Dear NWSMTA members,

I have something you are going to enjoy this month. A fabulous book that was written for musicians by a musician. The author, Brendan Slocumb, is a violinist and teacher. His first book was The Violin Conspiracy. It was a thrilling book, but his book The Secret Symphony will amaze you on many levels. Both books are expected to be made into movies. Although, the movie cannot possibly match what the book offers. 

It takes place in two time periods. Bern, a music professor from North Carolina is chosen to do musicological research on a previously lost opera written by the most famous American composer from the 20th century. Bern and his gifted technology expert friend, Eboni, work together to unravel a secret that unfolds about the piece and the composer. We also follow the composer and the unique woman, Josephine, who had rare gifts and challenges of her own. Slocumb is incredible at developing his characters. You will care about them and recognize the struggles in their lives. We all have our own journey with music, but it is fascinating to see how it has changed through the years. 

Slocumb wrote about experiencing music in his novel so well, you will feel the different beats of multiple jazz forms, the raw sweat of dancing to it and the wonder of having it take over your whole being. Slocumb said in an interview that a musician’s instrument is an extension of himself.

Slocumb's book also contains a compelling storyline. Caught in a trap, Bern and Eboni fight a powerful force in search of the truth. I don't want to give away the story, so I will stop here.

Just one more thing before I quit. I will say their game of "search for the perfect New York pizza" made me want to get on a plane to check out New York’s pizzerias. I think there were several times I could taste the sauce and cheese, hear the crispy crunch of the crust and smell the Italian fragrances in the restaurant. I also imagined the taste of the wine.

Deborah Lynch

Newsletter Editor