This is the story of a young orphan whose only joy is the singing of her violin.
An 18th century composer who became one of the most renowned figures in European classical music. Here, their fictionalized story unfolds as Antonio Vivaldi guides Anna Maria toward becoming one of the most celebrated violinists of her time and finding a home in the heart of her famiglia musicale. With Anna Maria's synesthesia — her gift for "seeing" music — and an imagined context for the creation of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.
This is a poetic tale of belonging, diversity, and music history, set amidst the striking architecture of Venice.
Jan Coates is the author of several books for Red Deer, The Hare on the Elephant's Trunk (shortlisted for the Governor General's Award), Rocket Man, and The Power of Harmony. She lives with her husband in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
Francois Thisdale's award-winning art consists of a unique blending of drawing, photography and richly textured painting. His books include The Stamp Collector, a nominee for the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award, and Poetree. Francois lives near Montreal, Quebec.
"I had the pleasure of tuning in to the online launch for this picture book. Getting to know the author and illustrator a little more and hear about the story behind the writing of this book and the process for the illustrations has only heightened my love for this hardcover book. I received this book from the publisher in December and have read and re-read it many times now and feel ready to give it the review it deserves… Told with richly evocative language. The relationship between the young orphan girl and Maestro Vivaldi is one of heart and a passion for music. The language in this book is melodious. I felt as if I was floating along on a Berceuse (lullaby) each page needing to be read Adagio (slowly) to savour the Cadence as Anna Marie and the Maestro take their bow together at the end of the book.
"Francois Thisdale has created a "symphony" for our eyes. Francois hits all the perfect chords with his illustrations. Each page is an octave higher than the last, richly layered and perfectly in tune with the story as it unfolds. In Francois' "cadenza" he has taken the opportunity to play freely and with artistic license to bring even more power to the beauty of Jan's chosen words.
"I encourage you to listen to Vivaldi's, The Four Seasons, while reading this story. It will enrich your experience as you sit with this masterpiece of story and illustration."
— Atlantic Book Reviews
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Click here to listen to the Online Launch and use pass code .v7F7$z1
The review starts at the 23:53 mark.
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