Customer Reviews

Vikram Seth: An Equal Music

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I purchased the book "An Equal Music" by Vikram Seth, not knowing that there existed a CD that was meant to accompany it. I was about a third of the way through the book, and Vikrams story was so captivating, that I longed to hear the musical pieces that his characters where so passionate about. So I set forth on a quest of my own trying to track down and put together each piece of his repertoire. During my search, I discovered this CD, purchased it, and stopped all reading until its arrival. I slipped it into the disc player, settled in with liner notes in hand, closed my eyes, and found a new appreciation and passion for the classical genre. Exceptional was track 8 of disc 2, "The Lark Ascending" composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams, an absolutely enchanting piece! Not to say that the other tracks are not of equal caliber, they are, just of a different mood.

This compilation is a brilliant companion to the book, yet alone, it stands proudly on its own merits. Bach, Beethoven, Hayden, Schubert, Vivaldi, and of course Williams are all featured on this CD, names all renowned in the world of classical music. The difference between this CD, and say another classical compilation, is that through the inspiration and support of the book, what once one could not identify nor differentiate between in the works of the above, begins to unfold with a keen grasp of each. This assemblage will definitely help you to recognize and feel each composer's unique style.

In the book, the Maggiore Quartet members expose to you, through beautifully interpreted prose, their driving passion behind performing each piece as they become consumed in each note. This caused me to listen intensely not only to each composition, but also to the individual score of each instruments harmonious part. Bringing a deeper connection with not only the characters in this book along with the featured musical selections, but also with the professional musicians themselves whose lives are music.

Mr. Seth should be commended for this creative marriage of fervent fodder. A brilliantly moving novel enhanced and brought to life through this CD. My next stop, an evening out savoring a live performance!

This is a wonderful read. An evocative novel about a string quartet and a sad love affair, which evokes the musical life as well as can be imagined and the nature of tragic love. The book leads one to want to hear the music(I went to the record store to purchase the pieces I did not have) and this record contains them all. A fine pair of complementary gifts.

this music is an essential companion to Seth's book "An Equal Music", the jouney is best followed with a map of inner London and this wonderful music

Vikram Seth casts a melacholic spell with his novel. This is the first time I am reading a work of fiction woven around chamber musicians, which leads one to explore the inner workings of their thoughts.
The accompamying CD is truly marvellous. Listen to Iona Brown soar away in Vaughan Williams 'Lark Ascending'. The others are also truly 'equal'.

A beautiful collection of music ideal for lovers of Seth's stunning novel - a perfect introduction to classical music .

I wish I had this 2-disc collection at hand when I read the book. I have it now and cannot keep it off the CD player. The music is beautifully performed and presented and seems to capture the mood of the book. It's marvelous. I particularly love the The Art Of Fugue, Contrapunctus 1 for Piano. It's haunting -- I usually play it when no one else is around, with the lights off.

Vikram Seth's novel, An Equal Music, is beautifully written and extremely evocative and melancholic. I only discovered the CD long after I read the book. At first I thought it might be a marketing gimmick but no longer (especially since Vikram Seth put his name on the CD as an implied endorsement). The music is beautiful and now that I have listened to it again and again, I think I'll re-read the book. I love R. Vaughn Williams and the "Lark Ascending" is so lovely and so well chosen by the author as an inspiration to the book's protagonist. I had to hear the Art of Fugue after the prominence placed on it (and the other pieces,too) in the book. I'd highly recommend this CD as well as the book.

I truly enjoyed Vikram's book and was extatic to learn that a CD was made as well! One can only imagine what the characters' music sounds like and now it is possible to make truth of one's imagination. Thank you Mr. Seth., Leona Vorster (Chicago, Il.)

This amazing book MUST be read by any person who is even slightly interested in music. if you have ever been in a string quartet, you will love the way that this book perfectly captures the delicate balance of emotions within such a close kint group. the love story is alternated with lyrical and descriptive passages, often about something of little significance. The book is a rich and heartwrenching story of love, music and loss. absolutely fabulous!

The book is a masterpiece of literature on music, and the music itself are masterpieces