The Sound of Music

Part I: Evelyn Glennie Listens to Sound without Hearing It

Overcoming Disability: Evelyn Glennie, a Scottish musician, became profoundly deaf by the age of eleven due to gradual nerve damage.
Determination: Despite being advised to attend a school for the deaf and wear hearing aids, Evelyn was determined to lead a normal life and pursue her passion for music.
Learning to "Feel" Music: Percussionist Ron Forbes spotted her potential and taught her to sense music through her body rather than her ears. She learned to feel vibrations in different parts of her body, such as her waist, skin, and even her hair.
Academic Success: She auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music in London and scored some of the highest marks in the institution's history.
Global Recognition: She became a world-renowned multi-percussionist, mastering over a thousand instruments and maintaining a hectic international touring schedule.
Philanthropy: Beyond regular concerts, she gives free performances in prisons and hospitals and prioritizes teaching young musicians.
Inspiration: Evelyn serves as a "shining inspiration" for deaf children, proving that physical handicaps do not have to limit one's achievements.

Origin of the Instrument: The shehnai evolved from the 'pungi,' a shrill instrument banned by Emperor Aurangzeb. A barber (nai) improved its tonal quality, and because it was first played in the Shah's chambers, it was named 'shehnai.'
Cultural Importance: The shehnai became an indispensable part of North Indian weddings and temple ceremonies, traditionally considered an auspicious instrument.
Bismillah Khan's Early Life: Born in 1916 into a family of professional musicians in Bihar, Bismillah Khan was fascinated by the shehnai from age three while watching his uncle practice in Benaras.
Spiritual Connection: He spent years practicing in solitude on the banks of the River Ganga, which inspired him to improvise and create new raagas for the shehnai.
Historic Milestone: On August 15, 1947, Bismillah Khan became the first Indian to greet the newly independent nation with his shehnai from the Red Fort.
International Fame: He performed globally, from Afghanistan to the USA and Iran. An auditorium in Tehran was even named in his honor.
Awards and Honors: He was conferred with India's highest national awards, including the Padmashri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and the Bharat Ratna in 2001.
Deep Roots: Despite his global success, he remained deeply attached to Benaras and the Ganga, refusing to move abroad because he believed no other place could replicate the spiritual atmosphere of his home.

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