Music and Creation — Study Notes & Solutions

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Working with Words

A. Vocabulary Solutions

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B. Classification of Musical Instruments

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C. Genres of Music

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Comprehension

A. Chronological Timeline of Beethoven's Life

1. •
   Born into a musical family in Bonn, Germany.
2. •
   Learned to play the organ, piano, violin, and viola.
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   Migrated to Vienna to pursue his career.
4. •
   First noticed hearing loss (inability to detect high-pitched sounds) at age 27.
5. •
   Experienced worsening deafness, where he could hear sound but not understand speech.
6. •
   Lived an increasingly secluded life due to social isolation.
7. •
   Struggled with deep emotional distress before reaffirming his passion for artistic creation.
8. •
   Passed away from hepatitis at the age of fifty-six.

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B. True / False Statements

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  a. Beethoven became blind in a gradual process over two decades. $\rightarrow$ False (He suffered from hearing loss, not vision loss.)
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  b. He became a celebrity musician in his teenage years. $\rightarrow$ True
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  c. He did not disclose his hearing problem for a long time. $\rightarrow$ True
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  d. He knew that he misunderstood speakers and gave up public performances immediately. $\rightarrow$ False
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  e. He tried to get his deafness treated until his death. $\rightarrow$ False
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  f. Beethoven died in his early fifties. $\rightarrow$ False (He died at age 56, in his late fifties.)
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  g. Doctors found the cause of his deafness after his death. $\rightarrow$ False

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C. Questions & Answers

a. What does Helen Keller think about deafness and blindness?

Helen Keller observed that while blindness disconnects individuals from physical objects, deafness isolates individuals from human communication and relationships.

b. Why does the author compare Beethoven with Milton, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec?

The author compares Beethoven to these iconic figures to highlight how world-class artists achieved historical greatness despite living with severe physical or psychological challenges.

c. When and how did Beethoven notice he was becoming deaf?

At age 27, Beethoven first detected his hearing loss when he lost the ability to hear high-frequency tones, marking the onset of nerve deafness.

d. What psychological effects did he experience upon realizing his hearing loss?

He experienced anxiety, diminished self-esteem, social withdrawal, emotional distress, and mounting self-doubt regarding his professional capabilities.

e. How did he triumph over his period of deep despair?

Beethoven overcame his emotional crisis through his commitment to moral ethics, personal resilience, and an overwhelming devotion to musical composition.

f. How did he accept his deafness?

He came to terms with his condition by acknowledging its inevitability, recognizing that dwelling on his loss would prevent him from fulfilling his creative potential.

g. How was his deafness ironically beneficial to the world?

His hearing loss forced him to turn inward, allowing him to compose uninhibited by external noise and tap into deep levels of creative expression.

h. When did Beethoven permanently give up public musical performances?

He stepped away from public performances during his mid-forties after noticing that his inability to hear caused embarrassing performance errors.

i. What did Stephen von Breuning observe about Beethoven's behavior?

In 1804, von Breuning noted that Beethoven had grown increasingly withdrawn, guarded, and distrustful toward even his closest friends.

j. How did Beethoven manifest his internal conflicts?

He displayed internal turmoil by retreating into social isolation, harboring suspicion toward acquaintances, and processing intense feelings through his personal writings.

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Critical Thinking

A. Monologue: Beethoven's Inner Resolve

"There was a time when my life was filled with public praise and performance. People celebrated my music and admired my talent. Yet today, I sit in absolute silence, cut off from the very sounds I love. The isolation weighs heavily on me, and there are moments when the silence feels unbearable.

But I refuse to let despair determine my fate. My artistic journey is far from complete. I still have unwritten symphonies within me, and my passion for music remains undiminished. While I may no longer hear the external world, I can hear every harmony clearly within my mind. I choose life, creation, and resilience. I will continue to compose for the world, listening to the music within my soul."

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B. Analytical Essay: Dedication and Practice vs. Inspiration

While natural talent plays a role in artistic accomplishment, Beethoven's standing as one of history's greatest composers was forged through rigorous discipline, continuous practice, and relentless devotion to his craft.

Beethoven's mastery stemmed from years of formal instruction in organ, piano, violin, and viola during his youth. When progressive hearing loss threatened his career, he relied on his deep understanding of music theory and inner auditory visualization rather than external sound. His ability to compose iconic works like the Ninth Symphony while completely deaf demonstrates that hard work, resilience, and mastery of technique outweigh passive inspiration.

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Writing

Biography: Swar Samrat Narayan Gopal Guruacharya

Narayan Gopal Guruacharya (1996–2047 BS) stands as one of the most celebrated figures in Nepalese music. Broadly revered as Swar Samrat ("Emperor of Voice") and the "King of Tragedy," his emotional vocal range left an indelible mark on Nepal's cultural identity.

Born into a traditional Newar family in Kathmandu, Narayan Gopal was introduced to classical music by his father. Although trained in classical foundations, he carved his own path in modern Nepalese music, blending traditional melodies with rich orchestral arrangements featuring instruments like the sitar, harmonium, and flute.

Over his career, he recorded more than 500 songs spanning modern solos, duet compositions, and movie soundtracks. Some of his most iconic tracks include:

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  Euta Manche Ko Maya Le Kati
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  Jhareko Paat Jhai
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  Yo Samjhine Man Cha
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  Saawan Ko Jhari Bani

Narayan Gopal was known for his high standards and selective choice of lyrics, collaborating with leading poets and lyricists of his era. His distinct voice allowed him to convey deep human emotions, particularly themes of love, longing, and heartbreak.

In recognition of his musical contributions, he was honored with numerous national accolades, including the prestigious Prasiddha Prabhal Gorkha Dakshin Bahu and the Chhinalata Puraskar. Decades after his passing, his songs remain widely played across Nepal, cementing his legacy as a timeless musical icon.

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Grammar

A. Preposition Completion

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  a. I was accompanied to the hospital by my friend.
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  b. I have great respect for my teachers.
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  c. The culprit was sentenced to death.
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  d. His arguments are not based on truth.
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  e. He has not contributed to the development of our nation.
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  f. He died of Corona at the age of thirty-five.
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  g. The young generation of Nepali people don’t take interest in politics.
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  h. Our village was not infected with Corona.
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  i. Why do you sneer at me?

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B. Time Prepositions (for, since, until, by, in)

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  a. The classes will be over by 5 PM.
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  b. Karma Sherpa reached the top of Mt. Everest in 8 hours.
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  c. We had met after five years, so we kept on talking until three in the morning.
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  d. She has been living in America since she got married.
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  e. He has been playing video games for ten hours.
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  f. She practices the Sitar every day for five hours.
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  g. He lived in Jumla until he passed high school examinations.
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  h. There is no chance of dry weather today; it has rained since last Saturday.
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  i. I can type 120 words in a minute.
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  j. We take an early breakfast; it’s generally ready by six in the morning.