Rick Mallery

Historical fiction about the love of music told through three protagonists of varying degrees of prominence. Italian composer Niccolò Paganini is a famous violinist who plays to packed houses. He travels to Vienna, Austria, as a first stop in his European tour, to spread his popularity. Austrian composer Franz Schubert is a talented pianist. He is from Vienna, but his name is not known even in his own hometown. An unknown and unskilled busker plays his violin on the streets to obtain enough sustenance to survive. The story centers around the interactions of these three in 1828 in Vienna, near the end of Schubert’s life.

The narrative provides a glimpse into life in Vienna in the 19th century but the more compelling story is how a love of music permeates the lives of these musicians. Paganini’s life has been devoted to music. As a child prodigy, his father promoted his career. He practiced for hours every day. Schubert’s father disapproved of his desire to make his living through music. Franz gave in to his father’s wishes and taught for a brief time before deciding his happiness was tied to his pursuit of music. The unnamed busker was untrained but enthusiastic, though not particularly gifted. He was spurned by a woman and turned to music to soothe his soul. The titular “winter journey” is a metaphor for death. As Schubert’s life dwindles, he writes one of his most famous pieces, Winterreise. This is a character-driven novella of friendship, altruism, and the power of music. The desire to leave a lasting legacy after death is explored. It is a bit choppy at times but overall an enjoyable journey into the lives of 19th century musicians. Recommended to fans of classical music.… (plus d'informations)