The Pianist

Prelude
	Simon, our protagonist, plays a few notes on a piano in reminiscence.
‘The Ball Game’
	One day in late spring, a group of kids decide to play baseball, including Simon and his best friend (whom everyone calls ‘Piggy’ because of his large appetite and belly). We are introduced to Piggy early on in the movement as he goes up to bat, successfully hits the ball, and runs to first base. Halfway through the game, Simon goes up to bat, and smacks the ball so hard it goes straight into a neighbor’s window. The group can’t play baseball without a ball, so Simon goes to get it.
‘From an Open Window’
	As Simon walks towards the house, he hears the sound of a piano through the upstairs window. When he stops and listens to this beautiful music, Simon sees a girl sitting inside the house and listening to the music also. He gets up his courage, and knocks on the door. The girl’s father answers, and they come upon an agreement where Simon paints a fence to pay for the broken window.
‘Work and Play’
	As the summer begins and Simon works for the girl’s father, the other guys make fun of him for being unable to enjoy the beautiful weather and play with them. Piggy tries to come by and comfort Simon, but eventually leaves to play like the other kids. As Simon is working he is interrupted one day by Terese, the girl in the window, standing over him. They become friends, and soon Simon comes to the house every day so she can sneak out and they can play. She explains to him that she is not allowed out because she is very sick, and that her father plays for her every day to keep her happy.
‘Nevermore the Child’
	As summer turns into autumn, Terese becomes so ill she is bedridden, and can no longer go out to play with Simon. Her father tries to play the piano to make her feel better, but as she worsens every day he grows angrier when his music can’t bring her back to health. Winter comes, and still Simon arrives every day in the freezing cold, until Terese asks her father that he be allowed to come inside. Her father agrees, and Simon comes into her house to see her, not fully understanding why she can’t come out and play. To the delight of young Terese, Simon is allowed to sit and talk with her for some time before he is led away to warm up by the fireplace. Her father holds her, and she dies in his arms.