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

Q1. How does Evelyn hear music?

Ans: Evelyn Glennie has a profound love for music, despite losing her hearing completely at the age of eleven. Determined to lead a normal life and play the xylophone, she faced discouragement from her teachers, who viewed her deafness as a barrier. However, renowned percussionist Ron Forbes recognised her potential and trained her to perceive music through vibrations rather than sound.

Forbes created two drums tuned to different notes, guiding Evelyn to feel the higher frequencies in her upper body and the lower ones below her waist. This innovative approach opened her mind and body to the subtle nuances of music. Evelyn describes how music flows through her, resonating in her skin, cheekbones, and even her hair. When she plays, she senses the vibrations travelling from the stick into her fingertips.

By removing her shoes on stage, she allows the vibrations to travel from her bare feet up through her legs. Through this unique method, Evelyn has trained her body to respond to various musical sounds, demonstrating that one can experience music in many ways, even without traditional hearing.

Q2. If you work hard and know where you are going, you’ll get there,” remarks Evelyn Glennie. What does it reveal about her character?

Ans: Evelyn's statement reflects her determination, hard work, and clear goals. These traits have helped her bravely overcome her deafness. Despite losing her hearing at the age of eight, she refused to let it hinder her success. Evelyn was committed to living a normal life and pursued her passion for music relentlessly.

With the encouragement of Ron Forbes, she gained confidence and successfully auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she received top awards. Her dedication and work ethic allowed her to excel, often working harder than classical musicians to elevate percussion in orchestras. Evelyn firmly believes that with hard work and focus, any goal is achievable.

Through her efforts, she transitioned from playing in orchestras to becoming a solo artist, gaining international recognition for her skill with various instruments. She faced her disability with courage and determination, inspiring many who face their own challenges. Evelyn's unwavering commitment to music and her remarkable achievements serve as a beacon of hope for others.

Q3. Suppose you are Ron Forbes. You have come to know that Evelyn Glennie has been awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society’s prestigious ‘Soloist of the Year Award’. Write a letter to Evelyn in about 150 words.

Ans:

(Address)

(Date)

Dear Evelyn,

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on receiving the ‘Soloist of the Year Award’ from the Royal Philharmonic Society. This prestigious accolade is a testament to your incredible talent and dedication. I am truly proud of your remarkable achievement.

Your hard work and passion for music inspire many. I fondly remember the day you connected with the drums I made for you, marking the beginning of your extraordinary journey. You have shown the world that no dream is too big when one has the courage and determination to overcome challenges.

You have become a role model for those with disabilities, proving that with faith in oneself, anything is possible. I wish you continued success and hope you reach even greater heights in your career. May you always keep the flame of enthusiasm alive!

With deep affection,

Ron Forbes

Q4. Suppose you are Evelyn Glennie. The doctor has diagnosed that your hearing is completely lost. Write a diary entry in about 150 words about how you feel and what you plan to do.

Ans:

(Day and Date)

Dear Diary

(Time)

Today is a very sad day for me. The doctor has informed me that I can no longer hear due to complete nerve damage. My headmistress and teachers have suggested using hearing aids and attending a school for the deaf. It pains me to think that I am not like other children. While I understand I will need to rely on hearing aids, I refuse to let this handicap define me. I have seen many people achieve great things despite their disabilities, including the inspiring Helen Keller.

I will continue to pursue my passion for music and work hard to overcome this challenge. I believe that determination can help me conquer any obstacle. I will not accept defeat; I will show that it is possible to find solutions to problems by staying focused on my goals. I pray for strength and moral courage to help me reach my dream of attending the Royal Academy of Music. Although it seems lofty, I know it is not impossible. Amen!

Evelyn

Q5. Write a note on the origin of the Shehnai.

Ans: In the past, a musical instrument called the pungi was played in royal palaces. However, Emperor Aurangzeb found its sound unpleasant and banned it from the royal residence. A barber, who came from a family of musicians and had access to the palace, decided to improve the instrument's tonal quality. He selected a pipe with a naturally hollow stem that was longer and wider than the pungi and carved seven holes into it. This modification produced a rich and melodious sound.

The barber showcased this new instrument to the king and his courtiers, who were greatly impressed. Since it was first played in the Shah’s chamber and created by a nai (barber), it was named shehnai. Another tale suggests that the shehnai was invented by an Iranian doctor named Haquim Bu Ali Saina, and the instrument was named after him.

Q6. What are the recurring themes of Bismillah Khan’s music and how did they originate?

Ans: Bismillah Khan's musical journey began in Benaras, where he learned the shehnai from his uncle, All Bux. He practised in the temples of Balaji and Mangla Maiya, as well as on the banks of the Ganga. This serene environment allowed him to immerse himself in his craft, leading to the creation of new ragas that were previously thought impossible for the shehnai.

Two key themes emerged from his experiences. The first theme was influenced by the ethos of the temple, which deeply resonated in his music. The second theme was inspired by the flowing waters of the Ganga, reflecting the connection between people and nature. These themes became essential elements of Bismillah Khan's musical expression.

Q7. Why is Benaras so important to Bismillah Khan?

Ans: Bismillah Khan, affectionately known as Khansaab, has travelled extensively and received numerous honours worldwide, including an auditorium named after him in Tehran. Despite his travels, he holds a deep affection for Benaras and Dumraon, which he considers the most beautiful towns. His love for Benaras is particularly tied to the Ganga, where he practised the shehnai in solitude during his youth. When a student in the USA invited him to lead a shehnai school, he expressed his desire to recreate the essence of Benaras, questioning if the Ganga could also be brought there. He once remarked, “Whenever I am in Mumbai, I think only of Varanasi and the holy Ganga.”

Q8. Write a note on the life and achievements of Bismillah Khan as a ‘shehnai vaadak’. What values of life do you derive from his story?

Ans: Bismillah Khan's life as a shehnai vaadak reflects values of dedication, simplicity, and patriotism. His musical journey began at the tender age of three and lasted until he was ninety, transitioning from temple performances to international acclaim. Born into a family of musicians, he developed a passion for the shehnai early on. He started learning from his uncle, Ali Bux, at a Vishnu temple, where he sang traditional scriptures like 'Bhojpuri chaita'.

His big break came in 1938 with All India Radio in Lucknow, where he became a popular shehnai player. On 15 August 1947, he became the first Indian to greet the nation with his shehnai, performing Raag Kafi at the Red Fort, attended by leaders including Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Bismillah Khan's performances were memorable both in India and abroad. His first international trip was to Afghanistan, where he impressed King Zahir Shah, who gifted him exquisite Persian carpets. He also performed at prestigious venues like the Lincoln Centre Hall in the USA and participated in events like the Cannes and Montreal expos. Despite opportunities in film, he found them lacking in authenticity.

Deeply devoted to India, Bismillah Khan declined offers to settle abroad, valuing the country's rich musical heritage. His life teaches us the importance of dedication and the pursuit of excellence.

Q9. What important lesson does the life of Bismillah Khan teach us?

Ans: Bismillah Khan teaches us a significant lesson about life: success comes through hard work and dedication. Born into a family of musicians, he developed a passion for music early on. His maternal uncle, a talented Shehnai player, greatly influenced him. Bismillah practised diligently by the Ganges, which helped him refine his skills. His commitment paid off when he received the prestigious Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

Q10. What does it reveal about his sentiments towards India?

Ans: Bismillah Khan, in The Sound of Music, displayed deep patriotic feelings. He had a strong love for his birthplace, Dumraon in Bihar, and for Benaras, where he trained to play the shehnai. His connection with the Ganga was profound; the river inspired him to create new raagas that were previously thought impossible for the shehnai. Bismillah Khan's love for India and the Ganga was so strong that he declined an opportunity to settle in America to lead a shehnai school. He missed Benaras whenever he was in Mumbai or elsewhere, and he cherished his roots in Dumraon. Bismillah Khan held Hindustani music in high regard, viewing it as India's richest cultural heritage. He believed in passing this musical tradition to future generations, urging Indians to teach music to their children. He took pride in the fact that even people from the West were captivated by Indian music.

Q11. You have now read about two musicians, Evelyn Glennie, and Ustad Bismillah Khan. Do you think that they both worked hard? Where did they want to go?

Ans: Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan are two renowned musicians whose dedication and hard work have led them to remarkable achievements. Evelyn Glennie, an internationally acclaimed multi-percussionist, overcame her deafness through relentless effort. Instead of giving up, she learned to perceive music through vibrations in her body. Her determination allowed her to attend the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she earned prestigious awards and elevated percussion to a prominent position in the music world.

Similarly, Bismillah Khan dedicated himself to the shehnai, transforming it into a respected classical instrument. He worked tirelessly, expanding its repertoire by creating new raagas and performing in temples and on the banks of the Ganges. His commitment led to international recognition and numerous awards. Both musicians exemplify how hard work and dedication can lead to extraordinary success.

Q12. Write a note on some of the most memorable performances of Ustad Bismillah Khan as described in the feature “The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan”.

Ans: During his illustrious career spanning over 80 years, Bismillah Khan delivered numerous memorable performances, with several standing out as key milestones. His early performance of the Bhojpuri ‘chaita’ at the Bihari ji temple at just five years old showcased the talent of a future maestro. For each recital, he received a 1.25 kg laddu from the local king as a reward.

At 14, he impressed Ustad Faiyaz Khan during the Allahabad Music Conference, who encouraged him to work hard. In 1938, Bismillah Khan received a significant opportunity to perform on All India Radio in Lucknow, which marked a turning point in his career.

On 15th August 1947, he became the first Indian to greet the nation with his shehnai from the Red Fort, playing Raag Kafi to an audience that included Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. His first international performance in Afghanistan earned him great acclaim, and he received gifts from King Zahir Shah.

Bismillah Khan also contributed music to films, including Vijay Bhatt’s “Gunj Uthi Shehnai” and Srinivas’s Kannada film “Samadhi Apanna”. His international performances included prestigious venues such as the Lincoln Centre Hall in the USA, the World Exposition in Montreal, the Cannes Art Festival, and the Osaka Trade Fair.

Q13. “Music has no religion.” How did Bismillah Khan’s Shehnai prove it?

Ans: Music is the voice of the soul, transcending religious boundaries. It serves as a source of inspiration for all. Bismillah Khan, a renowned musician from the Muslim community, played the Shehnai in temples, demonstrating that music is universal. He had a deep connection to the holy city of Benaras and the sacred river Ganga, which inspired him throughout his life.

From a young age, Bismillah Khan was passionate about music. At just five years old, he visited the Bihariji temple in Dumraon to sing Bhojpuri Chaita. His love for music was so profound that when a student from the USA invited him to start a Shehnai school, he declined, stating he could not replicate the essence of the Ganga in a foreign land.

Q14. Describe the life and character of Ustad Bismillah Khan with emphasis on values of his character you should imbibe.

Ans: Ustad Bismillah Khan was a renowned Shehnai player, born in a village in Bihar. Coming from a family of musicians, he elevated the Shehnai to global fame. The Indian government honoured him with the prestigious Bharat Ratna. A true patriot, he declined offers to settle abroad, showing his love for his homeland. His passion for the Shehnai was nurtured under his maternal uncle, Ali Bux, as he practised by the serene banks of the Ganga.

His life serves as an inspiration, teaching students to embrace open-mindedness and to learn values from various religions. Ustad Bismillah Khan's dedication and commitment to his art exemplify the importance of cultural heritage and unity.

Q15. Why did Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi and how it was improved and called Shehnai?

Ans: Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in the royal palace due to its shrill and unpleasant sound. However, a barber from a family of musicians sought to improve the instrument. He selected a longer and broader pipe with a natural hollow stem and added seven holes along its body. When he played it, the sound was soft and melodious, impressing the king and his court.

Since this new instrument was first played in the Shah's chambers by a nai (barber), it was named the Shehnai. Over time, the sound of the shehnai became associated with auspicious occasions, making it a staple at weddings and in temples across North India.

Q16. How was Bismillah Khan associated with the film world?

Ans: Film director Vijay Bhatt was captivated by Bismillah Khan's performance at a festival and named his film Gunj Uthi Shehnai after the instrument. The film was a major success, and one of Bismillah's songs, "Dil ka khilona hai toot gaya", became very popular. Despite this success, Bismillah Khan's contributions to film music were limited to just two films: Vijay Bhatt's Gunj Uthi Shehnai and Vikram Srinivas's Sanadhi Apanna. He expressed his discomfort with the artificiality and glamour of the film industry, stating he could not reconcile with it.