Review of Diabolus In Musica

[Brendan Donaghy]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Diabolus In Musica" by Richard Rees.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Richard Rees is an established author who has written a string of novels, including some that have been reviewed on this site. This time, he has turned his hand to writing for the screen. Diabolus In Musica: A Story of Niccolo Paganini is a screenplay based on the life of the celebrated Italian violinist and composer who died in 1840 at the age of fifty-eight. The Latin phrase, ‘Diabolus in Musica’, translates as ‘the Devil in music’. This is a reference to the tritone, a musical effect that produces a sinister sound. It also references the suspicion held at the time that Paganini had struck a Faustian deal with the Devil, so brilliant was his playing.

The screenplay is described in the synopsis as a historical drama and love story. The drama arises from the battle Paganini wages with a Catholic priest, Romolo Cafarelli. Convinced that Paganini’s talent stems from the Devil, Cafarelli informs the violinist that he will be refused a Requiem Mass and a proper burial when he dies. The story is told through the proceedings of the Papal Inquiry held to determine if Paganini should be buried in consecrated ground, with events in the violinist’s life played out in a series of flashbacks. The love story centres around Paganini’s longstanding relationship with Princess Dida, a former courtesan.

With this screenplay, Richard Rees has taken the life story of a remarkable musician and, with the use of a bit of artistic licence, produced a riveting tale that hits all the right notes. Plays and screenplays often make for poor reading simply because that’s not what they’re designed for; they’re written to be acted, after all. This one smashes that rule by being extremely readable. The dialogue is crisp and authentic, while directions on such things as locations, flashbacks and scene settings are clear and easy to follow.

Paganini was the foremost violinist of his time and attracted the kind of adulation familiar to modern rockstars. He also lived the rockstar lifestyle. He was a gambler, a drinker and a notorious womaniser. One suspects that he was not an easy man to like. Despite this, Rees makes him a sympathetic character. He tells his story with a good deal of warmth, outlining mitigating circumstances such as Paganini’s tough childhood at the hands of a demanding and abusive father. Paganini’s character also benefits from the reflected likeability of characters such as Princess Dida, his tour manager Luigi Germi, musician Gioachino Rossini and soprano Isabella Colbrand. The author also earns sympathy for Paganini by pitching him against the thoroughly dislikeable Cafarelli.

The book follows classic screenplay formatting rules and has been professionally edited. In short, I found nothing to find fault with here.

I am pleased to award this screenplay four out of four stars. I recommend it to older teenagers and adults who enjoy historical dramas. There are one or two sex scenes, though nothing to frighten the horses, and strong language is used occasionally. I genuinely enjoyed reading this work, and I look forward to one day watching it on screen.

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Diabolus In Musica
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Jennifer Coxon]

Thanks for a great review. It sounds like you really enjoyed it. I appreciate that the screenplay format hasn’t detracted from the enjoyment of reading and that it has possibly enhanced the story.

[FunkyFlowerLady]

Amazing review! You've perfectly summed up the gist of the book in your review.

[Glen Achieng]

The review is simple and makes me wanna read the book even more. I like how you have clearly stated how the main character,Niccolo is being viewed by the society due to his characters and the perfection in his play if violin

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

You're right. Screenplays are not written to be read, and they're infamously hard to read. I'm glad it's not the case. And I like the idea of a 19th-century rockstar. Great review!

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

This is an interesting historical fiction screenplay based on the life of the celebrated Italian violinist and composer who died in 1840 at the age of fifty-eight. The book has a free sample on Amazon Kindle and has an inciteful OnlineBookClub review. Congrats on the BOTD.

[Amarnath Trivedi]

Amazing review. I am very happy to read your review

[Ruba Sabban]

Beautiful informative review, i look forward to reading the book

[Jorge Leon Salazar]

This screenplay based on the life of the violinist Niccolo Paganini looks entertaining. The suspicion that he had made a deal with the devil adds a mysterious and popular belief touch to the story. Sounds appealing to lovers of historical dramas.

[NetMassimo]

Paganini became a legend, so his name is remembered in Italy far beyond the classical music world. He was indeed like a rock star and it seems like he enjoyed it, so it's no surprise that he got problems with religious authorities. This screenplay makes me curious even if I have just an elementary knowledge of classical music. Thank you for your great review!

[Akua Belinda]

This is an amazing review, a violinist strucking a deal with the devil sounds great

[Fredrick Felix Mnjala Maneno]

Being a listener of classical music, I have sampled some of Paganini's works and they are a delight. I love how the reviewer gives a stunningly detailed description of this screenplay that makes one just want to pick it up! Excellent.

[MMcB]

‘Diabolous in Musica” by Richard Reid sounds like a great screenplay that would easily translate to an excellent soundtrack to accompany the movie. A musician whose genius has him pitted against the Catholic Church could be an excellent conflict whilst telling the story of the great Paganini. Historical drama, mystery and classical music combined make this an interesting read.

[SweetSourSalty AndSpicy]

Today’s book revives interest in a famous musician. Using a format that breaks the traditional seems fitting to the controversial and unconventional life story. Congratulations on Book of the Day!

[Hubre De Klerk]

I am not a huge music fan, so not sure if this book will be for me. It does sound very interesting though with a compelling storyline. Cafarelli just sounds like a spiteful character, but unless I read this book, I won't find out. I do love the atmosphere that music creates though and it sounds as if Paganini's talent is known far and wide. Well done on a great review and for #BOTD!