Take a photo of a barcode or cover
bibliokris 's review for:
The Ensemble
by Aja Gabel
This one filled my head and heart with memories of making music in large and small ensembles in high school and college and reminded me of the insular nature of that world, along with the beautiful music and the work. I was never at the playing level of these characters but for a few years I played my flute for 3, 4, 5, sometimes 6 hours a day, and it brought coherence and direction and beauty to my life, as the music was my focus.
I enjoyed this novel more than I thought I might. The personalities and struggles of the 4 string quartet members were interesting, and the author brought them and their world to life. I especially appreciate the string quartets that are listed at the beginning of each section in the novel. I listened to many of the pieces either while I was reading or directly afterward (Beethoven, Shostakovich, Ravel, Tchaikovsky). I listen to music sporadically; The Ensemble reminded me how much I love classical music and especially strings.
If you’re not a musician, you can still appreciate the characters, their growth and the ability to partake in a very different environment than most of us know.
I enjoyed this novel more than I thought I might. The personalities and struggles of the 4 string quartet members were interesting, and the author brought them and their world to life. I especially appreciate the string quartets that are listed at the beginning of each section in the novel. I listened to many of the pieces either while I was reading or directly afterward (Beethoven, Shostakovich, Ravel, Tchaikovsky). I listen to music sporadically; The Ensemble reminded me how much I love classical music and especially strings.
If you’re not a musician, you can still appreciate the characters, their growth and the ability to partake in a very different environment than most of us know.