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The Composer
Contemporarily set between San Francisco and Paris in diary-like narration a musically gifted young girl makes her way through the classical tradition to achieve startling success in both performance and competition at an early age. Struggling to grow up among the paradoxes presented by her family and acquaintances she gropes to understand the metaphysical parallels that occur randomly between them and her music. In a tragic but accomplished endeavor fate seems to take her much like it appears to have made her what she has become. Similar to the Magister in "Magister Ludi' or Juan in 'Don Juan' she discovers life's meanings along the way as far as they allow, it would seem too awkward to say truths, while our blurred philosophy of the sixties becomes virtually transparent.
- GenresPhilosophy
Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2014
About the author
Lee Olds
13 books10 followersM.A, philosophy. Sports active, tennis, hiking, developing final world philosophy. Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin. Survival, risk. Writing fiction as life, regulated by what we call chance. Disseminating a life approach.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 31, 2015
The Composer is an uplifting novel about a striving a music composer by Lee Olds, published by Millet books. The collage of a flirting aunt dancing with the fiddler and the painter poses a comic juxtaposition to the real musician in Natalie emblematic of beauty and sublimity. Nothing was allowed to stand in the way of her love for music,specially human love. Nilsson's appearance was deemed as an obstacle somewhat standing in the way to her task. Her travels to France added more fervor to her already flavored life of music.Her ambition to become a world class conductor of "unequal music" kept her going relentlessly into the abstraction of strings, chords, rhythm and notes until she transcended reality to become one. In this, it is philosophically more meaningful, as music would become her life and afterlife.
March 17, 2015
This is a unique novel, written not only in a literary style but also as a philosophic study of a young girl’s discovery of musical genius.
This young girl’s journey through her musical development and her difficulty adhering to standard learning due to her special abilities was fascinating. The book explores her family’s reaction to her musical proficiency and its effect on them and on the rest of her life.
There are beautiful phrases used in this book that you will read, stop and go back to read again. This author has rediscovered a style in writing that has been lost to many of today’s authors. “The Composer” is a musical composition written in words.
I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.
This young girl’s journey through her musical development and her difficulty adhering to standard learning due to her special abilities was fascinating. The book explores her family’s reaction to her musical proficiency and its effect on them and on the rest of her life.
There are beautiful phrases used in this book that you will read, stop and go back to read again. This author has rediscovered a style in writing that has been lost to many of today’s authors. “The Composer” is a musical composition written in words.
I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.
May 25, 2015
While agree that this is a lovely little story about a young girl who discovers her musical genius and the trials and tribulations you goes through, I found it very difficult to follow. The story spans a few years of Natalies Life from Pre-teen (12) until adulthood, however, there is no clue as to time during the story.
For this reason and this alone I have to say that I just couldn’t connect ‘with the story and it’s characters at all. This was sad, as I had hoped to enjoy it so much.
Still, the premise of the story is great, and believable so I would recommend it to someone of a similar interest.
For this reason and this alone I have to say that I just couldn’t connect ‘with the story and it’s characters at all. This was sad, as I had hoped to enjoy it so much.
Still, the premise of the story is great, and believable so I would recommend it to someone of a similar interest.
November 24, 2015
You start a book thinking, hey this book might be good. And when you turn it's pages you start to see yourself in it and you begin to love it.
That happened here.
I loved this book. I would love to have a signed copy if the writer sends it to me!
5 STARS AWESOME.
That happened here.
I loved this book. I would love to have a signed copy if the writer sends it to me!
5 STARS AWESOME.
December 3, 2014
I liked the book, maybe did not understand it all but good reading
April 9, 2015
A very nice novel about a girl and her love for music. The plot moves fast, the characters are very well crafted and the story makes you think about life in general.
July 18, 2015
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author because he thought I might be interested in reading it.
And it was in fact interesting though it was really not my cup of tea.
First I have to say that I do not believe in talent and therefor it was really difficult for me to engage with the story.
This novel tells the young year of Nathalie, a composer from her discovery to music until the world discover her. I personally think that if she hadn't been discover as a "talent" by her family the story would have gain a lot in deepness. I would have love to see someone's struggle through real work instead of having someone being praised or hated for everything just because she had "talent".
I find it very dangerous to entertain the idea that someone can just sit at a piano or sit down with some paper and a pen and compose anything without having been taught any music in the first place. Knowing how to read the score doesn't mean that you have the motor skills and dexterity to play them in a heartbeat. This book does show that pretty naturally as the hard working girl is cast away for her talented sister.
The main character is an unbearable spoiled brat through the first 50% of the book. During this time, she has very little emotion and is very controlled. She shows little empathy toward other, disdain most of her family except for her alcoholic, destroy her sister who had to "work for her craft" instead of having it come naturally and so didn't deserve it. Actually no woman whatsoever deserve love because they are all vain. She complains about others characters being vain and proud and materialistic but shows more arrogance than any of them.
For the last 50% Natalie, she just makes stupid mistakes that proves she is everything she hated in other people, which includes the flaws of her family member and discouraging teachers (She always knows everything better than most or her teacher, piano playing, composing and conducting). She tries to build a career on her own because she didn't accept to play for her mother or grandfather in the first part and end up struggling to have time to do the very thing she wants, aka, compose. I could not understand any of her stand or even figure out what she was standing for when it seemed to be so versatile.
The writing was also rather pompous with a lot of comparisons, metaphors, references to composer and literature rarely explained, introduction to philosophical thinking and ideas that were never entirely exploited and tended to blur the purpose of what was to be demonstrated.
This book is interesting but it is far from being an easy read.
And it was in fact interesting though it was really not my cup of tea.
First I have to say that I do not believe in talent and therefor it was really difficult for me to engage with the story.
This novel tells the young year of Nathalie, a composer from her discovery to music until the world discover her. I personally think that if she hadn't been discover as a "talent" by her family the story would have gain a lot in deepness. I would have love to see someone's struggle through real work instead of having someone being praised or hated for everything just because she had "talent".
I find it very dangerous to entertain the idea that someone can just sit at a piano or sit down with some paper and a pen and compose anything without having been taught any music in the first place. Knowing how to read the score doesn't mean that you have the motor skills and dexterity to play them in a heartbeat. This book does show that pretty naturally as the hard working girl is cast away for her talented sister.
The main character is an unbearable spoiled brat through the first 50% of the book. During this time, she has very little emotion and is very controlled. She shows little empathy toward other, disdain most of her family except for her alcoholic, destroy her sister who had to "work for her craft" instead of having it come naturally and so didn't deserve it. Actually no woman whatsoever deserve love because they are all vain. She complains about others characters being vain and proud and materialistic but shows more arrogance than any of them.
For the last 50% Natalie, she just makes stupid mistakes that proves she is everything she hated in other people, which includes the flaws of her family member and discouraging teachers (She always knows everything better than most or her teacher, piano playing, composing and conducting). She tries to build a career on her own because she didn't accept to play for her mother or grandfather in the first part and end up struggling to have time to do the very thing she wants, aka, compose. I could not understand any of her stand or even figure out what she was standing for when it seemed to be so versatile.
The writing was also rather pompous with a lot of comparisons, metaphors, references to composer and literature rarely explained, introduction to philosophical thinking and ideas that were never entirely exploited and tended to blur the purpose of what was to be demonstrated.
This book is interesting but it is far from being an easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 10, 2015I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review and also because he thought it might be something I would be interested in.
I like a coming of age tale as much as the next person but I wasn’t expecting half of what I got.
The story revolves around Natalie, the wunderkind and pianist extraordinaire and her journey. A couple of things I found that confused me however. The first being that I couldn’t immediately determine the time frame it was supposed to be set in. The language read, to me at least, like a translated version of a book, it was stilted and abrupt. The second was the conversations themselves, there is no slang and it’s all very proper and the voices didn’t sound American to me. Thirdly, what 12 year old is smart enough to understand the concepts espoused and make knowledgeable replies in return.
This book is heavy on philosophy with a bit of theology thrown in. So far from what I prefer reading and I found it too excessive for my taste. It was not an easy read for me by any means and it wasn’t something that piqued my interest.
Then again if you’re the sort of person who like their books chock full of philosophical ideas you will probably enjoy this book a great deal. I don’t think I can comment on the quality of the philosophy here simply because I have no background on which to base my opinion.
Im also going to refrain from giving this book a rating because while I didn’t like the philosophy aspect of it, and this is the main aspect of the book it wouldn’t be a fair rating.
I like a coming of age tale as much as the next person but I wasn’t expecting half of what I got.
The story revolves around Natalie, the wunderkind and pianist extraordinaire and her journey. A couple of things I found that confused me however. The first being that I couldn’t immediately determine the time frame it was supposed to be set in. The language read, to me at least, like a translated version of a book, it was stilted and abrupt. The second was the conversations themselves, there is no slang and it’s all very proper and the voices didn’t sound American to me. Thirdly, what 12 year old is smart enough to understand the concepts espoused and make knowledgeable replies in return.
This book is heavy on philosophy with a bit of theology thrown in. So far from what I prefer reading and I found it too excessive for my taste. It was not an easy read for me by any means and it wasn’t something that piqued my interest.
Then again if you’re the sort of person who like their books chock full of philosophical ideas you will probably enjoy this book a great deal. I don’t think I can comment on the quality of the philosophy here simply because I have no background on which to base my opinion.
Im also going to refrain from giving this book a rating because while I didn’t like the philosophy aspect of it, and this is the main aspect of the book it wouldn’t be a fair rating.
November 8, 2014
This is the story of a musical genius and her rise from childhood to adulthood. She is in search of herself in a family that does not understand the meaning in her life. She is driven by her passion for music. The family, who are often her adversaries, might be termed somewhat dysfunctional or perhaps different as occurs in many families. Characters have conflicting personalities that play upon Natalie and affect her psychological and personal growth. As the story unfolds, there is a note of sadness throughout and a palpable tension.
The characters are complex and universal. They are life-like and deeply drawn, but they are easy to understand and relate to, like many in the broad sense, we encounter in our own lives. The narrative is skillfully written and convincing, and the story is absorbing. You may think of this novel as philosophical and psychological, but know it is a well-written, convincing, original story. Reviewed by the author of The Children's Story, About Good and Evil.
The characters are complex and universal. They are life-like and deeply drawn, but they are easy to understand and relate to, like many in the broad sense, we encounter in our own lives. The narrative is skillfully written and convincing, and the story is absorbing. You may think of this novel as philosophical and psychological, but know it is a well-written, convincing, original story. Reviewed by the author of The Children's Story, About Good and Evil.
November 13, 2014
The Composer by Lee Olds is a masterfully crafted, superbly written novel and a coming of age story of a child prodigy that has to be one of the best novels I have read in quite a long while.
As the story begins, Natalie is pursuing her passion which is music. Regardless of her family's thoughts about it, she continues in her pursuit and fate sets many obstacles in her way in the path to success. Throughout the story, there is a feeling of sorrow that permeates the narrative, leaving the reader to compare Natalie's plight with those that are commonplace in each of our daily lives.
The author does an impeccable job in the character development - Natalie is so real, she practically jumps from the page as someone that the reader can sit down with, have a conversation with and at times feel sorry for. As Natalie matures throughout the story, I found myself commiserating with her tragedies and cheering for her in her triumphs.
This was a great read and one that I will not soon forget.
Well Done!
As the story begins, Natalie is pursuing her passion which is music. Regardless of her family's thoughts about it, she continues in her pursuit and fate sets many obstacles in her way in the path to success. Throughout the story, there is a feeling of sorrow that permeates the narrative, leaving the reader to compare Natalie's plight with those that are commonplace in each of our daily lives.
The author does an impeccable job in the character development - Natalie is so real, she practically jumps from the page as someone that the reader can sit down with, have a conversation with and at times feel sorry for. As Natalie matures throughout the story, I found myself commiserating with her tragedies and cheering for her in her triumphs.
This was a great read and one that I will not soon forget.
Well Done!
March 19, 2015
This is a well written and beautiful tale that follows Natalie as she discovers and develops her musical talent, coming against her parents and siblings as she does so. Olds has developed his characters well and they do come across realistic and believable but I found I couldn't connect with any of them which left me outside of the story a little, lessening the impact of Natalie's decisions and choices. I also found the structure a little odd as there was no real sense of time, which meant that I did get a little lost as the story seems to span Natalie's late childhood, teen and adult years without giving a real indication that it is doing so. Personally I prefer a bit more structure to see the duration and development of the story and its characters. Despite this though it is a good read and the philosophical quandaries that the characters face are handled well and nicely simplified through the comparisons with Natalie's musical abilities. I sense this is one that improves the more you read it.
August 13, 2015
The Composer is the compelling story of Natalie, a gifted young composer, who struggles with her extraordinary musical talent and its power over her life. As the story unfolds, Natalie is a young girl of twelve, just discovering her musical gifts. She soon finds that the people around her are often resentful of her talent or attempt to control her life. The author takes us through her teenage years and into adulthood as she strives to develop her talents as a composer on her own terms amidst characters who often make her journey difficult. In the author's thought provoking writing style, he delves into the minds of Natalie and the other characters, helping us to understand their conflicts, motivations, and perceptions. The author's philosophical narrative lends a unique perspective to the story. He takes us into the souls of his characters, challenging us to question our own lives and beliefs.
An inspiring story interwoven with wonderfully descriptive language and probing philosophical insights, The Composer is both engaging and enriching- a truly unique book!
An inspiring story interwoven with wonderfully descriptive language and probing philosophical insights, The Composer is both engaging and enriching- a truly unique book!
January 15, 2015
Lee Olds has crafted a tale as whimsical and musical as its protagonist's greatest composition. I didn't worry about the time or the structure or the theme, I just let the story carry me where it would. Watery, almost stream of consciousness, it was a whimsical journey. The dialogue felt authentic, the descriptions picturesque. I'm a sucker for a musical girl. Always have been. A beautiful tale. Plus, I love anything Paris, or San Francisco. Ooh la la! Literary without feeling weighty or pedantic, it was fun.
November 15, 2015
Refreshingly unique. I really enjoyed this book; it held my interest and moved quickly. The book is well-written and fast-paced which keeps the reader’s attention. You can almost feel the setting; you can almost see the characters. The idiosyncrasies of each individual character is so well defined and expressed in such ways that come across the page almost lyrically. In a nutshell, this book is solidly descriptive and emotionally satisfying. Mr. Olds has spun a very thought-provoking story, one which is to be embraced.
January 19, 2016
This was a unique and interesting story written in literary style about the life of a young musical composer with unique and special talents. The story flowed around elements of a dysfunctional family and an independent female protagonist who didn't relish playing by the rules of society and expectations.
I did find the story meandered quite a bit and thus made it a challenge for me to actually get caught up in it. It felt so random at times that I struggled with the pace a bit.
As a result, this took me far too long to complete and as a result probably resulted in the lower rating.
I did find the story meandered quite a bit and thus made it a challenge for me to actually get caught up in it. It felt so random at times that I struggled with the pace a bit.
As a result, this took me far too long to complete and as a result probably resulted in the lower rating.
November 14, 2014
This novel stands apart from most fiction written today. A psychological and philosophical exploration of a young woman's psyche set in the world of professional music. Highly recommended for fans of existential fiction.
July 21, 2015
The composer, is a wonderfully written story about a musical prodigy. This story covers years of her life which seems to be very off putting due to the advancement of time without a lot of recognition. But this story still kept my attention for quite a while.
March 22, 2016
really good book l really enjoyed reading this book and l loved the storyline and l was hooked after the first few pages and l highly recommend this book and l cannot wait to hear more from this author
February 25, 2015
I read this book in one day. It was able to hold my interest and moved quickly. What an enjoyable read. This has been one of the best novels I have read in a very long time.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews