The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable

 The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable is inspired by the true story of Anna Maria della Pieta, a Venetian orphan and violin prodigy who studied under Antonio Vivaldi.

Venice, 1695: Orphan of the famous Pieta, Anna Maria is eight when she meets Antonio Vivaldi. He is a harsh teacher but notices Anna’s talent right away. She wants to compose like Vivaldi. He isn’t a mare instrumentalist as he put it, playing just an instrument. Those who are remembered are composers. She hatches her plan for composing, but she needs to be a maestro in order to publish her compositions.

She isn’t bothered by his harsh manners as others are. She doesn’t concentrate on feelings as others do. She prioritizes sound, expression, and perfecting each note. This is the path to greatness and adoration by others.

The life throws opportunities at her and then tests her persistence. When Vivaldi is sick for months, the less talented teacher who lacks the skill, the speed and understanding of her, takes over the teaching. Not only that, when she is already known throughout the Pieta, she is still expected to scrub the floors as the rest of the girls, leaving her fingers blistered which she needs in good shape for her instrument.

This story explores the fate of a Venetian orphan, which was a marriage to anyone who would have her. Thus, Anna Maria is determined to change her fate and be the best violinist.

There is very little known about Anna Maria. The setting is historically researched but the interpretation of Anna Maria’s life is fiction which is slowly revealed.

This story has a feminist approach and at times raises a question if one would behave with such authority as an orphan child in the 18th century.

Overall, it is an interesting story of Pieta orphans and the opportunity they were given when almost none was existent for them.

Released in August 2024

Source: Simon & Schuster