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16th out of 164 books
—
44 voters
The Four Seasons: A Novel of Vivaldi's Venice
In glittering 18th-century Venice, music and love are prized above all else--and for two sisters coming of age, the city's passions blend in intoxicating ways.Chiaretta and Maddalena are as different as night and day. The two sisters were abandoned as babies on the steps of the Ospedale della Pietß, Venice's world-famous foundling hospital and musical academy. High-spirite...more
Paperback, 370 pages
Published
November 4th 2008
by Voice
(first published October 31st 2008)
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This is, beyond a doubt, one of the best written historical novels I have ever read. Laurel Corona paints a vivid portrait of 17th and 18th century Venetian life, examining the roles of women in society and in the ospedale (orphanages) that earned their money from womens' choruses and orchestras. Using the premise of two sisters left to the ospedale, each choosing a different path, makes an interesting contrast between the two realms. Maddalena, a gifted violinist, chooses to remain in the clois...more
This is a story set in the age of Venice when music and art were everywhere. Two sisters, Maddalena and Chiaretta, are abandoned by their mother to the Pietà, one of four orphanages for girls in Venice. The pair are raised behind closed doors, with Maddalena as a violin prodigy and Chiaretta as an astounding singer. However, beyond the music, the sisters are as different as black and white. Chiaretta is beautiful, outgoing, and longs to find a life outside the walls of the Pietà where she’ll be...more
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Finished this one tonight at my mom's, in Arab, Alabama.
It was fascinating and confusing, both. Confusing in the same way books like The Other Boleyn Sister confuse me. Basically, I don't know which is fact and which is fiction, and it bugs me! It makes me fear for historical accuracy in the reading public. Or maybe the non-reading public. On the other hand, they don't care ...
There were some things so specific and clearly described that I felt like I was there. When the girls first came to the...more
It was fascinating and confusing, both. Confusing in the same way books like The Other Boleyn Sister confuse me. Basically, I don't know which is fact and which is fiction, and it bugs me! It makes me fear for historical accuracy in the reading public. Or maybe the non-reading public. On the other hand, they don't care ...
There were some things so specific and clearly described that I felt like I was there. When the girls first came to the...more
Undoubtedly part of my high rating of this book is due to the context in which I read it - my honeymoon in Italy, which began (at the same time I started the book) in Venice. Corona does a really magnificent job of setting the scene of Venice of the early 1700s, so wandering those same "streets" and canals in 2009, I found it so much easier to glimpse the baudy, crazy, poverty- and luxury-filled lives they held so long ago. The plot moves quickly and as a loving sister myself, I was easily taken...more
The Four Seasons by Laurel Corona is a book brimming with interesting protagonists and captivating descriptions of eighteenth century Venice. While Corona is fluent in the history of the period she writes, she does well to balance her work with complex characters that are universally appealing. Corona wrote her two main protagonists with care and precision. They have ambitions, faults, and are completely different from one another. This is most noticeable when the author switches narratives betw...more
I read this book in two days - a pretty good measurement of how much I enjoyed this book!
As a music major, I spent some time studying Vivaldi. I knew he was nicknamed the Red Priest (due to his fiery red hair), he wasn't the most chaste priest, he was a violin virtuoso and wrote some extraoridnarily beautiful and intense music. I knew he worked and wrote music for an Venetian orphanage for girls - but this book describes Vivaldi's Venice in such an interestingly detailed way.
Corona tells the sto...more
As a music major, I spent some time studying Vivaldi. I knew he was nicknamed the Red Priest (due to his fiery red hair), he wasn't the most chaste priest, he was a violin virtuoso and wrote some extraoridnarily beautiful and intense music. I knew he worked and wrote music for an Venetian orphanage for girls - but this book describes Vivaldi's Venice in such an interestingly detailed way.
Corona tells the sto...more
Sacred music is a huge part of my life-- I sing in a church choir that is becoming very well known for our renditions of some of the motets of the masters. It was interesting for me to hear the works of Vivaldi that are mentioned in this book-- they became the musical accompaniment to the prose I was reading and the images being painted by the words.
Though the story intrigued me, and the lives the two sisters each led, together and separately, I found the pace of this book somewhat uneven. And b...more
Though the story intrigued me, and the lives the two sisters each led, together and separately, I found the pace of this book somewhat uneven. And b...more
A novel of 18th century Venice rich with details of life, music, Carnivale and the lives of the noble families that dictated all of society and it's pleasure. This story fictionally describes the life of Vivaldi and how his most important music was created for the Pieta, a convent-like orphanage that supported hundreds of foundling girls left on it's doorsteps. To support them the Pieta creates two things lace, and beautiful music. The story of two orphaned sisters who become passionate musician...more
Two orphaned sisters, raised at the Pieta in Venice, become great musicians and interact with composer Antonio Vivaldi. Good story but a bit too slow.
I loved this book, it was so interesting and it takes you right from your couch and transports you to Venice. There was so much about the culture during the time that I did not know and it was weaved into this story beautifully and tastefully. A lot of historical fiction works get bogged down with sordid details and this book did none of that, which doesn't mean that it was at all a boring read. It was so well written and I was enthralled from page one till the last line. I also loved all the d...more
I disagree with the people that stated Vivaldi was not prominent enough in the book. I think that his role was perfect for being a secondary character. I just completed a trip to Venice and I'm glad that I did that before reading the book, it really made the scenes come alive because I had a mental picture of the bridges, canals, and palazzos. The sisters were well developed, and while Chiaretta gets everything she ever wanted, I think it was realistic that Maddalena didn't (even though I kept h...more
I'm taking away a whole star for using Vivaldi's name in the title when he's only a reoccurring supporting character in the story. The theme of the story, how art can shape lives as much as lives shape art, is shown through the lives of two sisters, orphaned as infants and raised within the very interesting patronage system that made Venice the art center that it once was. As a romance, there's a distinct lack of any kind of passion, but the setting, as a HF, is pretty well done. There's a sense...more
This was a book that I picked on a fluke, and it's really good. Corona, a historian, sets the stage in Vivaldi's Venice with the extravagance of the established families of Venice and the sheltered existence of 2 orphaned sisters who inherent musical talent. I'm almost done with the book, and want another just like it. Any suggestions?
So, I finished the book, and it is a jewel. It's a quick read, even for me, and I could hardly wait to get home from work to finish it! I highly recommend it if yo...more
So, I finished the book, and it is a jewel. It's a quick read, even for me, and I could hardly wait to get home from work to finish it! I highly recommend it if yo...more
If you like books that take a 'footnote from history' and imagine the story behind that tiny tidbit, you'll enjoy this. It is the story of two sisters growing up in a Venice orphanage in the 1700s and the influence of Vivaldi in their lives. He teaches and writes music for the choir at the orphanage, and one of the sisters becomes his muse.
Met the author last night - a very smart, interesting woman. I knew nuthin' about Vivaldi or what life was like in Venice then, so it was a very interesting...more
Met the author last night - a very smart, interesting woman. I knew nuthin' about Vivaldi or what life was like in Venice then, so it was a very interesting...more
I wish I could say I enjoyed this book. Vivaldi is my favorite composer. But as I read this novel, the characters, Maddelena and Chiaretta, felt flat to me. They took too long to develop. Though, in honesty, their love of their musical craft came through bright and clear. Within the first three chapters I read, there was no conceivable motivation forming, that I could determine, to help carry the book with the characters. The motivation for the plot must come later in the novel. Regrettably, I...more
An interesting look into Venice of long-ago. Slightly repetive; I found myself flying throught the first half, but for some reason, the second half seemed to drag a bit. Very abrupt ending, but it left me wishing there were more chapters to read. Also, would have liked some of the characters/relationships to be fleshed out more. Overall, a good read. Made me want to listen to Vivaldi's Four Seasons and soak in the beauty of it once again while imagining the characters the author brought to life...more
Mar 21, 2013
Jori Richardson
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
the-search-for-beauty
Browsing through the reviews right after I devoured this book, I was shocked to find how lukewarm they were.
"The Four Seasons" is one of my favorite books this year, and I savored every eloquent sentence of it.
It is the story of two sisters in 1700's Venice, Italy, who are taken in by a convent of nuns. One sister with a gift for music ends up being trained by Vivaldi, while the other is married to a wealthy aristocrat.
By the end of the story, I loved both sisters dearly. The characters here are...more
"The Four Seasons" is one of my favorite books this year, and I savored every eloquent sentence of it.
It is the story of two sisters in 1700's Venice, Italy, who are taken in by a convent of nuns. One sister with a gift for music ends up being trained by Vivaldi, while the other is married to a wealthy aristocrat.
By the end of the story, I loved both sisters dearly. The characters here are...more
A more accurate rating for me would be 3 1/2 stars. I did like this book. I enjoyed the 2 main characters, and perhaps what I liked best about the book was the realistic portrayal of how aristocratic women fared in 17th/18th Century Venice life --meaning they either were married or entered a nunnery. For many women, neither of which a very positive experience. This book focuses on 2 women, sisters, Chiaretta and Maddalena, who are raised in a foundling orphanage/musical academy, which actually g...more
From concertos to cancer, The Four Seasons presents a sweeping account of the lives of women in early eighteenth-century Venice. Maddalena and Chiaretta are abandoned as children by their courtesan mother and raised at the famous Ospedale della Pietà, where foundling girls are brought up to be figlie del coro--musicians and great singers, but kept as cloistered virgins behind its walls. Chiaretta grows into a great soprano and a great beauty; the elder Maddalena (the Elinor to Chiaretta's Marian...more
(3.5 stars) Set in Venice in the late 1600's, the child Maddalena and her baby sister, Chiaretta are left at the Pieta. They are branded with the hospital's mark and are sent off to be fostered. When they are older, they are brought back to the Pieta to work and take lessons. While this book has a similar premise to Barbara Quick's "Vivaldi's Virgins", the story is quite different. The adjustment to partially cloistered life is difficult, but each sister makes her own path, with Chiaretta becomi...more
I Loved this book it was a story about two sisters in the eighteenth century who were left on the steps of a foundling hospital and music academy. Both sisters are musical one turns out to be a violin viruoso and the other a singer. It painted a picture of the day to day difficulties they had to cope with. It was set against a background of history and enabled one to imagine the world of eighteenth centuryVenice.The result a vibrant crescendo of hearts and history.
This is probably one of my favorite books. I still think about it even though it's been a year or two since I first read it. Corona has such a descriptive way of writing about music that I think about the book and remember the music I envisioned playing during a certain scene, or the look of a character. I'm not really a history buff so I don't know if this book is at all historically accurate or a good interpretation of Vivaldi, but I absolutely enjoyed it.
Maddalena and Chiaretta were sisters left by their mother at the Ospedale della Pieta because she couldn’t care for them. There were four such ospedales in Venice to care for foundling children; the Pieta was noteworthy because Antonio Vivaldi was the music master there for a time. All of the girls were expected to take music lessons of some sort. Maddalena had a special affinity for the violin, while Chiaretta had a beautiful soprano voice. Vivaldi was impressed with Maddalena’s talent and took...more
What a lovely book! This historical fiction truly transports one back in time and place to the Venice of the early 1700's where Vivaldi composed. The novel is beautifully solemn as well as fascinating as it brings to life the entwined history of the musicians of the Pieta (all girls) and Vivaldi as both composer and violinist. This is a story of a sliver of history that otherwise might have been largely ignored but for this author, and what a loss that would have been.
Loving both Venice & Vivaldi, I couldn't resist this book! It brings to life Vivaldi's fascinating career as a priest who found his true vocation as the music teacher to a girls' orphanage. Laurel Corona did great research to create characters who are believable & interesting, including her take on Vivaldi. A very enjoyable visit to a long-vanished time in a still-beautiful place, full of insight into this crucial phase in classical music.
This book covers the lifetime of two sisters growing up in 18th century Venice in the Ospidale Della pieta. Their thoughts mature with their aging and experiences and Laurel Corona keeps the story alive. Intimate portrayals of Vivaldi that brings him to life. I look forward to reading more Corona. Her works seem to focus on the stories of fictional women living in different periods of history. The female history we are still so lacking in.
This book definitely made me want to go to Venice. I think when I was finished with it there were some things that I really liked about it and others that I didn't like at all. I Liked the connection that the sisters had and through some of their challenges it was hearwarming to see them together and also very sad. I learned who Vince Vilvaldi was and I didn't know anything about him until I read this book. I want to listen to his music now. I don't know much about music but I could appreciate t...more
Sep 12, 2012
Nicole
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fans of historical fiction, unconventional romance, music lovers
Although it took me a little while to get into this book, I ended up very much enjoying it for the unique view of life in 18th century Venice - in particular for two women who, although sisters, end up taking very different paths in life. Lovers of music will find much to enjoy in the author's vivid descriptions of singing, orchestral work, and of course the way beautiful music can transport the composer, the performer, as well as the audience.
This started out interesting but got tedious for me, it wasn't quite what I thought it would be.
It's a story of two young girls who are abandoned at an all girls orphanage of sorts that also serves as a musical academy. Most of the book is set in the orphanage, where the oldest has grown comfortable with the limited lifestyle while the younger yearns to leave it.
I think it was the Vivaldi part that I was looking forward to the most, but that served to just disappoint me. I did not see where she...more
It's a story of two young girls who are abandoned at an all girls orphanage of sorts that also serves as a musical academy. Most of the book is set in the orphanage, where the oldest has grown comfortable with the limited lifestyle while the younger yearns to leave it.
I think it was the Vivaldi part that I was looking forward to the most, but that served to just disappoint me. I did not see where she...more
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I have loved reading and writing ever since my older sister came home from first grade to teach me what she had learned that day. My first publications were in the Oakland Tribune in a weekly section for children called "Aunt Elsie's Page," and a newspaper I put out for my family which featured reviews of what I was reading and news about what was happening in the lives of my dolls.
I was lucky eno...more
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“Desire gives pain to the heart from which springs both hope and worry.
Out of suspicion I make mistakes that grow into lasting ills. And from my stubborn delusions come a thousand deceits, which later I accept as damage I’ve done.”
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Out of suspicion I make mistakes that grow into lasting ills. And from my stubborn delusions come a thousand deceits, which later I accept as damage I’ve done.”
Apr 29, 2010 08:24pm