Key Concept: Ustad Bismillah Khan’s Early Life

a) Age 3

[Solution Description]

According to the syllabus, Bismillah Khan started accompanying his uncle, Ali Bux, to the Vishnu temple in Benaras at the age of three. His mother took him to his maternal uncle’s house in Benaras, where he was fascinated by watching his uncles practice the shehnai.

Key Concept: Bismillah Khan’s Love for India

b) He refused to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A.

[Solution Description] The text mentions that Bismillah Khan refused to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A. because he could not imagine living without the Ganga. This shows his deep attachment to India and Benaras.

Key Concept: Basic Concepts

c) Thesis statement

[Solution Description]

An introduction typically includes a brief overview of the topic, the purpose of the document, and sometimes a thesis statement.

Key Concept: Historical Context

c) Aurangzeb

[Solution Description]

The correct answer is Emperor Aurangzeb, as mentioned in the syllabus. He banned the pungi due to its shrill and unpleasant sound.

Key Concept: Career Transition

b) Orchestral work

[Solution Description]

According to the syllabus, she gradually moved from orchestral work to solo performances. Therefore, the correct answer is orchestral work.

Key Concept: Descriptive Writing

c) To describe a scene, person, or event vividly

[Solution Description] Descriptive writing aims to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind by using detailed descriptions and sensory language.

Key Concept: Evelyn Glennie’s Achievements

b) She toured the United Kingdom with a youth orchestra

[Solution Description]

By the age of sixteen, Evelyn Glennie toured the United Kingdom with a youth orchestra and decided to make music her life. This marked a significant milestone in her musical career.

Key Concept: Recognition

c) Soloist of the Year Award

[Solution Description]

The text states that Evelyn received the Royal Philharmonic Society’s prestigious Soloist of the Year Award in 1991.

Key Concept: Symbolism

c) Passion

[Solution Description]

The color red is frequently used to symbolize passion, love, or danger in literature. It can evoke strong emotions and highlight important themes.

Key Concept: Passion and Dedication

c) Royal Philharmonic Society’s Soloist of the Year Award

[Solution Description]

Evelyn Glennie was presented with the Royal Philharmonic Society’s prestigious Soloist of the Year Award in 1991. This is mentioned in the syllabus.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

c) 17

[Solution Description]

According to the passage, Evelyn Glennie was looking younger than her seventeen years when she joined the Royal Academy of Music in London. This clearly indicates that she was 17 years old at the time.

Key Concept: Evelyn Glennie’s Achievements

b) Soloist of the Year Award

[Solution Description] Evelyn Glennie received the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Soloist of the Year Award in 1991. This is mentioned in the syllabus where it states, “In 1991 she was presented with the Royal Philharmonic Society’s prestigious Soloist of the Year Award.”

Key Concept: Film Industry

c) Bismillah Khan

[Solution Description]

The film Gunj Uthi Shehnai was directed by Vijay Bhatt, and the music for this film was composed by Bismillah Khan. This information is directly mentioned in the syllabus.

Key Concept: International Performances

c) Afghanistan

[Solution Description]

Bismillah Khan’s first trip abroad was to Afghanistan, where he performed for King Zahir Shah. This is a direct fact from the syllabus.

Key Concept: Concept: Awards at the Royal Academy of Music

c) She captured most of the top awards

[Solution Description] According to the syllabus, by the end of her three-year course, she had captured most of the top awards at the Royal Academy of Music.

Key Concept: Concept: Evelyn’s Work

c) Free concerts in prisons and hospitals

[Solution Description]

Evelyn gives free concerts in prisons and hospitals, apart from regular concerts.

Key Concept: Audition Preparation

c) Confidence and clarity in her performance

[Solution Description]

During an audition, the most crucial aspect for Evelyn to focus on is her ability to perform with confidence and clarity. This includes understanding the piece she is performing, connecting emotionally with it, and presenting it in a way that showcases her technical skills and artistic interpretation.

Key Concept: Khansaab’s Attachment to Benaras

b) Benaras and Dumraon

[Solution Description]

The text explicitly mentions that Khansaab is exceedingly fond of Benaras and Dumraon, considering them the most wonderful towns in the world.

Key Concept: Determination

a) Soul-searching quality

[Solution Description] Evelyn Glennie’s music is known for its soul-searching quality and intellectual approach to raaga performance. This has helped her gain a following in India.

Key Concept: Evelyn Glennie’s Struggles

b) 8 years old

[Solution Description]

Evelyn Glennie’s mother noticed something was wrong when the eight-year-old Evelyn was waiting to play the piano. This indicates that Evelyn started noticing her hearing loss at the age of 8.

Key Concept: Overcoming Disabilities

c) Through vibrations felt in her body

[Solution Description]

Evelyn Glennie perceives music through vibrations that pass through different parts of her body. She feels the sound tingling in her skin, cheekbones, and hair. When playing instruments like the xylophone or drums, she senses the vibrations through the sticks and her body. This allows her to experience music deeply without relying on hearing.

Key Concept: Historical Context

b) It produced a shrill and unpleasant sound

[Solution Description]

Emperor Aurangzeb banned the pungi because it produced a shrill and unpleasant sound, which was considered undesirable in the royal residence.

Key Concept: Inspiration for Deaf Children

c) Deaf children

[Solution Description]

Ann Richlin of the Beethoven Fund for Deaf Children describes Evelyn Glennie as a shining inspiration for deaf children.

Key Concept: Historical Event

d) 1938

[Solution Description]

According to the syllabus, Bismillah Khan’s big break came with the opening of All India Radio in Lucknow in 1938.

Key Concept: Evelyn Glennie’s Determination

b) Xylophone

[Solution Description]

Evelyn Glennie decided to play the xylophone after noticing a girl playing it. This decision marked the beginning of her journey into music despite her hearing impairment.

Key Concept: Early Life of Bismillah Khan

b) 3 years

[Solution Description]

According to the syllabus, Bismillah Khan was fascinated by the shehnai at the age of three when his mother took him to his maternal uncle’s house in Benaras.

Key Concept: Cultural Heritage

c) Shehnai

[Solution Description]

Ustad Bismillah Khan was a renowned shehnai player. He is widely recognized for his mastery over this instrument, which he played at various cultural and religious events.

Key Concept: Evelyn Glennie’s Diagnosis

c) To be fitted with hearing aids and sent to a school for the deaf

[Solution Description]

After being diagnosed with severe hearing impairment due to gradual nerve damage, Evelyn Glennie’s parents were advised that she should be fitted with hearing aids and sent to a school for the deaf.

Key Concept: Basic Knowledge

c) Shehnai

[Solution Description]

Ustad Bismillah Khan was a renowned shehnai player, and he was instrumental in bringing this instrument to the classical stage.

Key Concept: Evelyn Glennie’s Mother’s Observation

c) When she was eight years old

[Solution Description] Evelyn Glennie’s mother noticed something was wrong when the eight-year-old Evelyn was waiting to play the piano. Her name was called, but she didn’t move, indicating she hadn’t heard.

Key Concept: Bismillah Khan’s Early Life

b) Three

[Solution Description]

According to the syllabus, Bismillah Khan started accompanying his uncle, Ali Bux, to the Vishnu temple in Benaras at the age of three.

Key Concept: Significance of Raag Kafi

b) Raag Kafi

[Solution Description]

On India’s Independence Day, Bismillah Khan performed Raag Kafi from the Red Fort. This raag holds significance in Indian classical music and was chosen for this historic occasion.

Key Concept: Vibrations through Bare Feet

b) To feel the vibrations through her bare feet

[Solution Description] Evelyn removes her shoes so that the vibrations from the wooden platform can pass through her bare feet and up her legs. This allows her to feel the music more intensely through physical sensations.

Key Concept: Cultural Heritage

b) At weddings and similar occasions

[Solution Description]

Before becoming famous, Bismillah Khan traditionally played the shehnai at weddings and other similar occasions. His performances at these events helped him gain recognition and eventually led to his fame.

Key Concept: Historical Context

c) Aurangzeb

[Solution Description]

The syllabus mentions that Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in the royal residence due to its unpleasant sound.

Key Concept: Learning Process

c) Her mind and body

[Solution Description]

Through Ron Forbes’ exercises, Evelyn learned to open her mind and body to sounds and vibrations, which was essential for her development as a musician.

Key Concept: Evelyn’s Work Ethic

b) She often works harder than other classical musicians

[Solution Description]

Evelyn confesses that she is something of a workaholic and often works harder than other classical musicians.

Key Concept: Evelyn Glennie’s Determination

d) She felt despair and thought everything looked black

[Solution Description]

Evelyn Glennie’s initial reaction to discovering her hearing impairment was one of despair. Her mother, Isabel Glennie, mentioned that everything suddenly looked black for Evelyn when they were advised to fit her with hearing aids and send her to a school for the deaf. This indicates that Evelyn initially felt hopeless about her situation.

Key Concept: Determination and Perseverance

c) She ignored the discouragement and continued to pursue her interest in music.

[Solution Description]

Evelyn Glennie was determined to lead a normal life and pursue her interest in music despite discouragement from most of her teachers. She did not give up and continued to follow her passion.

Key Concept: Evelyn Glennie’s Inspiration

b) A shining inspiration

[Solution Description]

Ann Richlin of the Beethoven Fund for Deaf Children says that Evelyn Glennie is a shining inspiration for deaf children. They see that there is nowhere that they cannot go, thanks to her example.

Key Concept: Evelyn Glennie’s Awards

d) Soloist of the Year Award

[Solution Description]

Evelyn Glennie was presented with the Royal Philharmonic Society’s prestigious Soloist of the Year Award in 1991. This award recognized her exceptional talent and contribution to solo performances.

Key Concept: Logical Reasoning

b) Penguins cannot fly

[Solution Description]

While all birds can fly is a general statement, penguins are an exception. Penguins are birds but they cannot fly. Therefore, the correct conclusion is that not all birds can fly, specifically penguins.

Key Concept: Bismillah Khan’s Early Life

c) Three

[Solution Description]

According to the text, Bismillah Khan was fascinated by the shehnai at the age of three when his mother took him to his maternal uncle’s house in Benaras.

Key Concept: Anecdotal Narration

b) To make the story relatable and engaging

[Solution Description] The primary purpose of including personal experiences in an anecdotal narration is to make the story relatable and engaging for the audience. Personal experiences add a human element that helps the audience connect emotionally with the narrative.

Key Concept: Early Life of Bismillah Khan

b) Three

[Solution Description]

According to the syllabus, Bismillah Khan was fascinated by the shehnai at the age of three when his mother took him to his maternal uncle’s house in Benaras. This marked the beginning of his interest in music.

Key Concept: Inspirational Tone, Overcoming Adversity

a) By proving that deafness is not a barrier to success

[Solution Description] Evelyn Glennie’s achievements in music despite being deaf show that limitations can be overcome with determination. Her story inspires deaf children to believe they can achieve anything.

Key Concept: Shehnai and its significance

c) On the banks of the Ganga and in temples

[Solution Description]

Bismillah Khan practised the shehnai at the Vishnu temple in Benaras and on the banks of the Ganga. These places became his favourite haunts for practising the instrument.

Key Concept: Evelyn Glennie’s Musical Influence

b) She revived the study of khayal in India.

[Solution Description]

Evelyn Glennie’s soul-searching quality of music and intellectual approach to raaga performance have gained her a significant following in India and have helped revive the study of khayal.

Key Concept: Bismillah Khan’s early life

b) 3 years

[Solution Description]

According to the syllabus, Bismillah Khan started accompanying his uncle, Ali Bux, to the Vishnu temple of Benaras when he was three years old.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

c) A barber

[Solution Description]

A barber from a family of professional musicians transformed the pungi into the shehnai by improving its tonal quality and making it melodious.

Key Concept: Family Background

b) Bihar

[Solution Description]

Bismillah Khan was born in Bihar, as mentioned in the syllabus.

Key Concept: Concept: Sound Perception

c) By sensing the sound through the stick into her fingertips

[Solution Description]

While playing the xylophone, Evelyn senses the sound passing up the stick into her fingertips. This tactile sensation allows her to feel the music directly through her hands.

Key Concept: Understanding Evelyn’s Early Challenges

c) Eight years old

[Solution Description]

The text mentions that Evelyn’s mother noticed something was wrong when the eight-year-old Evelyn was waiting to play the piano. This indicates that her hearing impairment was first noticed when she was eight years old.