An Equal Music C [Hardcover]

 

 

Create your own review

... explains Vikram Seth in the "Author's note" to this engrossing novel. His intimate connection to music and the process of bringing it to life is palpable throughout the book. The story closely follows the ups and downs in the life of violinist Michael Holme and, to a lesser degree, that of the mysterious pianist Julia McNicholl. What makes the story move far beyond a romantic novel is Seth's ability to convey the deep significance of chamber music by no lesser composers than Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Schubert for his characters' psyche and everyday lives. You don't have to be knowledgeable about the music to feel absorbed by this rich, complex and intimate love story. *)

The story, told through Michael's eyes, is mostly set in north London, where he has found refuge after fleeing Vienna, the town of his professional training. Ten years have passed but his musings keep returning to events in Vienna: self-doubts in his talent as a soloist, amplified by the demands of an exacting, overbearing teacher, had resulted in a complete breakdown. His abrupt departure left Julia, his love, music partner and muse, without a word of explanation or good bye. As he slowly recovered, he tried to reconnect with her, wrote, contacted her father, only to meet a wall of silence. Seth's depiction of Michael's continuing emotional immaturity, his increasing despair at having lost what he now recognizes as his great love reveals the fragility of a character where musical brilliance and human weaknesses are interdependent. His solo career seemingly over, Michael joins the Maggiore Quartet as second violin. While in many ways a close knit group - the "family" gives his life the needed structure and support - it also is the source of inter-personal rivalries. The tensions, creative or destructive, between the quartet members are perceptively explored and the reader can appreciate the complex personalities of highly creative and sensitive virtuosi, whose captivating performances we tend to take for granted. Nonetheless, playing together, following the structural and harmonious intricacies of each composition, whether as duo, trio or quartet, overcomes any such impediments and leads to a level of intimacy and understanding that goes beyond speech. Getting into Michael's head with great skill, Seth creates a complex but believable character whose actions are often more the result of deeply felt emotions than rational analysis. To complement his protagonist's musings on his chamber musician colleagues and friends, and, of course, Julia, Seth turns to extensive passages of direct dialogue, thus energizing the narrative flow.

Michael's precious violin, an early 18th century Tononi, occupies one of the central themes in the narrative. It is another love affair of sorts and one he cannot abandon without losing his identity. Seth, well known also as a poet, finds the right lyrical tone when describing Michael's interaction with his violin, complementing the moods created by the music he plays or listens to. The violin, however, is only a long term loan from his violinist neighbour and music teacher in his home town in Northern England. She "discovered" and nurtured his talent from an early age and he keeps returning to her regularly for companionship and solace. Michael's family, while sympathetic, had no resources to support his ambitions. Seth very delicately raises the issues of family tensions, class and education as he contrasts Michael's upbringing with that of Julia, privileged daughter of an Oxford professor. Despite their differences, music can bridge any differences and misunderstandings between them.

It wouldn't be much of a story, if the former lovers were not to meet again... The romantic settings in Vienna and Venice add a beautiful and vivid backdrop to the concert tour by the Quartet. Those who have read the various reviews and book blurbs will no doubt know the main elements of the plot, unfortunately. I was cautioned by a friend not to read those and consequently explored the slow revelation of key events and secrets carried, with great pleasure. Seth has a wonderful sensitive touch in his exploration of the challenges faced by Michael and, in particular, Julia. This gives special depth to the story and take it beyond what one could have expected. [Friederike Knabe]

*) It is worthwhile exploring the music while reading or listening to it later on the companion CD Vikram Seth: An Equal Music

The most interesting relationship in "An Equal Music" is not Michael and his long-lost love Julia, but Michael and the Maggiore Quartet. Vikram Seth does a fine job capturing the complicated interactions of the quartet's members: the ego clashes, the artistic disagreements, the ability to create transforming music. From the rehearsals to the searches for the perfect instrument, Seth is able to create a compelling picture of the life of these musicians.

Unfortunately, his portrayal of the relationship between Michael and Julia is not nearly so successful. There's certainly no joy in their love. Julia never seems like a real woman, just a sad and beautiful image. It's never clear why Julia, having made a new life after Michael seemed to abandon her, jeopardizes that life to be with him again. As for Michael, he becomes more self-pitying and cruel as the affair progresses. He feels no guilt about the affair but he can't embrace the moment either. Eventually the whole thing just becomes tiresome.

The love affair feels like it was written by rote. Seth is clearly far more interested in the life of the musicians and it shows.

Vikram Seth has produced another remarkable feat, varying his writing style so dramatically you never think it was the same author who wrote "A Suitable Boy". In this his second major work he considers the life of an English violinist who is a member of a quartet playing chamber music. How Seth can witch from the life of people in India with all of its poverty, joy, humour and life's challenges, to the this altogether different story is completely unfathomable. "A Suitable Boy" always contained a hidden undertone of humour, a sort of subtle wit underlying the story whereas this story is sad, often tragic and sometimes pathetic telling how love is gained and lost, gained and lost again. Suffering of personal magnitude with all of its contradictory thoughts, illusions and fantasies is so well brought out its not hard to get caught in the saga.

The musician has lost his love who he met while studying under a hard taskmaster, his own troubles with his teacher alienate her until he just leaves. Ten years later he meets her again although she is now married, has a child and is progrssively going deaf. He still loves her as does she him, longing and pain of past memories as well as the suffering of not being with the one you love fill this book. They love and meet each other only to have to lie to their friends and husbands. Eventually she can't take the suffering and it comes to a sad end although his own personal journey is not yet complete until he open that door which allows suffering to be felt but not held on to.

In addition to the story itself which is told with real feeling, there is the music which permeates the story almost as much as the love between the two who are both musicians. At times Seth somehow captures the awesome beauty of the music the character plays with such poetry it is hard to believe he, the author is not a musician himself. Although the book is filled with great storytelling occasionally the character's life becomes pathetic.

Nonetheless an astonishing tale.

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 36 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb creation of character emotions & visual descriptions
Having received this book & knowing nothing of its author, I was amazed at the intricate pattern & story that this book is. Read more

Published on Jan 22 2002 by tamzin

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book
I agree completely with the Sollami review below. These characters live their lives with great intensity, and great beauty. Read more

Published on Dec 18 2001 by M. Van Cleve

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent
Beautifully crafted, Vikram Seth's writing is virtuostic. I don't much care for sentimental stories, but this one is delightful to read.

Published on Dec 1 2001

1.0 out of 5 stars Equal to Boredom
Classical music, romance--sounded divine. With the premise of the novel, I thought surely it would be placed on my list of great literary loves, hence I bought the hardcover. Read more

Published on Nov 19 2001

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly entertaining
Given that I've read Seth's other novels ("The Golden Gate" and "A Suitable Boy") and was disappointed by both, I wasn't expecting a great deal from "An... Read more

Published on Nov 5 2001 by MR G. Rodgers

3.0 out of 5 stars Some musics are more equal
Vikram Seth's attempt at combining the anatomy of a string quartet with a musical romance is a very mixed bag, to say the least. Read more

Published on Aug 13 2001 by Itamar Ronen

5.0 out of 5 stars A Symphony of a Story
This is another masterpiece from the pen of Indian born Vikram Seth; a beautiful romantic novel centred on a man's lost love which he hopes to reawaken. Read more

Published on July 30 2001 by binnsie

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, tender, tale of love. Exquisite.
The basic plot of this novel by Vikram Seth is simple: boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy finds girl again but with this simple story the author has constructed (perhaps composed... Read more

Published on July 16 2001 by Mr. A. Jehangir

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, tender, tale of love. Exquisite.
The basic plot of this novel by Vikram Seth is simple: boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy finds girl again but with this simple story the author has constructed (perhaps composed... Read more

Published on July 16 2001 by Mr. A. Jehangir

2.0 out of 5 stars Harlequin For Highbrows
I was SO disappointed with this book. I was looking forward to reading it, especially as many reviews compared it to Rushdie's "The Ground Beneath Her Feet" (both... Read more

Published on Jun 11 2001 by nicknameinuse

Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

› See all 36 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

Search Listmania!