Rosemary Border's "The Piano" is a simple yet inspiring story often used as a graded reader for English language learners (part of the Oxford Bookworms Library). It focuses on the life-changing discovery of a hidden talent.
Plot Summary
The story begins with a
journalist, Sally Hill, interviewing the world-famous pianist Sir Anthony Evans
on his 80th birthday. She asks him if he came from a musical family or started
playing at a very young age, like many famous musicians. Sir Anthony surprises
her by saying "no" to both questions and then proceeds to tell the
extraordinary story of his youth.
Sir Anthony, then known as
Tony Evans, was a poor boy from a large family, not particularly good at school
and with no special talents. When he was thirteen, he left school to find work
and eventually got a job on a farm owned by Mr. and Mrs. Wood.
One day, while clearing
out an old, dilapidated building on the farm with two other boys, Pip and John,
Tony stumbles upon an old, dusty piano hidden amidst the rubbish. He has never
played a piano before, nor had he any musical training. Out of curiosity, he
places his fingers on the keys, and to his astonishment, music flows from him.
He plays beautifully, almost as if the music guides his fingers. Pip and John,
and later Linda (the Woods' daughter), are amazed by his natural ability.
Mr. Wood doesn't want the
piano on his farm, so Tony and the other boys move it to an old, unused school
building in the village. Tony begins to secretly practice the piano every
evening after his farm work, often with Linda joining him, and she even teaches
him to read music from her own lessons.
Eventually, the local
school teacher, Mr. Gordon, overhears Tony playing and recognizes his immense
talent. He approaches Mr. and Mrs. Wood and convinces them of Tony's potential.
The Woods, who are kind and supportive, decide to pay for Tony to attend a
College of Music, and Mr. Gordon offers him free lessons and practice time
until then.
Tony enters a local music
competition, and despite having ill-fitting new shoes, he plays brilliantly and
wins. This marks the beginning of his journey to becoming a world-renowned
pianist. The story concludes by briefly mentioning that Tony went to music
college, later married Linda, and became the celebrated musician Sir Anthony
Evans, living a happy and fulfilling life.
Major Themes
- Discovery of Talent: The
central theme is the unexpected discovery of a prodigious musical talent
in an ordinary boy who had no prior exposure or training.
- Perseverance and Dedication:
Tony's commitment to practicing the piano, despite his demanding farm work
and humble beginnings, highlights the importance of hard work in
developing talent.
- The Power of Music:
Music is depicted as a transformative force that changes Tony's life
trajectory and brings him immense joy and success.
- Generosity and Support:
The kindness and support from Mr. and Mrs. Wood, and Mr. Gordon, play a
crucial role in enabling Tony to pursue his dreams.
- Destiny vs. Opportunity:
The story suggests that while talent might be innate, opportunities and
supportive circumstances are vital for it to flourish.
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