Musician Jason Liberman writes,

Glenn Marcus’s Variations on a Noble Theme is an enthralling and joyful story about the power of music to transform us and enrich our lives. Set in the fictional European country of Zienheim in the 18th century, the novel follows two gifted musicians — Josef Kloormann and Artur Gunther. One a noble, one a commoner, the two struggle to bring their music to life in the face of corruption, ego, and bureaucracy. Ultimately, they face the same existential choice that all of us do every day—what do we do in the face of hatred, irrationality, or social legacies that no longer serve us? Is it possible to grow as individuals and to oppose these forces humbly, effectively, without compromising our integrity? The novel is an aspirational reminder of what pursuing excellence looks like when we are at our best, whether as musicians or as human beings. The pacing of the story is also superb and crafted with great care. Every scene, every side character, the sounds, smells, and sights of Zienheim—they truly bring the story to life. For me, a musician and songwriter, the character’s love for music was both palpable and infectious—I felt like I was in the room with them hearing the textures and dynamics of the piano, the cello, the orchestra. It was a joy to read!

Stuart Friedman, another musician, writes,

In Variations on a Noble Theme, Glenn Marcus introduces us to, and brings us into the lives of, characters who are deeply passionate about music. He invites the reader to share in their love and enjoyment of listening to, playing and composing music; their joy and sense of fulfillment from singing and playing together as a community, and their unwavering belief in the power and importance of music to forge a better and more just society. Music is not just something these characters play or perform as a hobby, or even a profession. Instead, for these characters music is a vital, noble force.  As the title suggests, the novel twists-and-turns on variations of this theme throughout adventurous, action-packed exploits, endearing relationships, challenging sacrifices and tender moments. This is an immensely entertaining read that will inspire all readers – musicians and non-musicians alike—to consider their own noble themes.

Leslie Kaminoff, co-author of Yoga Anatomy, which has sold more than a million copies, writes,

In my life, two novels have so thoroughly immersed me in their universe that I could literally not put the books down until finishing–happily losing a full night’s sleep in the process. The first was The Fountainhead, and the second was Variations on a Noble Theme. As in Ayn Rand’s masterwork, Glenn creates a vibrant spectrum of heroes, villains, and those in between, who inhabit a deeply textured world that is both familiar and uniquely shaped by the author’s incisive insights and sense of life.

After reading The Fountainhead, I have never looked at a work of architecture — or any man-made creation — in the same way. After reading Variations on a Noble Theme, I hear music with far greater nuance, color, and dimension — and definitely with a vastly deeper appreciation for the minds of creative musical geniuses like Glenn’s heroes, who must risk their very lives in staying true to their noble spirits.

With its bold, daring plot, delightfully etched characters, and monumental theme, Variations on a Noble Theme is a story for all ages … more than that, it is a novel for the ages. Aside from its enormous appeal to the general public, my wish is that it will be regarded as required reading for every student, teacher, and lover of music.

Another musician, Larry Shiller, states,

In a symphony of passion and struggle for power, Variations on a Noble Theme beautifully strikes a chord that resonates through the ages.

Set against the rich tapestry of 18th-century Europe, it captures the soulful journey of musicians caught in the tempestuous rise of commoners.

A classically trained violinist, I was transported to a time when music was not just art, but also a voice of revolution and hope.

This story masterfully interweaves the deep-rooted desire of the common man and woman to find their voices, both in society and in song, with the fading grandeur of royalty. And amidst this grand scale, lies a love story so poignant, it serves as a tender melody threading through the heart of the narrative.

This isn’t just a book about musicians; it’s about the universal yearning for freedom, love, and fulfilling our potential.

A must-read for lovers of history, music, and an enduring romance that challenges the very core of societal norms.