Machlis's fifth novel (Stefan in Love, 1991, etc.) is a deftly
crafted rites-of-passage story about a concert violinist who
finally acquires wisdom when he kicks his destructive habits and
goes back to his first love. Danny Sachs is the only son of parents
who want the best for him - though they show it in different ways.
Mother Julia, observing his musical precociousness, thinks he's a
genius and is prepared to do whatever it takes to have Danny's
talent recognized. On the other hand, the boy's father, a pit
violinist in Broadway musicals, tries to moderate Julia's
extravagant expectations, not wanting his son to be a wunderkind
("the wunder goes and the kind remains"), though never actually
discouraging him. Meanwhile, Danny is accepted by a prestigious
teacher and meets other talented young musicians, among them Steve
and Ruth, who become close friends. He's also loaned a Stradivarius
by Amos Schein, a wealthy patron of the arts, then finally debuts
at Carnegie Hall - most successfully. Now a recognized star, Danny
travels the world giving concerts, usually with Ruth, his lover, as
his accompanist. But Danny gets restless: He has an affair with
Carla, an Italian violinist, breaks up with Ruth, seduces Schein's
much younger wife, and starts taking drugs. Later, he meets and
falls in love with a famous ballerina, Natalya, a loner who loves
and leaves him. Devastated by her rejection, Danny's drug-taking
increases, and an impulsive drive to see the vacationing Natalya on
Cape Cod leads to his arrest, followed by time in a rehab center.
There, he's compelled to deal with the shambles he's made of his
life, emerging at last ready for music and true love. The perils
and pitfalls of success competently addressed in a musical setting
that gives a slightly different take on an all too familiar tale.
(Kirkus Reviews)
Allegro traces the checkered career of concert violinist Danny
Sachs. We see his steady progress as a promising young student,
adored and encouraged by many. He and Ruth, a talented young
pianist who becomes his accompanist, fall in love. Danny wins the
International Violin Competition in Moscow and makes a brilliant
debut in Carnegie Hall. His career is off to a soaring start. Amid
the glamour and stress of his success, Danny becomes increasingly
discontent. He leaves Ruth and begins a dangerous affair with the
wife of his wealthy patron, delving deeper into the world of
cocaine. He falls desperately in love with Natalya, a renowned
ballerina, only to be thwarted. His drug abuse worsens and his
erratic behavior lands him in jail. His career seems ruined. Slowly
and painfully, through rehabilitation, he recovers from his
addiction and his troubled past. He finds his way back to his
concert career and back to Ruth, seeing her in a new light.
General
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