Who plays piano on ‘In My Life’ by The Beatles?

George Martin played the piano on the instrumental bridge of The Beatles’ ‘In My Life’, creating its distinctive, harpsichord-like sound. The part helped give the 1965 song a Baroque character and reflects the band’s growing studio ambition during the making of *Rubber Soul*.

Martin had been asked by John Lennon for a “Baroque sounding” break, but found the part too complex to play at its intended speed. He recorded it at half speed and an octave lower, so it sounded quicker and higher when played back normally. The song’s authorship remains disputed: Lennon said Paul McCartney contributed the harmony and middle eight, while McCartney said he set the lyrics to music.