Chapter 2: The Sound of Music
Part I: Evelyn Glennie Listens to Sound without Hearing It
Evelyn Glennie, a multi-percussionist, overcame profound deafness by learning to feel music through different parts of her body. Her journey from a Scottish farm to the Royal Academy of Music is a testament to determination and hard work.
Evelyn's deafness was noticed at age 8 and confirmed by 11. Instead of giving up, she was encouraged by percussionist Ron Forbes, who told her, "Don’t listen through your ears... try to sense it some other way."
She says, "Music pours in through every part of my body. It tingles in the skin, my cheekbones and even in my hair."
Part II: The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan
Ustad Bismillah Khan brought the Shehnai to the classical stage. He was awarded India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 2001. His life exemplifies the rich, cultural heritage of India.
The Shehnai evolved from the pungi, a reeded noisemaker banned by Aurangzeb. A barber (nai) improved it, and it was first played in the Shah's chambers, hence the name Sheh-nai.
Bismillah Khan refused to leave India during partition, stating his deep love for the banks of the Ganga and his home in Benaras.
Poem: Wind
Wind, come softly.
Don’t break the shutters of the windows.
Don’t scatter the papers.
Don’t throw down the books on the shelf.
...
The wind god winnows and crushes them all.
He won’t do what you tell him.
So, come, let’s build strong homes,
Let’s joint the doors firmly.
By Subramania Bharati
Essential Vocabulary
Chapter Summary
- Difficulty is not a barrier to talent (Evelyn Glennie).
- Traditional art can reach global heights through dedication (Bismillah Khan).
- The Wind represents life's challenges; we must be strong with inside and out to face them.