The Instrumentalist

De: Harriet Constable

Narrado por: Emilia Clarke

A stunning debut novel of music, intoxication, and betrayal inspired by the true story of Anna Maria della Pietà, a Venetian orphan and violin prodigy who studied under Antonio Vivaldi and ultimately became his star musician—and his biggest muse.

Anna Maria della Pietà was destined to drown in one of Venice’s canals. Instead, she became the greatest violinist of the 18th century.

Anna Maria has only known life inside the Pietà, an orphanage for children born of prostitutes. But the girls of the Pietà are lucky in a sense: most babies born of their station were drowned in the city’s canals. And despite the strict rules, the girls are given singing and music lessons from an early age. The most promising musicians have the chance to escape the fate of the rest: forced marriage to anyone who will have them.

Anna Maria is determined to be the best violinist there is—and whatever Anna Maria sets out to do, she achieves. After all, the stakes for Anna could not be higher. But it is 1704 and she is a girl. The pursuit of her ambition will test everything she holds dear, especially when it becomes clear that her instructor, Antonio Vivaldi, will teach Anna everything he knows—but not without taking something in return.

From the opulent palaces of Venice to its mud-licked canals, The Instrumentalist is a portrait of opportunities dangled only to be snatched away. It is the story of one woman’s irrepressible ambition and rise to the top. And it is the story of the orphans of Venice who overcame destitution and abuse to make music, and whose contributions to some of the most important works of classical music, including “The Four Seasons,” have been overlooked for too long.

For fans of The Queen’s Gambit and Fingersmith, The Instrumentalist is a searing exploration of art and ambition, genius and exploitation, and loss and triumph.

©2024 Harriet Constable (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Women’s Role in History Ignored- Once Again

Reinforced my appreciation and frustration at how women’s role in history has been intentionally lessened or obliterated.

the color of music

This is the story of Anna Maria Della Pieta. She is an orphan, raised in Ospitalia Della Pieta in Venice. She is a historical woman and her story is full of the many details of her life. It was hard to put it down. The narrator did an excellent performance. Please listen to Vivaldi's 4 Seasons and see the colors as Anna Maria did.

Beautiful

Beautifully written informative and memorable
The reader was exceptional. Thoroughly enjoyed this story

Exceptional and belived

La Historia es un misterio

Es interesante descubrir, como “Ana María” que la vida es mucho más de lo que nuestros ojos pueden ver dentro de nuestro pequeño mundo en el que vivimos. Y la manera en que somos, muchas veces, mal agradecidos con la vida.

times

The history and research the author prepared for the book. Fact was mixed with fiction.

Descriptive and mesmerizing

The eloquence of the author’s descriptions of feelings, sights, music and situations was impressive. A work of art. I loved learning about this part of history that, without this book, may not have been brought to light.

BEAUTIFUL- Must Read

This book is written so beautifully! The narrator makes the words come alive! An absolute must read!

Brilliant

Captivating, kept me rapt, calling to go on to reveal what would come next. Wonderfully satisfying. I laughed out loud while walking outside listening.

Gripping and beautiful

This story grabs from the very first! I was moved and couldn’t put it down!

Bravo!!

One of the best, most infuriating story I’ve listened to! I am bereft to have finished it! Emilia Clarke is an excellent narrator!