A Special Performance by the Author

Music, Love, and Survival
Part 4: Living at Willesden Lane

In this part of her performance, Mona describes Lisa’s feelings on finding a piano at Willesden Lane. She also describes how Lisa’s playing reminds the Kinder of home, and the way the Grieg Piano Concerto in A Minor becomes an anthem for them as they struggle to survive together.

Questions to Discuss with Students

• As London is bombed, Lisa plays the cadenza from the Grieg Piano Concerto. A “cadenza” is a passage that allows a soloist to shine while the orchestra remains silent. Why do you think Lisa chose to play this particular cadenza in the middle of a bombing raid?
• What musical styles or songs most remind you of your home, your family, or your country of birth? Have these ever helped or comforted you? How?

Print-Friendly Page