My Science School

               Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the greatest musicians in the history of music. His name and work still enchants the music lovers all over the world. He was a German, born in 1770 in a family of professional musicians. He learnt the basics from his father and later he also studied music under the guidance of great composers like Mozart and Haydn. Beethoven composed some of the greatest music that included symphonies, concertos, choral and chamber music. In his youth he was a well-known pianist and was admired by many famous people that included the aristocracy.

               It is said that adversity brings the best in a person and Beethoven had his share of such circumstances. He didn’t have a happy family life. His mother died when he was 17 and his father began drinking heavily. He learnt his music lessons from his father during the sober intervals of his father’s drinking bouts. He had to look after his two young brothers playing the roles of both mother and father. He left Bonn and sought his fortune in Vienna. But the most tragic episode began when he started becoming deaf at the age of 30. But his deafness could not deter him from composing music; rather he began to concentrate more vigorously and deeply. The depth of human feeling he generated from his pain and sufferings provided him the necessary motivation and inspiration to create some great music.

               Beethoven’s music was full of noble ideas and contained a variety of themes. They seemed to tell of struggles between evil forces. In his opera Fidelio, the heroine defends her husband against an evil tyrant. In his Ninth Symphony the great choral ending is a celebration of liberty. The main tune of this symphony is now used as an ‘International Anthem’ for the European community. In some of his quartets and piano sonatas, his music reached beyond anything anyone had yet imagined. Some of his music was then unplayable but now considered as masterpieces. His brilliance lies in the scope of expressions in his music as well as in the technical inventiveness.

               This great composer died in 1827 but his music has left a deep imprint in the world of music. 

               Perhaps no other city had acquired so prominent a place as Rome had in the ancient history of the world. Now the capital city of Italy, Rome is also a great cultural centre of the world situated on the banks of River Tiber, 27 km from the Mediterranean sea. The influence of Roman civilization was widespread covering the fields of art, culture, architecture, sports, education, administration, warfare and empire building, etc. Proverbs like ‘Rome was not built in a day’ or ‘Be a Roman when in Rome’ reflect the great culture and civilization of this ancient city. But do you know when was Rome founded?

               According to an old legend Rome was founded in 753 B.C. The legend, as told by the Roman writer Livy about 750 years later, says that the city was founded by twin brothers Romulus and Remus. The twin brothers (some say they were twin gods, sons of Mars — the god of war) were abandoned at birth as they were thrown into the River Tiber in a basket by their uncle who usurped the throne. But when a she-wolf heard the babies crying, she rescued them from water and gave her milk to suck. Later a shepherd brought them up as his own sons. When they grew up they killed their wicked uncle and ascended the throne. They began building a new city on one of Rome's seven hills. But a quarrel between the two brothers led Romulus to kill Remus before the completion of the city. Romulus became the sole ruler and the city was called Rome after the name of Romulus.

               Rome was built on seven hills and the valleys in between them. The seven hills were: Palatine, Capitoline, Aventine, Caelian, Esquiline, Qurinale and Viminale. The legend says that Romulus first built the city with a small settlement on the Palatine hill which was the most isolated of hills. The common belief says that several small tribes established settlements on the seven hills which gradually grew up to form the city of Rome.

               It is said that Rome was founded on April 21, 753 B.C. The ancient Romans celebrated that day and it is still a national holiday.

The long successful journey of Indian cinema started in 1913 with the release of the silent film Raja Harishchandra. Alam Ara became the first sound film in 1931. The films of 1930s had themes of social protest and the earlier phase was confined to romantic, historical and mythological themes. But the big turning point to Indian cinema came in 1953, taking it at par with International standards. Do you know who was the person responsible for carrying Indian cinema into international arena?

He was none other than the genius film-maker Satyajit Ray. He was born in Calcutta in 1921. He started his career as a commercial artist before making films. His first feature film ‘Pather Panchali’ (Song of the Road). This film was his most notable one for its realistic portrayal of everyday life and the artistic composition of its camera work that earned him worldwide recognition.

Ray had a special vision of Indian reality – hard, unbearably truthful yet moving. He was not just a great cine director but had superb mastery over other related cinematic work. He was a great writer, good composer and one of the best dialogue writers. He had a sound knowledge of cinematograph. Ray composed the music for most of his films.

Satyajit Ray made 28 full length feature films and a few documentaries. Among his most famous films, Pather Panchali, Aparajito, Apur Sansar, Charulata, Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, Satranj ke Khiladi, Nayak and Aagantuk, occupy a special place in the minds and hearts of cine lovers.

His films got wide popularity especially in USA and France. The French government awarded him ‘The Legion of Honour’ — the highest award in France. He also won the Magsaysay award in 1967. Dada Saheb Phalke award was given to him for the year 1984. The Indian Government decorated him with ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1992. But the happiest moment in his life came when he was informed of winning the special Oscar Award for life time achievement in 1992.

This great son of India passed away in 1992 at the age of 71 and thus came the end of a master craftsman.

 

            Pleasing sensation of sound to the ears is known as music. In other words, music is an organized sound with rhythm and melody. Irregular or unorganized sound which creates unpleasant sensation to the ears is called noise.

            Do you know what the seven notes of music are? It is a must for a beginner to understand what actually these notations are and how they are used? These notations are: Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, Sa. In Western music these are known as Doh, Ray, Me, Feh, Soh, Lah, Te, Doh. On the basis of these scales, musical harmony is produced. Now the question arises how musical scales were prepared?

            Musical scales were invented by a monk named Guido di Arezzo. He lived between 990 - 1050 A.D. Before him, i.e. at the beginning of 9th century, harmonized music began and used in Church with some notations. But in practical sense, there were no musical notes as such. There was only directional music which consisted only of different symbols.

            Tones of musical scale have definite frequencies. In a nutshell, when frequency of the sound of music is increased, the note we hear goes up and when it is decreased, the note goes down. Each note has a special place depending upon the intensity of a musical sound. Thus it tells the difference between Sa and Sa for instance.

             The modern world of music has developed various musical systems. It has seen many dramatic changes. Uses of recording and synthesizers have helped the development of ‘concrete music, as they are now called. In such music natural sounds are combined to stimulate musical effects. Applications of electro-magnetic musical instruments are common nowadays. Since late 1960s electronic music has been linked to computer composition. New signs or notations are being invented to meet the needs. The late 20th century has also seen the revival of folk music with its traditional flavours and beauties.

            Stanley Laurel and Hardy Oliver, popularly known as Laurel and Hardy, formed one of the most celebrated and lovable comedian teams and still considered as one of the most successful comedy duo of the Hollywood.

            Laurel, whose real name was Arthur Jefferson, was born in 1890. He was an English comedian. As a stage actor, in most of his performances, he played such roles which typically exhibited in a combination of dances, music and clowning. He subsequently travelled to America and started appearing in American films since 1917. Similarly, Hardy came from Georgia – USA. He was born in the year 1892. He first appeared on stage at the age of 8 only. He started film acting in 1914.

            Both appeared in dozens of silent films before they began their successful partnership in 1927 in a silent comedy Putting Pants on Philip. In the next thirty years they made talking pictures and achieved great success with films like Sons of the Desert (1934), Way Out West (1937) and Blockheads (1938).

            Their humours came from the contrast between the small, thin and confused Laurel and the big, fat and irritable Hardy. They made over 200 films between 1927 to 1945 in a style shaped by them, which ranged from simple visual jokes to slow paced funs to charm the appreciative audience. Famous cine critic Charles Barr remarked in his monograph on “Laurel and Hardy” (1968) that Laurel and Hardy were the most universal of comics in range and in appeal. The truth is that their work was extremely variable and grew upon until they were hilarious, irresistible and cherished.

            With the passing away of Hardy in 1957, the journey of the successful duo ended. And in 1965, Laurel also breathed his last at the age of 75.

            Kho-kho is a game involving speed and control. It is believed to have originated in Baroda (Gujarat). In 1959 the rules for this game were framed and the same year the kho-kho federation was formed in Vijawada (Andhra Pradesh).

            This game is played by two teams each having 9 players. One match is played in two innings. The kho-kho field is rectangular in shape and measures 34 metres by 16 metres. There are two rectangles X and Y and within this rectangular field, each rectangle measuring 16 metres by 4.8 metres. At M and N there are two wooden poles. MN is a central lane, 24.4 metre long and 30 cm wide. There are eight small squares 30 cm by 30 cm, on the lane. The eight players of the fielding team sit on these squares and each player sits in this square with his/her face in opposite direction of the next player. The ninth player stands near the pole. The player standing near the pole is called the chaser while three players of the other team who stand in the field are called runners. They are to be played out by the players of the first team by touching them. The player standing near the pole chases and gives a ‘kho’ is spoken at the time of touching the player. Immediately this player stands and runs and tries to touch out the player of the other team. When these three players of the second team are declared out the other three players take their place in the field. They are also touched out. When all the nine players are touched out the same process is repeated again with the opponent team.

            The time for one innings is 7 minutes. If all the players of the second team are touched out in less than seven minutes, this team again sends its players in the field. The first team’s score increases with every player of the second team being touched out. After the first innings is over the second team plays and scores the points. Whichever team scores maximum points is declared the winner.

 

            Karate is an unarmed martial art employing kicking, striking and blocking with arms and legs. He who knows the art of karate can defeat his enemy without using any weapon. A karate expert can defeat his opponent in only one attack. Judo is the art of self-defence while in karate; actual physical contact is strictly limited. To avoid injuries during combat, all punches, blows, strikes and kicks are controlled and pulled back before contact.

            Karate is a Japanese word which means ‘empty hand’. In karate bodily power is concentrated at the striking point and the instant of impact. Striking points include the hands, the ball of the foot, heel, forearm, knee and elbow. All these points are hardened by practicing blows against padded surfaces or wood. A karate expert can break several inches thick wooden boards or asbestos sheets by the strike of his bare hand or foot. Timing, tactics and spirit, however, are considered as important as physical toughness.

            In karate, blows and kicks are stopped within an inch of contact. Sporting matches commonly last only 3 minutes. As a sport it involves both mock fights and formal examinations for various grades of skill. If a competitor is not able to have a clean attack, judges give the decision on the basis of movements and defence techniques. Performances are rated by a panel of judges as in gymnastics.

            Karate evolved in Asia over a period of centuries, becoming systematized in Okinawa in the 17th century. It was introduced in Japan in the 1920s. Today, there are several schools of training in the world Championship title in karate was instituted in 1970.

            Originating in ancient China and popularized by the Japanese, karate has now attained worldwide popularity.

            Like the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games is the sports festival of the Asian countries held in every four years.

            The origin of Asian Games goes back to 1947 when the Asian Relations Conference held in New Delhi decided to organize an international games meet for Asian countries on the lines of Olympic Games – i.e. once in four years. Since then the games have grown to become Asiad - the biggest sports festival in Asia. The games have been held in the spirit of brotherhood among the Asian countries. In fact these have been something more than games because they include mutual understanding for exchange of techniques and ideas in sports, culture as well as to generate goodwill and affection among the Asian peoples. The Asian games include a number of sport events similar almost to Olympic Games; except some events which are not included in Olympic Games.

            The games include Athletics, Archery, Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Diving, Badminton, Bowling, Football, Fencing, Golf, Handball, Hockey, Judo, and Kabaddi and so on.

            The previous Asian Games have been held in the following venues. 1951 – New Delhi, 1954 – Manila, 1958 – Tokyo, 1962 – Jakarta, 1966 – Bangkok, 1970 – Bangkok, 1974 – Tehran, 1978 – Bangkok, 1982 – New Delhi, 1986 – Seoul, 1990 – Beijing, 1994 – Hiroshima. It is significant that like a proverbial phoenix, Japan arose from the ashes to tell the world the greatness of human perseverance. The Hiroshima city opened its heart for the 12th Asian Games held in 1994.

            The 13th Asian Games will be again held in Bangkok, Thailand in the year 1998.

 

            It is known that the attempt to animate or make lively pictures goes back to the concept of magic lantern. But it was not until the end of 19th century that cinema actually arrived. Cinema was born silent.

            In the era of silent movies, Chaplin Charles Spencer, popularly known as Charlie Chaplin made his world-wide reputation for his work in the arena of silent cinema. It is interesting to note that even when talking pictures arrived in 1930s, he continued to make silent films although he subsequently made some talking films at a later stage. Let us discuss about the life and times of this great showman in brief.

            Charlie was the best loved comedian of silent era and always considered a friend of weaker and poorer people throughout his eventful life. Born in 1889 in South London he first appeared on the stage at the age of 5 in his mother’s entertainment theatre in London. But when his mother became ill, Charlie was sent to an orphanage. He however continued his participation in stage acting.

            As a teenage actor he went to America in 1910. Four years later, he began to appear in films and soon became a favourite with cinema audiences for his characteristic appearance with his famous moustache, peculiar hat, baggy trousers, boots and the familiar cane-stick. Being a man of conviction, he later took over to writing and directing films. In 1919 and he established the United Artists Film Company and started to make films of his own choice and ideas. Among the films he made, “The Kid” 91920), “The Gold Rush” (1925) were considered as best of the lot. He mostly played the role of a sad little man with no fixed home or occupation who wanders from place to place only to be hurt, abused and confused by powerful people. Similarly in the film “Modern Times” (1936) he portrayed the role of an exploited industrial worker. He also made a very bold and outspoken talking film like ”Great Dictator” (1940) – where he made a fierce but amusing attack on German Dictator Adolf Hitler and his Nazi followers.

            Later, he was expelled from the USA because he was suspected of supporting Communists and a ban was imposed over all his films there. However, in 1972 he returned in triumph to be awarded a special OSCAR for the tremendous effect he has had in making motion pictures. Two years before he died he was given a further honour when the title “Sir” was conferred upon him.

            Sir Charles Chaplin died in the year of 1977 at the age of 88.

 

            Golf is a cross-country game played by striking a small ball with variously-shaped clubs from a series of teeing grounds into a like series of holes on a golf course. The player who holes his ball in the fewest strokes is the winner.

            The game originally developed in Scotland in the 15th century and then spread all over the world from there. It is the most popular outdoor sport in the U.S. The Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh claims to have been established in 1735.

            In modern golf, a solid rubber ball is used. Its weight is 16.2 ounces. Balls used in USA have a diameter of 1.68 inches while that of Britain have a diameter of 1.62 inches. A club is used to hit the ball. There is a set of 14 different clubs for playing golf. Some of them are made of wood while others are made of iron or some other metal.

            The game consists of striking the ball from a teeing ground into a hole by successive strokes in accordance with rules. The round consists of 18 holes. Standard course measures 6500 to 7000 yds (5900 to 6400m). Individual holes are separated from 100 to 600 yds (90 to 550 m). Some courses have only 9 holes. A hole measures 4-1/4 inches in diameter and at least 4 inches in depth. Some of the terms associated with the games are Bogey, Tee, Whole links, Put, Stymic, and Caddle etc.

            The game is played in two ways. One is called match play and the other stroke play. In match play, one player and his opponent play at the same time while in stroke play one player has to play with all players of the opponent team. The winner in stroke play is the player who holes his ball in the fewest strokes whereas in match play the winner is the player who wins the most individual holes.

            Golf is played by both men and women. In the passage of time, particularly after 1960, a set of new rules have been introduced in the method of playing this game. Some of the most major world golf titles are: The Open (1860), The US Open (1895), The US Masters (1934), The World Cup (formerly Canada Cup) (1953) etc.

            In games, athletics comprises a wide range of events and demand a variety of skills. We know that some competitions are made up of a number of events mainly related to athletics.

            Decathlon is one such men’s competition lasting for two consecutive days in which contestants take part in 10 track and field events. It was first introduced as a three day event at Olympic Games of 1912.

            The Decathlon events are divided in two consecutive days – the first day events include 100 metre running, long jump, short put, high jump and 400 metre running. The second day events consist of 100 metre hurdles; discuss throw, pole vault, javelin throw and 1500 metre run. Competitors are scored for their performance in each event according to a table prescribed by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF). The table has been changed several times to keep pace with the improvements of world records. For instance, first change was effective from 1912 to 1936 while decathlon was still a three day event, the second one from 1936 to 1950 (with minor revision in 1952). The third change was from 1952 to 1964. In the latest change, the table was introduced in such a fashion that favoured an athlete who could score evenly in all 10 events. The events are held in the listed set order. A competitor is considered to have withdrawn from the competition of he fails to take part in any of the listed events.

            The order of competing is drawn before each event. The IAAF rules are generally applied for each event although exceptions are there like participants are allowed only three trails in each field event and that three false starts in a track event result in elimination without points from that particular event. Points are awarded for achieving set times, heights and distances. In case of a tie, the competitor with most points in the majority of events wins.

            If the tie still exists, the person with most points in any one event wins. Similarly the seven combined events for women’s are called Heptathlon.