The Lost Pianos of Siberia

De: Sophy Roberts

Narrado por: Catherine Bailey

Siberia’s story is traditionally one of exiles, penal colonies, and unmarked graves. Yet there is another tale to tell.

Dotted throughout this remote land are pianos - grand instruments created during the boom years of the 19th century, as well as humble, Soviet-made uprights that found their way into equally modest homes. They tell the story of how, ever since entering Russian culture under the westernizing influence of Catherine the Great, piano music has run through the country like blood.

How these pianos traveled into this snow-bound wilderness in the first place is a testament to noble acts of fortitude by governors, adventurers, and exiles. Siberian pianos have accomplished extraordinary feats, from the instrument that Maria Volkonsky, wife of an exiled Decembrist revolutionary, used to spread music east of the Urals to those that brought reprieve to the Soviet Gulag. That these instruments might still exist in such a hostile landscape is remarkable. That they are still capable of making music in far-flung villages is nothing less than a miracle.

The Lost Pianos of Siberia is largely a story of music in this fascinating place, following Roberts on a three-year adventure as she tracks a number of different instruments to find one whose history is definitively Siberian. Her journey reveals a desolate land inhabited by wild tigers and deeply shaped by its dark history, yet one that is also profoundly beautiful - and peppered with pianos.

©2020 Sophy Roberts (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Interesting History; Boring Narration

Sophy Roberts' journey to find the lost pianos of Siberia is interesting. Her video is worth seeing. I saw an interview of her, which made me buy the book. The blend of Mongolian, Siberian and Russian history was unusual. Unfortunately, I wish I had bought the book and read it, rather than listen to it. The narrator read one sentence at a time, period. There was simply no flow to a story that should have been almost spellbinding in its breadth. I really wanted to like this book.

Russian history via pianos and people

This is good read that presents the horror of Russian history juxtaposed with the people’s love of music. It explains European influences with the harsh Russian history. Robert’s writes as a journalist not a historian or musician but brings keen insight to both.

Breathtaking

A stunning experience, narrated with engaging energy. The reader is smoothly transported along a path never taken by anyone but the adventurous author—and finishes tongue-tied to express just why this is a must-read. But it is. No one else could adequately convey this tale. Breathtaking.

Beyond expectation, even for a piano professional

Brava Sophy Roberts and Catherine Bailey. Enlightening, well-researched, inspired writing and delightful narration. Wish there would be 6 stars.

Louis Spencer-Smith
President
Senior Piano Technician
ALL ABOUT PIANOS INC

Could be a five…

The story is very intriguing. I enjoyed following Robert’s through space and time, and meeting some incredible people! My only criticism about the story is how little time she spends describing most interesting characters while providing unnecessarily lengthy descriptions of “side” encounters and experiences (the tiger, the Australian bird watcher, nice but dull description of the monastery choir, to name a few).
At times I sensed a patronizing tone. But it could be the narrator who is simply terrible. Catherine Bailey’s cold and mechanical reading of the text at times had a barking sounding quality. She butchered most people’s names and every geographical location she attempted to pronounce. A native Russian, I could not recognize names of cities and rivers. She was unprepared for the challenge. The narrator is so annoying, I almost gave this book three stars. But that would not be fair to the writer.