The Instrumentalist

By: Harriet Constable

Narrated by: Emilia Clarke

Music, intoxication, and betrayal combine in this “immersive, impassioned” (The Guardian) debut novel inspired by the true story of Anna Maria della Pietà, a Venetian orphan and violin prodigy who studied under Antonio Vivaldi and ultimately became his star musician—and his biggest muse.

“The Instrumentalist is more than a history lesson—with this novel, Constable has crafted an engrossing tale about an unexpected coup de musique.” —The New York Times

Anna Maria della Pietà was destined to drown in one of Venice’s canals. Instead, she became the greatest violinist of the 18th century.

Anna Maria has only known life inside the Pietà, an orphanage for children born of prostitutes. But the girls of the Pietà are lucky in a sense: most babies born of their station were drowned in the city’s canals. And despite the strict rules, the girls are given singing and music lessons from an early age. The most promising musicians have the chance to escape the fate of the rest: forced marriage to anyone who will have them.

Anna Maria is determined to be the best violinist there is—and whatever Anna Maria sets out to do, she achieves. After all, the stakes for Anna could not be higher. But it is 1704 and she is a girl. The pursuit of her ambition will test everything she holds dear, especially when it becomes clear that her instructor, Antonio Vivaldi, will teach Anna everything he knows—but not without taking something in return.

From the opulent palaces of Venice to its mud-licked canals, The Instrumentalist is a “searing portrait of ambition and betrayal” (Elizabeth MacNeal, author of The Doll Factory). It is the story of one woman’s irrepressible ambition and rise to the top. It is also the story of the orphans of Venice who overcame destitution and abuse to make music, and whose contributions to some of the most important works of classical music, including “The Four Seasons,” have been overlooked for too long.

For fans of The Queen’s Gambit and Fingersmith, The Instrumentalist is an “enthralling, passionate, vivid” (Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Mercies) exploration of art and ambition, genius and exploitation, and loss and triumph.

Critic reviews

"Narrator Emilia Clarke uses a soft voice and a crisp British accent interspersed with fluid Italian phrases for this story of music in early-eighteenth-century Venice...In a vibrant voice Clarke describes the rigorous life the orphans endure and the ceaseless practice and pressure imposed on Anna Maria to perform her music flawlessly. Based on the real-life Anna Marie, who is considered Vivaldi’s muse, this story will haunt listeners long after it’s finished."

Descriptive and mesmerizing

The eloquence of the author’s descriptions of feelings, sights, music and situations was impressive. A work of art. I loved learning about this part of history that, without this book, may not have been brought to light.

BEAUTIFUL- Must Read

This book is written so beautifully! The narrator makes the words come alive! An absolute must read!

Women’s Role in History Ignored- Once Again

Reinforced my appreciation and frustration at how women’s role in history has been intentionally lessened or obliterated.

The colors of music

The portrayal of music as colors by Anna Maria or Vivaldi’s feast is a picture of the genius these two musician composers. The author brings Venice culture to life. The history of the orphans and their musical talent is captivating. Hard to put the book down!

Brilliant Reading of a Brilliant Book

I found this book very moving, evocative, vibrant, and vivid. Emilia Clarke’s reading makes an already vivid book even more immersive with her spot on character intonations. She does not over-emote or overact and sets the precise tone for this beautiful book. Highly recommended.