The Sound of Music Overview

The Sound of Music Class 9 is a powerful chapter from the CBSE English Beehive textbook. It features two inspiring parts that introduce students to the lives of two legendary musicians – Evelyn Glennie, a profoundly deaf percussionist, and Ustad Bismillah Khan, the master of the shehnai. This chapter not only highlights the struggles and achievements of these music legends but also promotes perseverance, dedication, and the power of music. We provide a comprehensive summary, NCERT solutions, character insights, and key takeaways to help you score well in exams.

Chapter Overview

Part I: Evelyn Glennie Listens to Sound Without Hearing It

This part of the story focuses on Evelyn Glennie, who became deaf by the age of 11 but went on to become a world-renowned percussionist. It chronicles her struggle to adapt, her passion for music, and her ability to "feel" music through vibrations in her body.

Part II: The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan

This section narrates the life and legacy of Ustad Bismillah Khan, who revolutionized the traditional Indian instrument, the shehnai, and took it to the global stage. His contribution to Indian classical music and his deep love for India are beautifully portrayed.

Summary of Part I: Evelyn Glennie

1. Evelyn lost her hearing at the age of eight but it was discovered when she was eleven.
2. Despite being advised to use hearing aids and attend special schools, Evelyn pursued regular schooling and music.
3. She met Ron Forbes, a percussionist, who noticed her ability to feel musical vibrations and guided her.
4. Evelyn learned to "hear" music through different parts of her body – she could sense vibrations through her feet, skin, and even her hair.
5. She studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London and graduated with the highest marks in the history of the institution.
6. Evelyn has toured the world, played in orchestras, and is known for her mastery over multiple percussion instruments.
7. She believes music flows through every part of her body and uses it to inspire others, especially those with disabilities.

Key Message:

Evelyn Glennie's story teaches us that determination, hard work, and courage can overcome any obstacle.

Summary of Part II: Ustad Bismillah Khan

1. Ustad Bismillah Khan was born in 1916 into a family of musicians in Bihar.
2. His love for music began in childhood. He would accompany his uncle to the Vishnu temple where his uncle played the shehnai.
3. He practiced for hours and developed a unique style.
4. Bismillah Khan brought the shehnai, a traditional instrument used in temples and weddings, to the concert stage.
5. He performed on India's Independence Day in 1947 from the Red Fort, becoming a national icon.
6. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.
7. Despite fame and international recognition, he stayed humble and deeply rooted in Indian culture and music.

Key Message:

Bismillah Khan's story shows how passion and patriotism can lead to greatness, and how cultural roots should be cherished.

NCERT Solutions: The Sound of Music Class 9

Part I: Evelyn Glennie

Q1: How did Evelyn hear music despite being deaf?

A: Evelyn learned to sense music through vibrations felt in her body – her feet, cheekbones, and even hair. Her instructor Ron Forbes helped her tune different parts of her body to different sounds.

Q2: What did Evelyn achieve in her life?

A: She became an internationally renowned percussionist, performed globally, won awards, and inspired many, especially the differently-abled.

Q3: What qualities of Evelyn Glennie do you admire?

A: Her determination, hard work, and positive mindset.

Part II: Bismillah Khan

Q1: Where did Bismillah Khan get his training in music?

A: He was trained by his uncle, Ali Bux, who played the shehnai in the Vishnu temple of Benaras.

Q2: How did Bismillah Khan contribute to Indian music?

A: He elevated the shehnai to classical status, performed in India and abroad, and was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his achievements.

Q3: What do you learn from Bismillah Khan's life?

A: Simplicity, love for tradition, and dedication to one's art can lead to greatness.

Literary Devices Used

1. Imagery: Descriptions of how Evelyn feels music and how the shehnai sounds in temples.
2. Alliteration: “She sensed sound.”
3. Metaphors: Music as a form of life or divine connection.
4. Inspiration tone: Both stories uplift and motivate.

Character Sketches

Evelyn Glennie

1. Brave, talented, determined, passionate
2. Refused to be defeated by disability
3. Opened doors for others with disabilities

Bismillah Khan

1. Humble, patriotic, culturally rooted
2. Master of shehnai
3. Chose his country over fame abroad

Important Themes

1. Overcoming adversity
2. Dedication to art
3. Cultural pride
4. Inclusivity and equality

How This Chapter Helps in Exams

1. Reading comprehension
2. Vocabulary and grammar practice
3. Long answer questions based on values
4. Paragraph writing on role models

Practice Questions

1. How did Evelyn discover she could experience sound without hearing it?
2. Write a character sketch of Bismillah Khan.
3. What makes the lives of Evelyn and Bismillah Khan inspirational?
4. How did Bismillah Khan's love for India reflect in his choices?
5. Why is The Sound of Music an apt title for both stories?

Conclusion

The Sound of Music Class 9 – Summary, NCERT Solutions & Musical Legends offers a unique blend of two real-life stories that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and the richness of Indian musical heritage. Evelyn Glennie defied the odds to become a global musician despite her deafness, while Bismillah Khan redefined traditional Indian music through his love for the shehnai. This chapter teaches us that passion, perseverance, and purpose can break barriers.

Whether you are a student preparing for CBSE exams or someone seeking motivation through real-life icons, this chapter is a tribute to the power of music and human will.

Prepare well with this guide, and don't forget to appreciate the rhythm of life that these legends have taught us.