List
Life and Classical Music
From memoirs to mysteries, fall into the beauty, drama, and human connections that can form through classical music and some of the instruments that drive it.
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The Ensemble
2018 by Gabel, AjaGet this itemFollowing four ambitious and talented members of a string quartet, this book will bring you deep into the complex world of classical music. The book includes loads of passion, drama, and competition—all of which lead to an intriguing read.
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The Piano Shop on the Left Bank
2001 by Carhart, ThaddeusGet this itemParis, people, and wine all swirl in this charming book about a shop full of discarded pianos. The descriptions of music and Paris are equally beautiful and will pull you in whether you are a familiar with pianos or not.
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Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall
2009 by Ishiguro, KazuoGet this itemFive musicians, their stories, and the thoughts that run through their minds make this a fascinating collection. Kazuo Ishiguro’s thoughtfulness, wit, and lyricism are all on full display in each story.
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The Violin Conspiracy
2022 by Slocumb, BrendanGet this itemViewed by many as The Queen’s Gambit for classical music, this mystery centers around a violin prodigy whose love and dedication for music drive him to break the barriers of racism, the cutthroat nature of the classical world, and a stolen violin.
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Simon the Fiddler
2020 by Jiles, PauletteGet this itemSet in Texas during and after the Civil War, this book is a story of love, war, travel, and music. After the Civil War, Simon survives by playing gigs with the hopes of capturing the heart of an Irish governess.
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Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs, and Classical Music
2005 by Tindall, BlairGet this itemNonfiction that flows like fiction, this memoir presents strong characterization while exploring some of the darker areas of being a classical musician. Eyebrows will be raised while reading this one.
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The Noise of Time
2016 by Barnes, JulianGet this itemExploring the life of the Russian composer and pianist Dmitri Shostakovich, this work of historical fiction is compelling, complex, and atmospheric. Like many artists, Shostakovich longed for the space to work creatively but instead was constantly under pressure of tyranny and, miraculously, managed to create beautiful art.
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Exile Music
2020 by Steil, JenniferGet this itemWhat happens when music has been taken away from you? This historical fiction novel attempts to answer that question while shining a light on WWII Bolivia. Fleeing Vienna in the 1930s, Orly and her parents must adapt quickly in a new country and a new life—into which they try to bring music back.
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The Rainaldi Quartet
2006 by Adam, PaulGet this itemFans of classical music and mystery will devour this thriller about a murdered violin maker and a legendary violin that has gone missing. The storytelling is rich and the presentation of the classical music subculture is informative without being elitist.
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Tenderwire
2006 by Kilroy, ClaireGet this itemObsession, trust issues, and jealousy push violinist Eva Tyne to the brink of psychological destruction in this fast-paced thriller. Outside of the beautiful description of the power of music, this book combines love, suspense, and many twists and turns.
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The Weight of a Piano
2019 by Cander, ChrisGet this itemThis reflective novel explores artistic inspiration, the connections that we have through physical objects, and family legacy. Through an old upright piano, the lives of multiple people are linked together in ways that are both obvious and mysterious.
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An Equal Music
2015 by Seth, VikramGet this itemIn this story of lost love and music—and the spectrum of emotions that one can experience through both—classical music takes center stage as both of this book's main characters are professional musicians. Passion, tragedy, and classical music are all articulated elegantly through the rich writing of Vikram Seth, and even if you aren't familiar with this genre of music, it will be hard not to get pulled in.
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