The Sound of Music — Practice

Question 1

How did Evelyn Glennie 'hear' music?

Accepted Answer

She felt the vibrations of the music through her body — hands, feet and even her hair.

✦ Answer: through body vibrations.

Question 2

Which instrument did Bismillah Khan make famous, and what honour did he receive?

Accepted Answer

The shehnai; he was awarded the Bharat Ratna.

✦ Answer: the shehnai; Bharat Ratna.

Question 3

Who helped Evelyn realise she could sense different notes?

Accepted Answer

Percussionist Ron Forbes, who taught her to feel notes through different parts of her body.

✦ Answer: Ron Forbes.

Question 4

How is Evelyn Glennie's achievement an inspiration?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Despite profound deafness she mastered many instruments and topped the Royal Academy of Music.

Step 2 — She became the world's leading solo percussionist, showing that determination can overcome any handicap.

✦ Answer: she turned a severe disability into world-class success through perseverance.

Question 5

Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to settle abroad despite invitations?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — He was deeply attached to Varanasi and the river Ganga, his source of inspiration.

Step 2 — He said he could not live without them, so he chose to stay in India.

✦ Answer: his devotion to Varanasi and the Ganga kept him in India.

Question 6

How does this chapter reflect India's composite culture?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Bismillah Khan, a devout Muslim, devoted his life to music associated with Hindu temples and a goddess of learning.

Step 2 — He played at temples and on Independence Day, embodying religious harmony.

✦ Answer: a Muslim maestro steeped in a shared Hindu-Muslim musical tradition — secular India in one life.

Question 7

What values can students learn from Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — From Evelyn: perseverance, courage and not letting a handicap define you.

Step 2 — From Bismillah Khan: devotion to one's art, humility, love of one's roots and respect for all faiths.

Step 3 — Together: single-minded dedication turns talent into greatness.

✦ Answer: perseverance, dedication, humility and harmony.

Question 8

Both musicians faced challenges. Compare how each rose above them.

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Evelyn's challenge was physical (deafness); she adapted by sensing vibrations and practising relentlessly.

Step 2 — Bismillah Khan's challenge was to win respect for a 'lesser' folk instrument; he did so through mastery and devotion.

Step 3 — Both succeeded by sheer dedication and love of music.

✦ Answer: different obstacles, the same answer — discipline and devotion.

Practice — The Sound of Music