Summary of Chapter: The Sound of Music

Kishori Amonkar

• Background: Born in 1931, daughter of Smt. Mogubai Kurdikar.
• Musical Style: Developed a unique variant of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana.
• Influence: Inspired by ancient Vedic teachings and the devotional nature of vocal music.
• Awards:
  • Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1985)
  • Padma Bhushan (1987)
  • Sangeet Samradhini Award (1997)

Evelyn Glennie

• Background: Profoundly deaf since age 11, attended the Royal Academy of Music.
• Musical Journey: Discovered her ability to feel music through vibrations.
• Achievements:
  • Awarded Royal Philharmonic Society's Soloist of the Year (1991)
  • Mastery of over a thousand instruments.
• Inspiration: Acts as a role model for the handicapped, demonstrating perseverance and success in music despite challenges.

Bismillah Khan

• Early Life: Began learning shehnai at a young age, inspired by his uncle.
• Big Break: Gained recognition with All India Radio in 1938.
• Historic Performance: Played at the Red Fort on India's independence day, 15 August 1947.
• International Recognition: Gained fame in Afghanistan and inspired a film named after the shehnai.

Notes on Kishori Amonkar

Introduction

• Kishori Amonkar: Renowned female vocalist, born in 1931.

Parentage

• Daughter of Smt. Mogubai Kurdikar, a great artist.

School of Music

• Initially absorbed the style of Ustad Alladiya Khan.
• Developed a unique variant of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana style.

Achievements

• Widely regarded as the finest female vocalist of her generation.
• Known for her intellectual approach to raaga performance.

Inspiration

• Inspired by the teachings of ancient Vedic sages.
• Focus on the devotional character of vocal music.

Awards

• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1985)
• Padma Bhushan (1987)
• Sangeet Samradhini Award (1997)

Notes on Evelyn Glennie

Background

• Evelyn Glennie: Aspiring musician, profoundly deaf since childhood.
• First day at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Challenges

• Gradual loss of hearing noticed at age 8.
• Managed to conceal deafness from friends and teachers.

Musical Journey

• Inspired to play the xylophone after seeing a girl perform.
• Ron Forbes, a percussionist, encouraged her to sense music through vibrations.
• Achieved high marks at the Royal Academy and transitioned to solo performances.

Achievements

• Became a sought-after multi-percussionist.
• Received the Royal Philharmonic Society's Soloist of the Year Award (1991).

Philosophy

• Believes in hard work and determination: "If you work hard and know where you're going, you'll get there."

Impact

• Inspires young musicians and those with disabilities.
• Demonstrated that percussion can be emotionally moving.

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

• Misunderstanding Adjective Placement: Students often confuse where to place adjectives in sentences. Remember that some adjectives can only be used before nouns, while others can be used both before and after the verb 'be'.
• Neglecting Key Details in Introductions: When introducing a guest, failing to include significant achievements or background information can lead to a lackluster introduction.

Tips for Success

• Use a Dictionary: Always consult a dictionary to clarify the meanings and usage of adjectives, especially those that have specific placement rules.
• Practice Introductions: Write and rehearse introductions for notable figures, ensuring to highlight their key achievements and contributions to make the introduction engaging.
• Focus on Structure: When writing about musicians or artists, structure your notes clearly, focusing on parentage, achievements, and inspirations to avoid missing important details.