I walked to Mrs. Windsor’s house as I always did when I heard the piano. Before ringing the bell, I stood against the wall and sighed (叹息) sadly. I had been taught enough to read, understand, and even write some musical pieces, but I just didn’t have a gift for it. But Mrs. Windsor had offered to give me the lesson for free, so I felt it my duty to try.
The door opened. Today Mrs. Windsor introduced her niece Pasha to teach me. With a smile, Pasha sat beside me on the piano bench. Then I frowned (皱眉) and concentrated to make the notes on the page match finger movements. I have to admit (承认) I played the piano without much thinking, just like a robot. I considered myself a mechanical pianist.
After about a page or two, Pasha gently put her hand on top of mine as if to calm my fingers. “Jennifer, what are you hearing in the music?” I looked at her rather strangely and admitted I didn’t know what she meant.
“Here, let me try and you listen,” Pasha advised.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting her fingers dance lightly over the keys. Then, she began to play.
“See, it begins here beside some kind of river. Hear the water running beside you?”
Her fingers rose and fell gently on the keys. “Now the princess appears and she’s picking flowers from the water’s edge.” A happy piece of music filled the air in time to Pasha’s dancing fingers. “Oh, but she falls over!” The music changed. “And our princess is being carried off by the fast-flowing stream. Quickly, her horse sees the trouble,” Pasha continued, “and races to the river’s edge where he swims out to let her catch hold of him. They make it to the bank and she hugs her faithful horse and promises she will never again wear princess skirts that weigh her down. She will only wear jeans and T-shirts from now on.” Pasha finished with a big smile and then looked at me.
I was happy and advised to try another one. Pasha smiled and together we played that afternoon, finding the story in the music and learning that sometimes it takes a friend to pull you out of the river onto dry land again.
4. What did the author mean by describing herself as a mechanical pianist?
A.Her fingers could move freely and gently. |
B.She was playing the piano without feelings. |
C.She could remember the notes in a short time. |
D.It has been a long time since she played last time. |
5. Which of the following can best describe Pasha?
A.Skilled and patient. | B.Smart and strict. |
C.Funny and practical. | D.Brave and optimistic. |
6. What is the secret of Pasha’s playing the piano?
A.She imagined herself as a princess. |
B.She wanted to become a great musician. |
C.She had a strong wish to make friends. |
D.She connected the music with a story. |
7. Which can be a suitable title for the text?
A.A Friend Forever. | B.A Story of Music. |
C.The Magical Piano Lesson. | D.My Favorite Piece of Music. |