Classical music is classic for a reason. These composers and the music they produced continue to stand the test of time. Their pieces are beloved for their evocative sound, calming sensation, and innovative, wordless storytelling. Here are some books that blur the line between literature and music, each featuring classical music in their stories.
The Great Passion by James Runcie
This piece of historical fiction reimagines the writing of Bach’s masterpiece St. Matthew’s Passion. It gives readers a glimpse into Bach’s time spent as a school cantor. It’s there that Bach meets one struggling student, Stefan Silbermann, who is dealing with the death of his mother. Though he is tormented by bullies at school, he finds solace through singing. It is this gift that gets him noticed by Bach. Under this brilliant composer’s wing, Stefan integrates into Bach’s family life and finds a sense of community. Sadly, grief seems to follow Stefan, this time plaguing Bach’s own family.
Amadeus by Peter Shaffer
This play by Peter Shaffer is a winner of a Tony Award and was even adapted into a movie that took home eight Academy Awards. Set in 18th-century Vienna at court, this play is all about the artistic rivalry between Mozart and Salieri. Taking center stage is Mozart’s genius and the dangerous jealousy that it evokes.
Mozart in the Jungle by Blair Tindall
Whoever said classical music was boring obviously hasn’t read this memoir by New York City oboist Blair Tindall. Set against the cut-throat world of professional musicians and conductors, this scandal-littered story is filled with sex, drugs, and alcohol. It’s a brilliant inside glimpse into a side of the classical music world that no one could have expected.
Famous Father Girl: A Memoir of Growing Up Bernstein by Jamie Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein is one of the greats – the mind behind scores such as West Side Story and On the Town. Through this memoir, his daughter Jamie invites readers to catch a glimpse into the personal and domestic life of this Maestro. It helps to paint an authentic picture of the man behind the music. This star-studded memoir was even used by Bradley Cooper when directing the movie Maestro.
The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes
This novel by award-winning author Julian Barnes is all about the tumultuous life of Dmitri Shostakovich. The Russian composer is put on Stalin’s radar after the dictator condemns his newest opera. Fearing exile, or worse, execution, Shostakovich is prompted to reflect on all of the loved ones he’d leave behind. To save himself from a cruel fate, he succumbs to his fear and is forced into the position of nationalist symbol. Shostakovich grapples with this tension between the role he is supposed to play and the sense of honor that drives his music.
The Ghost of Frédéric Chopin by Éric Faye
This book in the standalone Walter Presents mystery series, is based on the true story of Rosemary Brown, a pianist who claimed that the spirits of deceased composers were dictating music to her. In this novel set in Prague, a woman with no musical background begins composing pieces. She claims that they’re the effect of visitations from Chopin. Journalist Ludvík Slany is assigned to cover the story and hopes to expose this spiritualist composer as a fake. However, as she investigates with the aid of a private detective, she begins to have her doubts.
The Woman in the Moonlight by Patricia Morrisroe
Another historical story set in Vienna, this romantic tale is all about the love that inspired Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. Beethoven meets the Countess Julie Guicciardi when he is tasked with teaching the young woman piano. During their lessons, the pair become enraptured with each other. But secrets lurk between both of them that could mean doom for their relationship. When they finally come to light, it inspires a burst of creativity in the genius composer.
Every Good Boy Does Fine by Jeremy Denk
This beloved memoir by decorated pianist and composer, Jeremy Denk, is all about the power of music. Moving from his tumultuous boyhood as a child prodigy through his adult years, Denk chronicles his struggles, and the people in his life who helped him along the way. It’s a lovely recounting of all his music teachers, conductors, and those who inspired him on his musical journey. Told through the persons and classical works that shaped him, Denk offers insightful lessons on music that will touch maestros and novices alike.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
This action-packed coming-of-age fantasy novel combines music and magic. Our main character, Kvothe, is a talented traveling lute player and music is a crucial part of his story. As he moves throughout his life from orphan, musician, fugitive, and wizard, his legend spreads and warps. The narration is Kvothe’s attempt to finally tell the truthful story. The book is all about the power of music, stories, and names; and it reads like a symphony.
When reading these books, one can almost hear the music emanating from the pages. Whether you’re looking for nonfiction or fantasy, these reads are sure to please any classical music enthusiast!
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