From Publishers Weekly
Pulitzer Prize winner Hersey's novel (BOMC and QPB alternates) is a delightful tour-de-force--a picaresque novel tracing the peregrinations of a violin created in Cremona by Stradivari in 1699, dubbed the Antonietta. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
In the year 1699, Antonio Stradivari amazes his sons by announcing his intention to build a violin entirely by himself, with no assistance from them, his ne'er-do-well apprentices. The instrument will be of a radical new design, inspired by the old man's infatuation with a beautiful widow named Antonia; he will call it Antonietta. After his death, Antonietta's supernatural tone bewitches a succession of notable composers--Mozart, Berlioz, and Stravinsky--each at a crucial turning point in his career. Hersey follows the instrument as it passes from owner to owner, adapting his narrative style to the time and place. Some of the historical coincidences seem a bit contrived--Stradivari whistles Vivaldi tunes at work, for example, years before they were published. However, good music novels are about as rare as Strads, and this one will charm general readers as well as musicologists. Recommended. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 1/91; BOMC alternate.- Edward B. St. John, Loyola Law Sch. Lib., Los Angele sCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
A saga of a magnificent violin, Antonietta, named after a beautiful woman who was the inspiration of Antonio Stradivari's later years. In a masterpiece of historical imagination, Hersey traces the instrument's progress and influence upon owners, musicians, and composers alike--giving us a marvelous celebration of the changing character and eternal art and power of music.
From the Inside Flap
A saga of a magnificent violin, Antonietta, named after a beautiful woman who was the inspiration of Antonio Stradivari's later years. As Hersey brings Mozart, Berlioz, and Stravinsky to life, he offers us a marvelous celebration of the changing character and eternal art and power of music.
Antonietta ANNOTATION
A saga of a magnificent violin, Antonietta, named after a beautiful woman who was the inspiration of Antonio Stradivari's later years. As Hersey brings Mozart, Berlioz, and Stravinsky to life, he offers us a marvelous celebration of the changing character and eternal art and power of music.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
A saga of a magnificent violin, Antonietta, named after a beautiful woman who was the inspiration of Antonio Stradivari's later years. As Hersey brings Mozart, Berlioz, and Stravinsky to life, he offers us a marvelous celebration of the changing character and eternal art and power of music.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Pulitzer Prize winner Hersey's novel (BOMC and QPB alternates) is a delightful tour-de-force--a picaresque novel tracing the peregrinations of a violin created in Cremona by Stradivari in 1699, dubbed the Antonietta. (Aug.)
Library Journal
In the year 1699, Antonio Stradivari amazes his sons by announcing his intention to build a violin entirely by himself, with no assistance from them, his ne'er-do-well apprentices. The instrument will be of a radical new design, inspired by the old man's infatuation with a beautiful widow named Antonia; he will call it Antonietta. After his death, Antonietta's supernatural tone bewitches a succession of notable composers--Mozart, Berlioz, and Stravinsky--each at a crucial turning point in his career. Hersey follows the instrument as it passes from owner to owner, adapting his narrative style to the time and place. Some of the historical coincidences seem a bit contrived--Stradivari whistles Vivaldi tunes at work, for example, years before they were published. However, good music novels are about as rare as Strads, and this one will charm general readers as well as musicologists. Recommended. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 1/91; BOMC alternate.-- Edward B. St. John, Loyola Law Sch. Lib., Los Angele s
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