The idea of marrying music to a novel is not an original one, but I thought the composer and author being one and the same person would be a novelty. By using several pieces I had already composed along with a few new ones, the idea was to share my music with the reading public. However, creating a mythical composer who ranked among the greatest composers who ever lived was a daunting and humbling experience. As a result, I had to rethink the few pieces I discussed and only partially completed (Reverently Isabella being one of them).
Two pivotal works, The Sunder and the String Quintet (pictured on the cover of the book), were featured specifically to tie the music with the action of the story.
When Carla reads the score to The Sunder, she's so taken by it, she plays it on the piano for David. After playing it, not only does the instrumentation of the music--just 3 oboes--have meaning, but the opus number has such significance, the late composer captures it in his program notes (which you will find in the reading).
Exactly how the String Quintet finds its way in front of the public I will not reveal here, but the description of the piece and how it unfolds is described in detail while the reader has the opportunity to compare the description with the piece. I thought that would be an original touch.
