A Special Performance
Music, Love, and Survival
Part 1: Piano Lessons
In this part of her performance, Mona describes Lisa’s last lesson
with her piano teacher, Professor Isseles. Lisa plays Beethoven’s "Moonlight
Sonata" and a Scherzo by Chopin. Then the professor tells Lisa that
he will no longer be able to teach her because she is Jewish.
Questions to Discuss With Students
- Mona emphasizes a “few precious words” that her grandmother
told her mother: “Hold on to your music. It will be your best friend
in life.” What gifts do you think your parents or grandparents would
most want you to hold on to?
- When Lisa’s piano teacher says he can no longer teach her because
of a new law against Jews, he adds, “and I am not a brave man.” What
things might he have done if he were brave? Why do you think he didn’t
do those things?
