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Novel

A Bach Concert

Concert din muzică de Bach

Hortensia Papadat-Bengescu · 1927

Synopsis

In post-First World War Bucharest, Elena Hallipa-Drăgănescu prepares a concert of Bach's music for high society. Around this project revolve the Hallipa family and its allies; an extract published by the Romanian Cultural Institute names, among the characters, Lina, Sia, Doctor Rim, Ada, Nory, Mosica Mari and Lica the Troubadour. According to its English publishers, the book mixes society intrigues and a family tragedy in the urban life of the post-war period.

Context

The novel appeared in 1927 and belongs to the cycle devoted to the Hallipa family. It was reissued in 1963 with Drumul ascuns, then included in 1979 in the author's works, between Fecioarele despletite and Drumul ascuns. Florica Ciodaru-Courriol translated it into French in 1994, from Jacqueline Chambon, and Gabi Reigh into English in 2022; the Rome branch of the country's cultural institute presents an extract under the title Concert of Bach Music.

Who it is for

A novel of society in Romanian, to be followed among many characters; readable in French and English.

Prizes and reception

Histria Books, which published it in English, presents it as a classic of Romanian literature.

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