Part 1- Evelyn Glennie
Key Points of the Story
A young girl, Evelyn Glennie, enters the Royal Academy of Music in London despite being profoundly deaf. - Evelyn gradually loses her hearing due to nerve damage, leading to her discovery of deafness and the need for hearing aids. - Determined to pursue music, Evelyn learns to sense music vibrations through her body and excels in percussion. - Evelyn achieves remarkable success in music, touring, winning awards, and becoming a highly sought-after multi percussionist. - Despite her deafness, Evelyn astounds audiences with her musical performances and unique connection to music.
Detailed Summary
RUSH hour crowds push roughly on the underground train platform. A small and thin girl, appearing younger than her seventeen years, felt both nervous and excited as she sensed the approaching train. This marked her first day at the esteemed Royal Academy of Music in London, a daunting experience for any teenager fresh from a Scottish farm. However, this aspiring musician faced a significant challenge beyond the ordinary: she was profoundly deaf.
Evelyn Glennie, the central figure in this narrative, experienced a gradual loss of hearing. Her mother, Isabel Glennie, first detected an issue when eight-year-old Evelyn failed to respond while waiting to play the piano. Eventually, it became clear that her hearing was severely impaired due to gradual nerve damage. Despite efforts to conceal her growing deafness, by the age of eleven, her academic performance had declined, prompting her parents to seek specialized help.
Evelyn's journey took a pivotal turn when she decided not to succumb to her condition. Encountering a girl playing a xylophone, she felt a strong desire to play as well. While most teachers discouraged her, percussionist Ron Forbes recognized her potential. Through unconventional methods, he helped Evelyn discover her unique way of sensing and interpreting music without relying on traditional auditory cues. Her perseverance and hard work propelled Evelyn forward.
She embarked on a musical journey, transitioning from orchestral work to solo performances. Her dedication and talent were acknowledged when she scored remarkably well during her audition at the Royal Academy of Music, securing numerous top awards by the end of her course. Evelyn's achievements, although extraordinary, were grounded in her firm belief that hard work and determination pave the path to success. Despite facing challenges due to her deafness, she honed her skills to become a highly sought-after multipercussionist with a profound understanding of over a thousand instruments and a busy international performance schedule.
Observing Evelyn seamlessly navigate through life without hearing is indeed intriguing. Her ability to communicate effectively, even without auditory input, showcases her adaptability and determination. She explains that music resonates throughout her entire being, manifesting as tingling sensations in different parts of her body when she plays various instruments.
In 1991, Evelyn received the esteemed Soloist of the Year Award from the Royal Philharmonic Society, a recognition of her exceptional musical prowess. Renowned percussionist James Blades marveled at her ability to convey emotions through music with unparalleled depth, emphasizing that she experiences music on a profound level that surpasses mere auditory perception. Evelyn admits to being a workaholic, driven by a relentless passion for her craft.
Apart from her regular performances, she generously offers free concerts in unconventional venues like prisons and hospitals, prioritizing educational initiatives for young musicians. Her impact on the deaf community is profound, serving as a beacon of inspiration and possibility for children facing similar challenges.
Evelyn Glennie's journey serves as a testament to the power of dedication and resilience. She has not only elevated percussion in the realm of classical music but has also inspired countless individuals, proving that one's abilities are not defined by limitations. Her story resonates with those seeking solace and motivation, demonstrating that with unwavering determination, remarkable achievements are within reach.
Theme/ Message
Difficult Words
1. Daunting: causing fear or intimidation.
2. Aspiring: having ambitions to achieve something.
3. Impaired: weakened or damaged.
4. Conceal: to hide or keep secret.
5. Orchestral: relating to an orchestra or orchestral music.
6. Solo Performances: musical performances by a single artist.
7. Workaholic: a person who compulsively works excessively hard.
8. Handicapped: having a physical or mental disability.
9. Resonances: choes or vibrations of sounds.
10. Effortlessly: with ease and without effort.
11. Tingles: causes a slight pricking or stinging sensation.
12. Flawlessly: without any fault or mistake.
13. Lilt: a particular way of speaking.
14. Prestigious: inspiring respect and admiration.
15. Triumph: a great victory or achievement.
Part 2: Bismillah Khan
Key Points of the Story
- Emperor Aurangzeb's ban on the pungi led to the creation of the melodious shehnai by a barber from a family of musicians.
- The shehnai gained popularity for its auspicious sound, becoming integral to North Indian weddings and temple ceremonies.
- Ustad Bismillah Khan's journey from a young musician in Bihar to an acclaimed shehnai maestro, receiving prestigious awards.
- Bismillah Khan's international recognition, performances, and impact on Indian classical music.
- Bismillah Khan's deep-rooted affection for his hometowns, Benaras and Dumraon, despite global acclaim.
- Bismillah Khan's life as a portrayal of India's rich cultural heritage, bridging religious and musical traditions.
Detailed Summary
Once upon a time in a land where music was both forbidden and revered, a young barber dared to challenge tradition. In the royal residence of Emperor Aurangzeb, the playing of a musical instrument known as the pungi was strictly prohibited due to its unpleasant, shrill sound. The pungi, a reeded noisemaker, seemed destined to fade into obscurity.
However, a twist of fate intervened when a barber from a family of musicians, granted access to the royal palace, decided to reinvent the pungi. He crafted a new instrument, with a longer, broader hollow stem and seven holes for producing soft, melodious sounds. This innovation caught the attention of royalty, leading to the birth of a new instrument - the shehnai.
The shehnai's enchanting sound soon became associated with auspicious occasions, particularly in temples and North Indian weddings. Originally part of the traditional ensemble at royal courts, the shehnai's transition to the classical stage was credited to the legendary Ustad Bismillah Khan.
Bismillah Khan, hailing from a prestigious lineage of musicians in Bihar, showed early talent in music. From a young age, he immersed himself in the world of shehnai, learning from his uncle and honing his skills by the banks of the Ganga. His dedication and passion for music blossomed, leading him to captivate audiences both in India and abroad.
At the Allahabad Music Conference, a pivotal moment arrived when the renowned Ustad Faiyaz Khan recognized Bismillah's potential, offering words of encouragement that spurred him on his musical journey. Bismillah Khan's performance at the Red Fort on India's Independence Day marked a historic moment, symbolizing the nation's newfound freedom through the soulful notes of his shehnai.
Internationally acclaimed, Bismillah Khan's music transcended borders, earning him accolades and admiration worldwide. His humility and dedication to his art were exemplified through his refusal to be swayed by the glitz and glamour of the film industry, despite his success in composing music for a few notable films.
With a string of prestigious awards such as the Padmashri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, Bismillah Khan's crowning achievement came in 2001 when he was bestowed with India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna. His impassioned plea to preserve and propagate India's rich musical heritage resonated deeply, emphasizing the universal language of music.
Despite his global acclaim and travels, Bismillah Khan's heart remained rooted in his beloved towns of Benaras and Dumraon. His unwavering connection to his cultural roots and his ability to bridge religious and musical divides embodied the essence of India's diverse and inclusive heritage.
Ustad Bismillah Khan's life story serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of India's cultural legacy, where music transcends boundaries of faith and tradition. His legacy lives on, a reminder of the power of music to unite hearts and souls, creating harmony amidst diversity.
In a poignant moment of national mourning, Ustad Bismillah Khan bid farewell to the world, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to inspire and enchant generations to come.
Theme/Message
Themes:
- The fusion of tradition and innovation in music.
- The power of music to transcend boundaries and touch hearts globally.
- The significance of cultural roots and personal connections in an artist's life.
Message:
- Music has the ability to bridge cultural divides and create lasting connections.
- Dedication, passion, and hard work can lead to unparalleled success and recognition.
- One's roots and heritage should always be cherished and celebrated, no matter the heights of achievement.
Difficult Words
- auspicious: promising to bring good fortune
- indispensable: without which a piece of work cannot be done
- ensembles: things considered as a group
- melodious: pleasant-sounding
- maestro: a distinguished musician, especially a conductor
- coveted: greatly desired or envied
- celluloid: relating to the film industry
- replicating: to copy or reproduce
- devout: deeply religious
- prolonged: extended in time
- acclaimed: highly praised or recognized
- transcend: to go beyond the limits of
- affection: a gentle feeling of fondness or liking
- heritage: practices that are handed down from the past by tradition
