Gillian Wills wrote Big Music, her debut novel, because she wanted people to know what goes on behind the concert curtain.
Music is so readily available, it’s easy for people to overlook the dedication and hard work involved in becoming a performer.
There’s a misconception that conservatoriums are peaceful, genteel places. Undeniably exhilarating, they are also political, competitive and prone to extremes.
The author has strong memories of her time at The Royal Academy of Music in London.
“My teacher threw a piano stool at me because I hadn’t played Beethoven’s Tempest Sonata to his liking. Luckily, the stool fell short of my foot,” she says.
“While listening to Verdi’s Requiem the conductor froze, his arms in the air. In response, the choir and orchestra doubled their efforts, except he was having a heart attack and died on stage.”
Wills remembers thinking, “I’ll put that in a book one day”.
The author was Dean of Music at the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne, for nine years and this experience inspired Big Music, although the story and the quirky characters are fictional.
Music institutions are pressured places. On top of academic study, rehearsals and performing, the students often need to earn a living as well as maintain strict practise routines. Someone is always about to give a concert. It’s intense.
The novel explores issues as varied as the tension between classical and contemporary musicians, performance nerves and the bias women can face in a leadership role.
Publishers require authors to capture the essence of their book in a few words. Wills says this about hers.
“Melody, mayhem and mystery propels this pacy character-driven, triumph-over-adversity romance set in a music college.”
Beatrice, nicknamed Beat, is appointed director of Turalong Music College despite her youth and inexperience. Dogged by impostor syndrome, she’s determined to revive the institution’s flagging reputation despite in-fighting, fraud, betrayal and predatory behaviour. Beethoven’s ghost makes a fleeting appearance.
Musicians are finding Big Music authentic and entertaining, but the author wrote it with a general readership in mind. She insists there’s no need for anyone to know anything about music to enjoy it.
All kinds of styles are referenced from Mendelssohn, Prince and Chet Baker. A playlist – same title as the book – on Spotify features all the songs and works included.
Wills has held launches in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. On every occasion she’s invited a musician to play an introduction. In Readings, State Library of Victoria, a clarinetist delivered Mozart. A country ‘n’ western singer contributed to a launch at Berkelouw, Eumundi in Queensland.
At Stonemason’s Bookroom in Castlemaine on Saturday July 12, local violinist Lizzy Walsh, an internationally acclaimed early music celebrity well known for her virtuosity and experimental improvisation, will perform. Walsh is a VCA graduate.
Free event: Gillian Wills with Lizzy Walsh, Stoneman’s Bookroom, Castlemaine, 12pm July 12. Enquiries to 5470 5134.
