The Instrumentalist

Immerse yourself in the dazzling world of 18th-century Venice with The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable. This enthralling novel takes readers on a journey of musical rivalry, ambition, and the indomitable spirit of a young woman determined to leave her mark. Set against the backdrop of Venice's grand canals and opulent concert halls, the story follows Anna Maria, an orphan with extraordinary talent and ambition. Under the tutelage of the renowned composer, Antonio Vivaldi, she flourishes as his star pupil. But Anna Maria's rising brilliance begins to cast shadows, threatening to eclipse Vivaldi himself. As her ambition grows, she finds herself navigating a landscape of jealousy, betrayal, and fierce competition. In her quest to be heard, Anna Maria must decide how far she is willing to go to achieve her dreams.

“An absorbing story of musical rivalry and ambition” SUNDAY TIMES, Best historical fiction

“Enthralling, passionate, vivid. The Instrumentalist is a marvel” KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE

“Historical fiction as it should be written” MAIL ON SUNDAY

“A captivating narrative as tightly tuned as a thriller” DAILY TELEGRAPH

“A compassionate coming-of-age tale … Constable understands the power music has to sustain us” OBSERVER

The narrative masterfully explores themes of ambition, rivalry, and the power of music in a world where women were often relegated to the background. Harriet Constable crafts a vivid and nuanced portrait of Anna Maria, a groundbreaking female artist whose story has long been overshadowed by history. With luxurious language and meticulous historical detail, the novel viscerally transports readers to the splendour and intrigue of Venice. The storytelling is so precise and gripping, it keeps readers spellbound from start to finish.

“Had me spellbound from start to finish” EMMA STONEX

“A story of musical rivalry which will completely capture your imagination” ELODIE HARPER

“Remarkable … A vivid and nuanced portrait of a groundbreaking woman” NEW YORK TIMES

“I was swept away by this searing portrait of ambition and betrayal” ELIZABETH MACNEAL

“A fascinating story of music, ambition, and womanhood in eighteenth-century Venice” CHARMAINE WILKERSON

“Viscerally transports you to eighteenth-century Venice and revives the lost story of a phenomenal woman” MARIE CLAIRE

“Fans of Jessie Burton’s The Miniaturist will adore it” I PAPER

An Observer Debut Novelist of 2024

Discover the breathtaking rise of Anna Maria in The Instrumentalist, a novel that exquisitely captures the complexities of talent, ambition, and the timeless allure of music. Whether you are an aficionado of historical fiction or simply love a compelling story, this book promises to be an unforgettable read.