The Sound of Music MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz is for Class IX students studying English Language and Literature (Code 184). It covers the chapter “The Sound of Music” from Section C: Literature (Beehive Prose). The questions focus on understanding the biography and incidents from the lives of Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan, interpreting the messages conveyed, and answering inference-based questions. Attempt all questions and click “Submit Quiz” to see your score. You can then download a PDF of your answers for revision.
About ‘The Sound of Music’
This chapter from the ‘Beehive’ textbook consists of two inspiring biographical pieces about two eminent Indian musicians who achieved great success through dedication and hard work. Part I tells the story of Evelyn Glennie, a multi-percussionist who learned to listen to music through her body despite her profound deafness. Part II is about the legendary shehnai maestro, Ustad Bismillah Khan, who took the shehnai to the classical stage and earned India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.
Key Concepts Covered
This chapter helps students develop several key literary and life skills:
- Understanding Biography: A biography is the story of a person’s life. This chapter teaches us to identify key events, challenges, and achievements that shaped the character’s journey. For example, understanding the incident of Evelyn’s deafness being confirmed at age eleven is crucial to appreciating her later success.
- Inferring the Message: The stories are not just factual accounts; they carry powerful messages. The central message is that physical disability cannot be a barrier to success if one has strong determination and a clear goal. Both Evelyn and Bismillah Khan exemplify the values of hard work, passion, and humility.
- Inference-Based Questions: Many questions require you to ‘read between the lines’. For instance, when Bismillah Khan refused to start a shehnai school in the USA, we can infer his deep love and connection to his motherland, especially Benaras and the River Ganga.
Evelyn Glennie vs. Bismillah Khan: A Comparison
While both were musical geniuses, their journeys and contexts were different. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Evelyn Glennie | Bismillah Khan |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument | Percussion (Xylophone, drums, etc.) | Shehnai |
| Primary Challenge | Profound deafness | Bringing a folk instrument to the classical stage |
| Key Mentor | Ron Forbes | His maternal uncle, Ali Bux |
| Core Message | Overcoming physical disability with determination | Devotion to music and deep cultural roots |
| Highest Honour | Royal Philharmonic Society’s Soloist of the Year Award | Bharat Ratna (India’s highest civilian award) |
Quick Revision Points
- Evelyn Glennie’s deafness was gradual; it was first noticed at age 8 and confirmed at 11.
- Percussionist Ron Forbes helped her feel music through vibrations in different parts of her body.
- She auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music in London and scored one of the highest marks in its history.
- Bismillah Khan belonged to a family of professional musicians from Dumraon in Bihar.
- He transformed the ‘pungi’, a reeded instrument banned by Emperor Aurangzeb, into the melodic shehnai.
- He played the shehnai from the Red Fort on India’s first Independence Day, 15th August 1947.
- He was a devout Muslim who also worshipped in the Kashi Vishwanath temple, symbolizing India’s composite culture.
Practice Questions for Self-Assessment
- What does Evelyn Glennie’s story teach us about perception?
- Why was Bismillah Khan’s music considered a symbol of India’s rich, composite culture?
- How did Ron Forbes’s advice change Evelyn’s approach to music?
- Describe the significance of the Red Fort for Bismillah Khan’s career.
- “If you work hard and know where you are going, you’ll get there.” How does this quote apply to both musicians featured in the chapter?
