The Most Romantic Instrument Is. . .

What instrument do you think is the most romantic?

Violin or banjo perhaps?

Those are my choices.

When I began doing the research for my debut novel five years ago, I fell in love with the violin, the instrument my heroine plays. As I wrote, I listened to violin music. According to iTunes, I’ve played my favorite piece, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, over 1,000 times. Few selections move me like that one.

I discovered world class violinist Joshua Bell and was privileged to be able to hear him in concert at my daughter’s university–twice. Itzhak Perlman performed at her school as well, and I was there. I sat spellbound through all three of those concerts.

But something was missing.

Gwynly’s company.

He isn’t as big a fan of the violin as I am, sad to say. I attended those concerts by myself. While I enjoyed them, I missed my guy.

Enter the banjo.

A number of years ago, Gwynly decided he wanted to add this instrument to his repertoire, so my daughter and I gave him one for Christmas. The early years when he was first learning to play were a bit of a challenge. Banjo can be somewhat repetitive. Thankfully Gwynly didn’t mind when I would close the door to the bedroom while he was practicing.

Over the years, Gwynly’s banjo-playing skills have increased, and the door remains open when he practices. He’s gotten good enough that he’s willing to perform in public. He played at my book launch party and at some of my book signings. People really enjoy the folk tunes he plays. And so do I.

While banjo might not be on most people’s romantic instrument list, it’s on mine, because my guy plays it for me.

❤❤❤

What instrument do you find the most romantic, and why?