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The Instrumentalist
by Harriet Constable
Bloomsbury
In 1696 a baby was posted through the wall of the Ospedale della Pietà, an orphanage in Venice. She was named Anna Maria della Pietà and became one of the greatest violinists of the eighteenth century. Her teacher was Antonio Vivaldi. This is the historical note the author gives us at the start of the book so we have some idea of whats coming but what a joy it is to meet the feisty, talented and driven Anna Maria. From the opulent palaces of Venice to its muddy canals, The Instrumentalist 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.
Harriet Constable clearly has a great love and understanding of music. She paints such a vivid portrait of the music Anna Maria is playing it makes you want to run out and join an orchestra!
“With a heroine at once so very fierce and yet so vulnerable, The Instrumentalist is an insightful study of female talent and ambition – and how easily they can be hi-jacked or undermined by men.” ANNIE GARTHWAITE, author of Cecily
‘Occasionally a book arrives which not only moves but performs a vital function: and The Instrumentalist restores Anna Maria’s name as she deserves, removing her from the forgotten annals of history.’ ELIZABETH MACNEAL, author of The Doll Factory
