The Sound of Music Summary Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 2

Part 1 Summary: Evelyn Glennie

Key Points of the Story

• A young girl named Evelyn Glennie, despite being profoundly deaf, gains admission to the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London.
• Evelyn's hearing loss was first noticed when she was eight years old while waiting to play the piano. Her mother recalls, "They called her name and she didn't move. I suddenly realised she hadn't heard."
• By age eleven, her marks had declined, and her headmistress urged her parents to visit a specialist. It was then found that her hearing was severely impaired due to gradual nerve damage.
• Determined not to let her condition control her life, Evelyn learns to feel music through vibrations in her body, excelling in percussion. Her teacher, Ron Forbes, encouraged her by saying, "Don't listen through your ears; try to sense it some other way."
• She achieves great success in music, touring internationally, winning numerous awards, and becoming a world-renowned multi-percussionist.
• Apart from regular concerts, Evelyn also gives free concerts in prisons and hospitals, inspiring many with her outreach efforts.
• Ann Richlin of the Beethoven Fund for Deaf Children states, "She is a shining inspiration for deaf children. They see that there is nowhere that they cannot go."
• Despite her deafness, Evelyn's musical performances leave audiences astounded, showing her extraordinary connection to music.

Detailed Summary

• The Beginning of Evelyn's Journey:
  Amid the bustling rush-hour crowds on a London underground train platform, a small, thin girl stood, awaiting her train. She looked younger than her seventeen years, her face a mixture of nervous anticipation. This was no ordinary day for Evelyn Glennie—it was her first at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London. But this aspiring musician faced a bigger challenge than most: she was profoundly deaf.
• Early Struggles with Hearing Loss: 
  Evelyn's path to musical success was shaped by her early struggles with hearing loss. Her mother, Isabel Glennie, first noticed something was wrong when, at the age of eight, Evelyn failed to respond to a call while waiting to play the piano. For some time, Evelyn managed to hide her increasing deafness from friends and teachers. Eventually, it became clear that her hearing was getting worse due to nerve damage. By the age of eleven, her hearing had declined significantly, impacting her schoolwork and social life. She had to face her condition and was advised to get hearing aids and attend a school for the deaf. "Everything suddenly looked black," says Evelyn.
• Discovering a New Way to "Hear" Music: 
  Nevertheless, Evelyn refused to let her deafness shape her future. After watching a girl play a xylohpone, Evelyn felt a deep connection to the instrument and became determined to pursue music, despite her teachers' doubts. It was percussionist Ron Forbes who recognised her potential and developed a unique way to help her "hear" music through vibrations. "Don't listen through your ears," he advised, "try to sense it some other way." Instead of hearing sounds, Evelyn learned to feel music through different parts of her body—her feet, legs, and even her fingertips.
• A Rising Star in the Music World: 
  Her extraordinary ability to sense music allowed her to excel, and her talent shone brightly. Evelyn's achievements were remarkable, not only because of her deafness but also due to her dedication and resilience in mastering more than a thousand percussion instruments. When she auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music, she achieved top scores and went on to win numerous prestigious awards by the end of her studies. The rest was sheer determination and hard work.
• Performing Without Sound: 
  What’s most fascinating about Evelyn is her ability to live and perform without sound. She communicates effortlessly and with great confidence, explaining that music is something she feels deeply, with the vibrations of each instrument resonating throughout her body. In 1991, Evelyn was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Soloist of the Year, recognising her incredible contributions to music. The famous percussionist James Blades once remarked on Evelyn's ability to convey emotions through music in ways others could only dream of, describing her connection to sound as deeply profound.
• Dedication to Her Craft and Passion for Education: Evelyn's work ethic is unmatched; she describes herself as a workaholic, devoting countless hours to honing her craft. She performs not only at major venues around the world but also offers free concerts in unusual settings like prisons and hospitals. Her educational work with young musicians is another testament to her passion for music and her desire to inspire the next generation.
• A Legacy of Inspiration: Evelyn Glennie's story serves as an inspirational reminder that disabilities are not limitations. Through sheer determination and an unyielding spirit, she has redefined what it means to experience music, transforming the world of percussion and proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.

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Theme/ Message of Part 1

Themes:

• Evelyn Glennie's loss of hearing was gradual, showing how the human spirit can triumph over physical challenges.
• Despite her challenges, Evelyn was determined to lead a normal life and pursue her passion for music.

Message:

• The story highlights that resilience, hard work, and dedication can help anyone overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams, regardless of the circumstances.

Difficult Words

2. Aspiring: having ambitions to achieve something. 

3. Impaired: weakened or damaged. 

4. Conceal: to hide or keep secret. 

5. Orchestral: relating to an orchestra or orchestral music. 

6. Solo Performances: musical performances by a single artist. 

7. Workaholic: a person who compulsively works excessively hard. 

8. Handicapped: having a physical or mental disability. 

9. Resonances: echoes or vibrations of sounds. 

10. Effortlessly: with ease and without effort. 

11. Tingles: causes a slight pricking or stinging sensation. 

12. Flawlessly: without any fault or mistake. 

13. Lilt: a particular way of speaking. 

14. Prestigious: inspiring respect and admiration. 

15. Triumph: a great victory or achievement.

Part 2 Summary: Bismillah Khan

Bismillah Khan

• The musical instrument pungi was banned by Emperor Aurangzeb, but a barber from a family of musicians invented the shehnai, a more pleasant instrument. The shehnai became known for its auspicious sound, becoming essential for North Indian weddings and temple ceremonies.
• Bismillah Khan has given many memorable performances both in India and abroad. His music crossed borders, earning him international acclaim and helping shape Indian classical music.
• Despite his global fame, Bismillah Khan remained deeply attached to his hometowns, Benaras and Dumraon, and his musical legacy continues to embody India’s rich cultural traditions.Shehnai
• Born on 21 March 1916, Bismillah Khan belonged to a famous family of musicians from Bihar. His grandfather, Rasool Bux Khan, was the shehnai player for the Bhojpur king, and his father, Paigambar Bux, was also a respected shehnai player.
• He was drawn to music early in life. At the age of three, when his mother took him to his uncle's house in Benaras (now Varanasi), he was fascinated watching his uncles practice the shehnai.
• Soon, he began accompanying his uncle, Ali Bux, to the Vishnu temple of Benaras, where Bux played the shehnai.
• A twist of fate occurred when a barber from a musical family, granted access to the royal palace, decided to reinvent the pungi. He created a new instrument with a longer, broader hollow stem and seven holes for producing softer, melodious sounds.
• This innovation attracted the attention of royalty, leading to the creation of the shehnai. Its enchanting sound became associated with auspicious occasions, particularly in temples and North Indian weddings.
• Originally part of royal court ensembles, the shehnai transitioned to the classical stage thanks to the legendary Ustad Bismillah Khan.
• At the Allahabad Music Conference, a pivotal moment for Bismillah arrived when the renowned Ustad Faiyaz Khan recognised his potential, offering encouragement that spurred him on his musical journey.
• Bismillah Khan's performance at the Red Fort on India's Independence Day marked a historic moment, symbolising the nation's newfound freedom through the soulful notes of his shehnai.
• His humility and dedication to his art were exemplified by his refusal to be swayed by the glamour of the film industry, despite his success in composing music for a few notable films.
• Internationally acclaimed, Bismillah Khan's music transcended borders, earning him accolades and admiration worldwide.
• With prestigious awards like the Padmashri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, his crowning achievement came in 2001 when he received India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.
• His passionate plea to preserve India's rich musical heritage resonated deeply, highlighting the universal language of music.
• Despite his global acclaim and travels, Bismillah Khan's heart remained rooted in his beloved towns of Benaras and Dumraon.
• His unwavering connection to his cultural roots and ability to bridge religious and musical divides embodied the essence of India's diverse and inclusive heritage.
• Ustad Bismillah Khan passed away on 21 August 2006 at the age of ninety after a prolonged illness. He was given a state funeral, and the Government of India declared one day of national mourning.
• His legacy lives on, reminding us of the power of music to unite hearts and souls, creating harmony amidst diversity.

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Theme/Message

• The fusion of tradition and innovation in music.
• The power of music to transcend boundaries and touch hearts globally.
• The significance of cultural roots and personal connections in an artist's life, profoundly influencing their work and identity.
• Music can bridge cultural divides and create lasting connections.
• Dedication, passion, and hard work can lead to unparalleled success and recognition.
• One's roots and heritage should always be cherished and celebrated, regardless of the heights of achievement.

Cultural Significance

• Cultural roots play a crucial role in shaping an artist's identity and musical expression.
• For instance, Ustad Bismillah Khan's deep connection to his heritage influenced his innovative approach to the shehnai.
• This allowed him to blend traditional Indian music with contemporary styles, enriching the cultural landscape.

Specific Examples

• Notable musicians like Bismillah Khan and Kishori Amonkar exemplify the themes of tradition and innovation.
• Khan transformed the shehnai from a mere ceremonial instrument into a celebrated art form.
• Amonkar's unique interpretations of khayal have revived interest in classical music.
• Events like the annual Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards highlight the ongoing celebration of musical heritage and innovation.

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Difficult Words

1. auspicious: promising to bring good fortune
2. indispensable: without which a piece of work cannot be done
3. ensembles: things considered as a group
4. melodious: pleasant-sounding
5. maestro: a distinguished musician, especially a conductor
6. coveted: greatly desired or envied
7. celluloid: relating to the film industry
8. replicating: to copy or reproduce
9. devout: deeply religious
10. prolonged: extended in time
11. acclaimed: highly praised or recognized
12. transcend: to go beyond the limits of
13. affection: a gentle feeling of fondness or liking
14. heritage: practices that are handed down from the past by tradition