The Piano PDF

 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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