The Instrumentalist is set in 18th Century Venice and is inspired by real people, Anna Maria Della Pietà, an orphan abandoned by her mother soon after her birth, and composer and violinist Antonio Vivaldi.
Anna Maria is a fascinating character to read about. She is raised in an orphanage and under the instruction of Vivaldi, the music teacher in residence, became his star violin pupil. Anna Maria is ambitious and confident in her own abilities, which means she doesn’t always come across as likeable especially when some of her decisions appear selfish and to the detriment of her friends.
Anna Maria has synesthesia and sees notes in colour and I particularly liked the paragraphs where she was composing as they were vivid and captivating.
I was conflicted in regard to the version of Vivaldi that appears in The Instrumentalist. He appeared to use the orphans for his own benefit, claiming their compositions as his own, yet he was also a victim of poverty and needed to continually impress the board of governors to keep his job.
Set against the beauty of Venice and its muddy waterways The Instrumentalist is a descriptive story of friendship, sacrifice and the disparity between men and women at that time.
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Publisher: Bloomsbury
Format: paperback
ASIN: 9781526672568
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Here’s the synopsis
Anna Maria may have no name, no fortune, no family. But she has her ambition, and her talent.
Her best hope lies in her teacher, Antonio Vivaldi. Soon she is his star pupil.
But as Anna Maria’s star rises, not everyone is happy. Because Anna Maria’s shining light threatens to eclipse that of her mentor…
She will leave her mark, whatever it takes. Her story will be heard.
What Caz Read 