In this historical novel we are transported to the year 1629, in which we watch the drama unfolding at the Danish Court of King Christian IV. Faced with the truth of his unfaithful consort and the decline of the wealth of his kingdom, King Christian seeks solace in the form of music. He keeps his royal orchestra confined to the cold damp basement where their sounds are piped into his chambers. We follow the torment of one of his favorite musicians, Peter Claire as he struggles to find happiness with Emilia, a lady in waiting to Kirsten (almost queen, and cause of much of the king's anguish). The story is revealed through glimpses from several perspectives which all interweave to form a compelling tale of love, hate and the search for happiness in the human soul.
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Reader Reviews:

Sharon (January 2002) This is one of those books that pulled me right into it. Once I started reading it was hard to stop. It is not by any means a great work of literature... but I found it compelling and entertaining. The historical setting coupled with the variety of interesting characters gave it a richness. I enjoyed getting the story from the different points of view, particularly the hateful Kirsten.