Ralph Vaughan Williams’ piano, which he used to write 20th century classical favourite The Lark Ascending, is now on display to the public.
According to the National Trust, the Broadwood piano has been fully restored and is on show at his former home, Leith Hill Place, a Trust-owned property near Dorking.
An anonymous collector donated the piano, on which the late composer created many of his important works such as the theme to the 1948 film Scott of the Antarctic.
The upright was also used to write his most famous piece, The Lark Ascending, which has been voted the country’s favourite six times by Classic FM listeners.
Gabrielle Gale, from the National Trust, said the instrument was a ‘workhorse’ rather than a concert piano.
‘It is quite an unassuming instrument and it sat in the composer's study where he used it daily to try out musical ideas,’ she said.
‘In keeping with the spirit of the composer, who believed that music should be enjoyed by everyone, the piano will be played on certain days and for special events at the house.’
For more information on Lark Hill Place, please visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hill/features/leith-hill-place-early-history
Above image credit: National Trust Images/John Miller
According to the National Trust, the Broadwood piano has been fully restored and is on show at his former home, Leith Hill Place, a Trust-owned property near Dorking.
An anonymous collector donated the piano, on which the late composer created many of his important works such as the theme to the 1948 film Scott of the Antarctic.
The upright was also used to write his most famous piece, The Lark Ascending, which has been voted the country’s favourite six times by Classic FM listeners.
Gabrielle Gale, from the National Trust, said the instrument was a ‘workhorse’ rather than a concert piano.
‘It is quite an unassuming instrument and it sat in the composer's study where he used it daily to try out musical ideas,’ she said.
‘In keeping with the spirit of the composer, who believed that music should be enjoyed by everyone, the piano will be played on certain days and for special events at the house.’
For more information on Lark Hill Place, please visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hill/features/leith-hill-place-early-history
Above image credit: National Trust Images/John Miller
