Voice of the Violin (Inspector Montalbano Mysteries)

Book Description

Inspector Montalbano, praised as “a delightful creation” (USA Today), has been compared to the legendary detectives of Georges Simenon, Dashiell Hammett, and Raymond Chandler. As the fourth mystery in the internationally bestselling series opens, Montalbano's gruesome discovery of a lovely, naked young woman suffocated in her bed immediately sets him on a search for her killer. Among the suspects are her aging husband, a famous doctor; a shy admirer, now disappeared; an antiques-dealing lover from Bologna; and the victim's friend Anna, whose charms Montalbano cannot help but appreciate. But it is a mysterious, reclusive violinist who holds the key to the murder.

Customer Reviews:

Sicily, here I come!.......2007-09-30

Fourth in the Salvo Montalbano Italian police procedural series in which Salvo discovers the body of a beautiful young woman in her home when he stops to find out why the home's owner has not responded to a note he left when one of their police cars collides with her car that was parked in front of the home. As usual, the politics of the department and the country take the investigation over and Salvo must do his sleuthing on the sly after being taken off the case by the new commissioner. The gruff and grumpy Montalbano shows his vulnerable side too, briefly. A quick, enjoyable visit to Sicily where the author puts you right in the heart of the place, evoking smells, tastes and views that leave little to the imagination. Don't read this book (or any in the series) while hungry; the author's descriptions of the food will leave you drooling all over the book! Great series!

The Fourth Montalbano Mystery by Andrea Camilleri - La Voce Del Violino - The Voice of the Violin........2007-03-03

Braking and entering was the least of Inspector Montalbano worries the discovery was much more gruesome. A young female completely naked, at touch she was cold and stiff, half kneeling, belly resting against the edge of the bed her face remained buried in the sheets which had also been torn at by her sharp fingernails. This woman had not given up without a fight; there was no doubt in Montalbano mind this was murder by suffocation.

Montalbano was on the case to hunt for the killer, the victim had been a beautiful blonde and from her address book extremely active, this meant an array of suspects to filter through. Everybody was under suspicion an antiques dealing lover from Bologna, a shy admirer who had suddenly disappeared, the women's best friend Anna who's charms Montalbano could not help but enjoy. But what about the victims Husband a Famous Doctor, he was acting towards his own wife's death emotionally unattached, why? Montalbano is introduced by a friend to a reclusive skilled violinist who only performs his wonderful concertos in odd hours. Was something about this Maestro the key to the bigger picture?

Andrea Camilleri has done another wonderful job of bringing to life the Sicilian detective Inspector Salvo Montalbano. What I love about this series would be the charactizations and language the usage of dialogue in conversation it's all been kept real it's got sharp wit and comedy which I find really amusing, the sly comments on Italian life and culture make for an interesting comical read. There are some fresh characters in this book which keeps Montalbano on his toes and the tempo paced and exciting. Once again beautifully and descriptivly portrayed in the fictational town of Vigàta. Montalbano himself is a great character, he thinks about fine literature in moments of doubt, has an eye for a beautiful women and loves to indulge his taste buds into the delicious aromatic seafood pasta dishes.

I have read this whole series as far as they have been translated, I believe this whole series deserves to be read from the beginning, but if you do not wish to do that, then I would advise you read - Il ladro di Merendine - The Snack Thief before this book, only because it makes references to a pervious plot line that might make this one more amusing.

This book shows Montalbano as a shrewd tactician, with a mix of humour, cynicism and compassion; of course blended with his attractiveness "get to the point attitude".

As always a special mention to poet Stephen Sartarelli, for the clear translation of each book and for the informative notes given at the back on wording. Thank you.

A.Bowhill

Camilleri author.......2007-02-14

Camilleri, as usual, immerses the reader in an engrossing mystery story with engaging Sicilian atmosphere and quite appetizing local cuisine descriptions. Even for one who has never been to Sicily -- or perhaps especially for that person. Even for this professional violist/violinist...

Life in Sicily.......2007-01-04

I have become enamoured with the Italian mystery genre in the last 2-3 years. It has been an education to explore Venice with Commissario Brunetti and Florence with Marshall Guarnaccia or Sicily with Inspector Montealbano. All three authors (Donna Leon, Magdalen Nabb, and Andrea Camilleri) know their locale and focus on the daily lives of the citizens, while moving along a rip-roaring story. But there are significant differences - Leon and Nabb write in English (Nabb uses British terms that remind me of Christie that break the spell) while Camilleri writes in Italian. He is Italian - he understands the importance of the land and the wine and especially the food that fuels Sicily. (The translation is superb.) Leon and Nabb certainly know their areas and their craft and they are very, very good, but Camilleri works the magic.

Camilleri captures the angst and the pain and the loneliness of Inspector Montalbano. But he also captures in mouthwatering detail the need to eat with a focus on the quality and variety of food that stops the Inspector's world, even when he has to go long distances to find the right place to eat.

I like to read a series from the beginning. I like to meet and greet the protagonist and then watch him/her grow with fond memories brought about by references to prior books. Voice of the Violin is one of the earliest of the very highly selected Montalbano books that have been translated and one that I come back to to reread because of how it changes, or perhaps most interestingly as you read more books, doesn't change Montalbano's life.

I highly recommend all three Italian protagonists with Inspector Montalbano and Commissario Brunetti right at the top of my list of "must buy" when a new book hit the market. They take me to places I have never visited, though I now seem to know, and allow me to interact with people I would like to know better.

Start with the TerraCotta Dog and move to the Voice of the Violin as you can, remembering to stop and focus on fine food prepared well along the way.

Master of Dialogue........2005-10-28

"Voice Of The Violin" by Andrea Camilleri, "An Inspector Montalbano Mystery". Translated by Stephen Sartarelli. Viking Penguin, 2003.

I was introduced to the Inspector Montalbano series by the comments of other Amazon reviewers. Thank you. This novel deals with the murder of a beautiful young lady in Sicily, and the story takes quite a few twists and turns, before the crime is finally solved in the last chapter. The author uses dialogue to continuously advance the story line, and, every now and then, uses the fractured dialogue of Catarella as comic relief. For example, Catarella is assigned to study the new technology, computers, which he calls "pewters".

Part of the novel is devoted to the young , educated and rising generation of new police inspectors and the conflict between them and the old-guard. And, of course, food consumes a substantial part of the book; (it WAS written by an Italian). There are descriptions of what Inspector Salvo Montalbano is expecting for lunch, what the other officers will be consuming, and the difference between northern Italian cuisine and southern Italian. In all of this, the "Voice Of The Violin" almost disappears, but in the end of the book, you will read how the violin plays a central part in the plot and in the crimes that were committed.

In the back of the book, there is an interesting glossary of sorts (pp. 245-249), where "in-phrases" are explained. For example, "baby octopus alla Luciana" ... is described as ..."a simple dish, ...octopi are cooked in a spicy tomato sauce with garlic and hot pepper". All in all, this is an appetizing book.

Benjamin Lees - Piano Trio No. 2 "Silent Voices": for Violin, Violoncello and Piano

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Benjamin Lees - Piano Trio No. 2 "Silent Voices": for Violin, Violoncello and Piano

Manufacturer: Boosey and Hawkes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0634090127

Book Description

First performed in 1998, Benjamin Lees (b. 1924) described this one-movement, 14-minute, dramatic and poignant piece as "a small gesture of remembrance to those whose voices were forever stilled by pogroms and genocides of the past."

The Collected Songs, Volume 7: 1913-14, for Voice and Piano [Love is Like a Violin And 10 Other Songs]

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The Collected Songs, Volume 7: 1913-14, for Voice and Piano [Love is Like a Violin And 10 Other Songs]
Jerome Kern
Manufacturer: Masters Music Publications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MBUEC6

The Joyful Eastertide: Sacred Song for Voice and Piano with Violin as Libitum

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The Joyful Eastertide: Sacred Song for Voice and Piano with Violin as Libitum
Louis R. Dressler
Manufacturer: G. Schirmer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LC9AZS

Minor voice among megalith, lost violin, and other poems

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Minor voice among megalith, lost violin, and other poems
Rufus Goodwin
Manufacturer: Urban Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 0962842907

Monteverdi : Five Songs (Voice with piano acc., with separate Violin and Viola or Cello inserts)

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Monteverdi : Five Songs (Voice with piano acc., with separate Violin and Viola or Cello inserts)
Claudio Monteverdi
Manufacturer: Theodore Presser Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Sheet music
ASIN: B000TAAUBA

Product Description

5 songs, in Italian & English, with separate inserts for Violin and Viola Da Gamba or Violincello. Background notes for the performer (4pp.), by the editors.

Mozart Missa Brevis in F, K 192, for 4 Voices, 2 Violins, Bass and Organ (Kalmus Vocal Scores)

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Mozart Missa Brevis in F, K 192, for 4 Voices, 2 Violins, Bass and Organ (Kalmus Vocal Scores)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Manufacturer: Edwin F. Kalmus
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: B000ONRT7K

Music for a Jewish-American Wedding: for Solo Voice, Flute, Violin and Piano

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Music for a Jewish-American Wedding: for Solo Voice, Flute, Violin and Piano

Manufacturer: Transcontinental Music Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0807407798

Book Description

An original work of exquisite beauty, featuring settings of major parts of the Jewish wedding service (Od Y'shama, Ani L'dodi and Baruch Haba) for solo voice, flute, violin and piano. Includes texts and translations.

Out of the Dusk to You - Song with Violin and Cello Obbligato - For High Voice

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Out of the Dusk to You - Song with Violin and Cello Obbligato - For High Voice
Arthur J Lamb , and Dorothy Lee
Manufacturer: Sam Fox Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Sheet music
ASIN: B000N1AQ00

Requiem for 4 Voices, 2 Violins, Bass, 2 Bassett Horns, 2 Bassoons, Trombones, Trumpets, Drums and Organ. KV 626.

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Requiem for 4 Voices, 2 Violins, Bass, 2 Bassett Horns, 2 Bassoons, Trombones, Trumpets, Drums and Organ. KV 626.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Manufacturer: Ernst Eulenburg 1970s?.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NKJPGW

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

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Atlantis: A Tale of the Earth
Atlantis: A Tale Of The Earth
Atlantis: A Tale Of The Earth
This book is great!!!

Atlantis: A Tale of the Earth
Roger J. Didio
Manufacturer: Atlantea Press (TX)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fairy Tales | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0967276004

Book Description

Before Camelot, before Avalon and Middle Earth, there was Atlantis. And now, at the dawn of the Third Millennium, the greatest civilization the world has ever known rises again in an epic fantasy adventure. For the first time in modern fiction comes the promise of unraveling the "mystery" at the source of all of these legends, and the lure of exploring a new yet somehow familiar world teeming with heroes and villains...both human and nonhuman. The greatest unsolved mystery of all time, the War in Heaven and battle for the fate of the Earth, the Great Flood and sinking...all of this and more come to life in Atlantis: A Tale of the Earth.

Follow Adima, a royal son of Atlantis, and his wife, Cybele, priestess of the Temple of Poseidon, on their heroic journey as they race against time and the mighty forces of darkness and evil to save a world. Courageously facing the fears they share with all humankind, aptly aided by the cunning of the Wolf Woman, the magic of the Hermit of the Light, and the Wisdom of the Great Mother Earth Herself, they step forth to challenge the darkest and most dreaded villain that ever lived. Gasp as Belial, a deranged, malevolent giant--huge and pale and utterly evil--tampers with forces he can barely fathom. Shudder as he accepts the magical, mystical Spear of Destiny from the hands of the Puppetmaster and rises up to bring the destruction about. Thrill as the final battle rages.

Here is the first of a new genre of fiction--not quite science fiction, not pure fantasy-adventure, more than an historical novel. Neither is it pure allegory or parable, nor a simple reworking of ancient myth and legend. Instead, Atlantis is a blending of all of these genres--a seamless tapestry that interweaves science, literature, folklore, and mythology with occult mysticism and traditional and modern philosophy. Add to this strong and effective visual descriptions, compelling action and dialog, and ancient technological "special effects." The result is a timeless romantic adventure with universal appeal--a Modern Myth that will thrill, amuse, educate, and inspire readers and keep them coming back for more.

Customer Reviews:

Atlantis: A Tale of the Earth.......2001-06-04

An incredible story whose telling is both essential and relevant in these increasingly uncertain times. Roger Didio's Masterpiece will educate, entertain, feed and heal both mind and spirit! This work is the "Total Package" when it comes to literary experiences. Never before have I encountered a story that weaves such a rich tapestry of axioms, myths, parables and philosophy together with so engaging a story. If you choose to experience this work, be prepared to feel the full spectrum of the emotions of life. "Atlantis: A Tale of the Earth" is the yardstick that all other Atlantis stories should be measured by!

Atlantis: A Tale Of The Earth.......2000-06-23

I was hungry for a meaningful, relevant, entertaining, compelling book I could both lose and find myself in. Roger J. Didio has done an amazing job of integrating so many aspects of what we call life into a totally captivating tale. Atlantis is a piece of art on multidimensional levels. Reading this book the first time was like partaking of a 12-course meal. It provides food for the mind the emotions and the soul. So rich and flavorful is this banquet that I've started reading it again!

Atlantis: A Tale Of The Earth.......2000-06-23

This book is great!!!.......1999-09-22

Roger Didio has created a masterpiece. Each character is created as 1-a real, living being, and, simultaneously as 2-the essence of a timeless archetype. The story is gripping, and it moves at a rapid pace. I found myself becoming deeply attached to the plights of several of the characters, as I saw (and keep seeing!) the world through their eyes. Many years ago, I had the pleasure of reading the Tolkein trilogy. Now I have had the pleasure of reading another masterpiece that is also about a fantasy world that is as real, or more real, than our world. Thank you Roger Didio for creating this work of art.

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