from the waist down.
• Open her mind and body to different notes.

With practice, Evelyn learned to sense music in various parts of her body. This unique approach allowed her to embrace her passion for music despite her challenges.

Value-Based Question

Q15. “A problem is only as big as we make it.” This thought has been very beautifully brought out in the lesson. Discuss?

Ans: Evelyn Glennie is a remarkable example of overcoming challenges. Despite being profoundly deaf, she learned to experience music through her body.

• She achieved the highest marks in the history of the Royal Academy of Music.
• Evelyn has become a renowned musician and an inspiration to many.
• Her journey illustrates that no problem is too great to overcome.

Part II- The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan

Q16. How did ‘pungi’ transform into a Shehnai?

Ans: The pungi was a musical instrument banned for its shrill and unpleasant sound. A barber, who was also a musician, decided to improve it. He created a new instrument by:

• Choosing a longer and broader pipe with a natural hollow stem.
• Making seven holes on the body of the pipe.
• Producing soft and melodious sounds by closing and opening these holes.

After impressing the royalty with his performance, the instrument was named shehnai, as it was first played in the Shah's chambers by a nai.

Q17. Who had brought shehnai to the classical Stage? What was he honoured with?

Ans: Ustad Bismillah Khan is credited with bringing the shehnai to the classical stage. He learned to play the instrument under the guidance of his maternal uncle, Ali Bux.

Throughout his career, he received several prestigious awards, including:

• Padma Bhushan
• Padma Shri
• Padma Vibhushan

Q18. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A.?

Ans: Bismillah Khan declined to establish a shehnai school in the U.S.A. for personal reasons:

• He felt unable to live outside of India.
• He had a deep affection for Benares and Dumraon.
• He missed these places whenever he was abroad.

Q19. Why did Emperor Aurangzeb ban the playing of Pungi in the royal residence?

Ans: Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in the royal residence due to its shrill and unpleasant sound. It was viewed more as a noisemaker than a musical instrument.

Q20. What is the difference between a Pungi and a Shehnai?

Ans: The Pungi and Shehnai differ in both shape and sound:

• The Shehnai is longer than the Pungi.
• The Pungi produces a shrill, unpleasant sound.
• In contrast, the Shehnai has a soft, melodious sound.

Q21. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a Shehnai school in the U.S.A.?

Ans: Bismillah Khan declined to establish a Shehnai school in the U.S.A. for several reasons:

• He was a true patriot, deeply devoted to India.
• He had a strong emotional connection to the banks of the Ganga.
• His love for his homeland influenced his decision.

Q22. How do we know that the sound of Shehnai is considered auspicious?

Ans: The sound of the shehnai is considered auspicious for several reasons:

• It is traditionally played in temples.
• It is an essential part of all happy occasions, especially weddings.
• Historically, it was part of royal court music, enhancing its significance.

Overall, the shehnai's association with joy and spirituality contributes to its auspicious reputation.

Q23. What were the recurring themes of Bismillah Khan’s music?

Ans: The recurring themes in Bismillah Khan's music include:

• The deep connection between human relationships and the flowing waters of the Ganga.
• A profound appreciation for the towns of Benares and Dumraon, which he regarded as the most wonderful places in the world.

Q24. How did “Pungi” get its new name? What was it?

Ans: The pungi was improved by a barber who aimed to enhance its sound quality. He crafted a new instrument using a longer and broader pipe with seven holes. This modification allowed for softer and more melodious sounds.

When he first played this instrument in the Shah's chambers, it impressed everyone present. Since it was performed by a nai (barber), the instrument was named the shehnai.

Q25. What place did Shehnai have in the past? What place has it now?

Ans: The Shehnai has a rich history and has evolved significantly over time:

• In the past, it was part of the traditional ensemble of nine instruments at royal courts.
• It was commonly played in temples and during weddings.
• Today, the Shehnai is also featured in classical concerts, showcasing its versatility.

Q26. When and how did Bismillah Khan get the break?

Ans: Bismillah Khan received his first major opportunity at the age of 14. 

• Accompanied his uncle to the Allahabad Music Conference.
• Impressed Ustad Faiyaz Khan, who encouraged him to work hard.
• Secured a significant break with All India Radio in 1938.

This exposure led to his recognition as a prominent shehnai player on radio.

Q27. Where did Bismillah Khan play the Shehnai on 15th Aug 1947? Why was the event historic?

Ans: Bismillah Khan was the first Indian to greet the nation with his shehnai on 15th August 1947. He performed Raag Kafi from the Red Fort.

This event was historic because:

• The audience included Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Nehru delivered his famous speech, Tryst with Destiny.

Q28. Why did Bismillah Khan regularly go to the nearby Bihariji temple in his childhood and what did he earn?

Ans: Bismillah Khan began visiting the Bihariji temple at the age of five to sing the Bhojpuri “Chaita”. His melodious singing earned him a laddu weighing 1.25 kg, a reward from the local Bhojpuri King.

Q29. Give a brief character sketch of Ustad Bismillah Khan?

Ans: Ustad Bismillah Khan was a renowned master of the shehnai, celebrated both nationally and internationally.

• He was trained by his maternal uncle, Ali Bux, who greatly influenced his musical journey.
• Bismillah Khan elevated the shehnai to the classical music stage, dedicating hours to practice and perfection.
• He was the first Indian to perform for an independent India, playing Raag Kafi from the Red Fort.
• Throughout his career, he created numerous new ragas and received prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna.
• A true patriot, he turned down many opportunities to settle abroad, valuing his roots.
• Bismillah Khan was not only a remarkable artist but also a humble individual with deep respect for Hindustani Classical Music.

Q30. How did the young Bismillah develop his interest in Shehnai?

Ans: Bismillah Khan developed his interest in the Shehnai at a very young age. At just three years old, he was captivated by watching his uncle, Ali Bux, play the instrument.

Key moments in his journey include:

• Bismillah accompanied his uncle to the Vishnu Temple in Benares, where he observed and learned from him.
• He practised for hours on the banks of the Ganga, drawing inspiration from the flowing water.
• At 14, he attended the Allahabad Music Conference, where Ustad Fayaz Khan encouraged him, saying, "Work hard and you shall make it."
• His big break came with the opening of All India Radio in Lucknow in 1938, leading to his recognition as a prominent Shehnai player.

Throughout his early years, Bismillah's dedication and passion for the Shehnai shaped his musical journey, ultimately leading him to become a celebrated maestro.