Revision Notes for Class 9 English
Chapter 2 – The Sound of Music
About the Author and the Key Highlights:
"The Sound of Music," found in Class 9 English Chapter 2, is part of the NCERT textbook
"Beehive." It tells the story of Maria, a young woman who discovers her love for music while
working as a governess in Austria. "The Sound of Music" follows Maria's journey from a
carefree youth to a devoted governess. It explores themes of perseverance, the joy of music,
and how creativity can transform lives and foster connections with others.
Character Sketches:
Maria: A cheerful young girl who loves music and lives in a convent. She becomes a
governess for the Von Trapp family and introduces music into their lives.
Captain Von Trapp: A strict father who is initially distant from his children. He changes
after Maria arrives and brings music and joy into their home.
Children (Von Trapp Family): Each child has a unique personality. They are shy at first
but grow close to Maria through her kindness and love for music.
The Sound of Music Class 9 Summary for Chapter 2:
"The Sound of Music" includes two stories about famous musicians. It's divided into two parts:
Part 1, "Evelyn Glennie Listens to Sound without Hearing It" by Deborah Cowley, and Part 2,
which tells the story of the legendary Indian Shehnai player, Bismillah Khan.
The Sound of Music Summary Part 1: Evelyn Glennie Listens to Sound without Hearing
It:
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• "Evelyn Glennie Listens to Sound without Hearing It" tells the story of Scottish
percussionist Evelyn Glennie and her journey as a successful musician despite being
deaf. Evelyn feels music through vibrations and physical sensations rather than hearing
it. Her hearing loss began when she was eleven, but this didn't stop her passion for
music.
• Encouraged by percussionist Ron Forbes, Evelyn excelled in playing instruments like
the xylophone, using her body to sense music. She achieved remarkable success,
scoring one of the highest marks ever at the Royal Academy of Music. Evelyn has
received many awards, including the 'Soloist of the Year Award' from the Royal
Philharmonic Society in 1991.
• Evelyn Glennie is an inspiration to people with disabilities, showing determination in
pursuing her musical dreams and motivating others with her extraordinary
performances and dedication to music.
The Sound of Music Summary Part 2: The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan:
• In The Sound of Music Summary Part 2 chapter, we learn about Ustad Bismillah Khan,
a legendary Shehnai player and how this musical instrument came into existence. The
Shehnai was first played in the chamber of a Mughal Emperor by a barber from a family
of musicians. He crafted a pipe with holes and produced melodious sounds by covering
and uncovering these holes.
• Ustad Bismillah Khan, belonging to a renowned family of musicians, popularized the
Shehnai and introduced new tunes and ragas. Inspired by the river Ganga since
childhood, he often played near its banks at the temple of Balaji and Mangala Maiya in
Benares. Khan had a diverse upbringing and would regularly play the Shehnai at the
Kashi Vishwanath temple.
• In 1938, Khan gained prominence with his performance at the inauguration of All India
Radio in Lucknow. He also played the Shehnai during India's independence in 1947,
becoming the first Indian to greet the nation with his music. His soulful renditions
earned him immense acclaim nationally and internationally, leading to numerous
awards including the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Bharat
Ratna.
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• Khan's fame extended globally as he performed at prestigious venues like the Lincoln
Centre Hall in the USA and participated in events such as the Cannes Art Festival and
the World Exposition in Montreal. Despite international recognition, he cherished his
roots in Benares and Dumraon. Ustad Bismillah Khan passed away on 21st August
2006, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful music.
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