Variations on a Noble Theme will soon be available for pre-order from booksellers.
Why does a young cellist in late eighteenth-century Europe defy his noble birthright to impersonate a commoner? Why does a young composer who longs to have his music performed in the most important concert hall in Europe refuse the opportunity and instead play the piano in a tavern? Why does a young noblewoman judge herself unworthy of a commoner? Why do these three individuals all imperil their lives to make music?
These questions are answered in Variations on a Noble Theme, a novel of integrity.
Advance Praise for Variations on a Noble Theme
“Variations on a Noble Theme is a rare story: historically authentic, thematically evocative, and yet a page-turner from beginning to end. At the heart of the novel is the struggle of young Josef to fulfill his dreams in music, life, and love, while never compromising his integrity.
“Set in the eighteenth century, the novel centers on music and musicians; and appropriately enough, the story and characters are truly operatic. As the heroic Josef continues his quest, we meet his love interest, Arianna; his protector, the gentle giant Gerd; and most importantly his musical kindred spirit, the colorful young c
omposer Artur. These characters are genuine and multifaceted; the reader comes to know and love them, and will miss them when the novel comes to a close. The reader will be immersed in the musical culture of eighteenth-century Europe, experiencing the day-to-day struggles of life as a young artist in a time of sharply drawn class distinctions.
“All in all, throughout the novel’s boldly written tale, full of emotional highs and lows—not to mention swordplay and chases on horseback—runs a deep and moving theme of unwavering fidelity to oneself and one’s dreams: a theme of nobility, both in status and spirit.”
— Kyle Adams, Associate Professor of Music Theory, Indiana University