Hidden Voices: The Orphan Musicians of Venice

by Pat Lowery Collins

While studying under Vivaldi, three girls in a Venice orphanage forge their own notions of love in a sensuous, engrossing novel told in three narrative voices.

It is a longing and search for love that motivates three girls living in the Ospedale della Pietà, an orphanage renowned for its extraordinary musical program. But for Rosalba, Anetta, and Luisa, the love they seek is not where they expect to find it. Set in the early 1700s in the heart of Venice, this remarkable novel deftly weaves the history of Antonio Vivaldi’s early musical career into the lives of three young women who excel in voice and instrument. Under the composer’s tutelage and care, the orphans find expression, sustenance, and passion. But can the sheltered life of the orphanage prepare them for the unthinkable dangers outside its walls?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Music, Historical, Italy, LGBT, Fiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2009

About the author

Pat Lowery Collins is the author of many acclaimed novels and picture books. She was inspired to write HIDDEN VOICES when she learned that Antonio Vivaldi wrote countless concertos to showcase the talents of orphan girls — and snare husbands for a lucky few. She lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com

Eighteenth century composer Vivaldi not only composed beautiful music, but he also worked in an orphanage giving young girls a music education. HIDDEN VOICES is a fictional story based on true events about three girls living in the Ospedale dell Pieta.

Luisa is known for her voice, but she's always looking for the mother who abandoned her. Rosalba is the adventurous one who wants a life outside of the Ospedale walls and dreams of romance. Anetta is the one who takes care of everyone and feels especially protective of Luisa. Together, these girls grow up and help each other through the various obstacles life presents them.

HIDDEN VOICES is a richly detailed historical novel. Each chapter is told from a different point of view and Ms. Collins excels at giving each girl a unique voice. Rosalba was my favorite character in the beginning, but Luisa and Anetta grew on me too throughout the novel. All three grow throughout the story and it's interesting to see how the girls help and rely on each other throughout the way.

A great novel of friendship, HIDDEN VOICES is an engaging historical read, especially for readers with an interest in classical music.

[Books and Literature for Teens · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm quite shocked frankly. I had such high hopes that this book was going to be good, but it ended up being rather disappointing and a waste of time. And [sniff:] it was set in Venice too!
After reading a few pages of the book, my first thought was that it's going to be a loooong week because the book moved so slow. I got exactly halfway through when it happened! The disaster event. Stupid girl (Rosalba). She thought she could just pick a "suitor" and things would act out like a play. Instead she got herself raped and ended up giving another "orphan" back to the Opselade. The book also ended a far cry from "happily ever after", which in this setting, such a thing only happened in plays.
The entire book switched off between the three girls, Luisa, Rosabla, and Annetta, (Whew! All those Italian girl names all in "a"!) which made it rather interesting, but if the story keeps dragging on, the character changes don't really make it an any better. Hidden Voices could have been a somewhat a nicer story, but the rape details were uncalled for. Either the author was just explaining what could happened to you if you made Rosalba's silly decision, or she was simply just writing about the orphan girl's unhappy endings?
I'm sorry to sound this way because an author's book(s) are his masterpiece(s)-no matter how the sad the story is-but I just could not recommend this book.

Courtesy of BLT reviews: booksandliteratureforteens.blogspot.com
Please check out the blog for more reviews and bookish muses.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise was very interesting. Normally I do not like when a book has multiple POVs, but it was easy to keep track of the three characters. However, the characters were difficult to sympathize with as they had significant attachment issues (which is not unheard of for being raised in an orphanage). Fancy language was used to an extent that might turn a lot of readers off and most of the musical terminology flew past me. TW: rape.

[Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I guess this was an okay book. I have a soft spot in my heart for the girls at the Pieta, so that probably clouded my judgment in some way and made it possible for me to finish it.

The book is told through the alternating viewpoints of three girls. Unfortunately, I had a really had time telling any of them apart. This got better as the plot progressed and the three ended up in very different situations, but that was really the only thing that could distinguish between them. I guess this was the major thing that made the book fall flat for me.

Also, through the whole thing, I kept getting the feeling that the author was trying to portray one of the girls as lesbian, which could have been interesting. But I don't know. Something about it didn't work for me. I suppose it was interesting, but I feel like, in that society, there would have been more worry on her part about that. Of course, on the other hand, you don't want to make it overly!dramatic, either.

But, yeah. A pretty slow read, but not too bad.

[Ocean Weeks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow. That was beautiful. Obviously, it wasn't my favourite book in the world. This was mainly because it was very slow until about 60% of the way through the book but after that percent mark....I flew through the book. The character development deserves all of the praise and the way that the storylines weave together is beautiful.

[Jupie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fictionalized story of orphan girls in Venice that Vivaldi trains. It is based on the true story of these young musicians. Some be came famous and some ended up on the streets.

[Melanie H. · Rating 1 out of 5]

This books is told from 3 different viewpoints in alternating chapters. But it's not done well. The storyline is hard to follow and most of the writing is choppy.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing personalities--lives played out against the background of Venice just before Vivaldi achieved fame. Vivaldi is these girls' composer, conductor, and kindly priest.

[Tammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was interesting to hear about the young musicians. I wouldn't bother reading it again. There is a rape moment with a little too much detail for a YA book and a lesbian theme that shows up also.

[Alyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story in long ago Venice, I was enjoying it. But I'm not sure I can recommend it to kids because of the rape. 6th grade reading level, but the content seems more suited for mid teens.

[Adaela McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three girls are highlighted in this historical fiction young adult novel set around 1710 in Venice, Italy. The story is based upon the orphanage at Ospedale della Pietà (Devout Hospital of Mercy). Girls are trained to become musicians and Antonio Vivaldi, the Red Priest, composes much of their music.
The world of the orphans, the music and the city create a rich texture for us to wrap ourselves in. Collins clearly portrays the life and emotions of the children in the school, which is the main story line. The three highlighted girls must choose between the music careers they have been trained for and more affectionate private lives.
Collins must have done oodles of research to make this book, but I think she fell back on the playing of the viola and other instruments. What she describes as difficult, I do not find difficult, such as crescendos. Other parts of the music can make it difficult such as the fingering and rhythm.

[Gianna Talamo]

"Hidden Voices" is writen by Pat Lowery Collins and takes place in the 1700's around the time of the Revolutionary War. In this book there are three main characters, Anetta, Rosalba, and Luisa. Some character traits to describe them would be Hardworking, Passionate, and kind. I think they are very hardworking becuase through out the novel they were always trying to be the best that they could be and they worked hard to excel at music. For example, on page 29 Luisa said that "the Opera is there goal." this means as a reader that they wont give up until the reach that end goal. Moving on to the next character trait, passionate. I think these characters are so passionate about music. Being passionate also links to hardworking becuase if they are really passionate about something they will try hard to succeed which will make them hardworking. An example to prove they are passionate would be on the first page of the book Anetta explained how much she and the others loved music and there voices were amazing. The last character trait I woud use to describe them would be kind. I think they are very sweet and kind girls who demonstrate kindness not just on one page but through out the entire book. A brief summary of the book would be, The quest for love and belonging motivates the three teens who tell an incredible story set in the early 1700s in Venice at the Ospedale dell Pieta, an orphanage and home for abandoned girls. These three extraordinary girls excel at voice and are hoping to make it big. As said by Anetta "My voice is pleasent enough".
The point of view in this story was First person. This story was told from the perspective of the three girls. This effects the reading becuase you know its not just coming from and author but from the characters themselves. Two themes that well describe this story are "You are capable of anything you put your mind to," and "Orphans are capable of just as much as children with families are." Two mood words for this book are Passionate and optomistic. These two words describe the book well becuase in the book they are very serious about voice and wont give up for anything. The quote that I think stands out in this book is “Time. There is never enough of it.” what this means to me is there is never enough time to do what you love and in the girls case that would be singing
I connect to these girls very well because they are exactly like me. I am a singer as well and it is something I am very passionate about. Singing is my life and I dont know what I would do without it and the same with the girls. I highly recommend this book!!! I loved all of the heart in this book along with the passion and creativity. One thing I did not like about this book was there was no antogonist. I like stories with antogonists becuase it creates mystery and suspense. On a scale of 1-10 I rate his book a 8. I recommend this book to young teenagers who are trying to find themselves or who are passionate about something becuase the focus of the whole book was three girls who had passion for singing. I really enjoyed this book and I hope anyone else who reads it feels the same way!!!
"SPOILER ALERT'
In the rising action of the book Luisa has a magnificent voice, which could attract a fine prospect for marriage, but she hopes her talent will snare the attention and affection of her mother, who abandoned her. Rosalba is an incurable romantic who refuses to be confined by the walls of the Ospedale and takes great risks in her pursuit. Anetta nurtures the younger girls at the institution and is intensely devoted to Rosalba and especially to Luisa. Near the end of the book there is a hint that Anetta's attraction to Luisa may be romantic. Collins's descriptive prose makes Venice and a unique slice of history come alive as the three connecting narrative strains create a rich story of friendship and self-realization.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 2 out of 5]

In early 18th century Venice, the three narrators belong to the Ospedale della Pietà, an orphanage which trains girls with extraordinary musical talent. Growing up in the Ospedale della Pietà often feels like a prison for pretty Rosalba, who dreams of love. Anetta is happiest caring for the babies in the nursery. Lucia longs for the love of her mother, a courtesan. The three girls look after each other and stand up for one another in the rigid orphanage/school environment. Anetta especially worries about Lucia and feels an overwhelming need to have Lucia by her side to protect her. Rosalba is rebellious and schemes to leave the confinement of the Pietà and find her mythical dream lover which eventually leads to trouble. Anetta struggles with her feelings for Lucia when Lucia is struck by a terrible illness and sent away to recover. Through it all the friends strive to achieve the very best in their musical professions, helped by the kindly, but absent-minded Father Vivaldi.

This is a coming-of-age teen novel set against the backdrop of Venice. The vivid descriptions of the city are wonderful as well as the details of the music school and life at the Ospedale della Pietà.

While the historical details are wonderful, I found the story somewhat difficult to read. It was hard to keep track of the different narrators because they all sounded the same to me. They were naive and whiny and self-entitled, typical teenagers, I suppose, but I expected more about their music and schooling and thought Vivaldi would be a greater presence in the novel. Instead, the plot seems unrealistic and overly full of difficult issues which are more common in novels set during the present day. The drama overpowered the story of the three girls coming-of-age in this music school in 18th-century Venice. This book could easily end up being challenged in some schools for the mature content. The book should come with a CD so the reader can listen to the magnificent Vivaldi compositions mentioned in the novel.

[Jennifer Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden Voices: the Orphan Musicians of Venice, by Pat Lowery Collins is a story about three orphan girls whose search for love pulls them in different directions. Hidden Voices follows the lives of Anetta, Luisa, and Rosalba living at the Ospedale della Pietà, an orphanage renowned for its extraordinary musical program. Set in early 1700s Venice in a time where choices for women were limited these girls’ musical talent offers them a chance at a better life. The girls want more than what is offered though. Anetta rejects marriage, Luisa longs for the love of a mother who abandoned her and Rosalba dreams of a forbidden romance outside the walls of the Ospedale.

Told through alternating viewpoints, Hidden Voices follows each girl as they try to obtain their dreams. The author does a wonderful job of giving the girls distinct voices and personalities that are true and believable. The reader can relate to them as their struggles are universal and carry through time.

Hidden Voices is a fictional novel based, in part, on the eighteenth century Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi. Through Anetta, Luisa and Rosalba, who excel in voice and instrument, the novel seamlessly weaves in the history of Vivaldi’s early musical career. The setting is wonderfully portrayed. Venice comes to life on the pages from the orphanage to the streets and even the country side, Hidden Voices paints a vivid picture of life in the early 1700s. While full of descriptive passages that bring 18th century Venice alive, the novel does have a slow beginning. Give it time. It’s a historical novel well worth the read.

And a little side note: I love the book cover. I’ll pick up a book just because the cover catches my attention and this one encompasses everything the novel is about. Lovely.

[Victoria Dixon]

Hidden Voices by Pat Lowery Collins


Hidden Voices is the tale of Anetta, Luisa and Rosalba, three orphaned girls; their desires, their failures and successes give life anew to Venice and the music of Antonio Vivaldi.

This book is filled with the power of young love, passion and music. Because of Mrs. Collins’ deft characterization skill, as well as my own musical background, I had a hard time putting it down.

The three girls, Anetta, Luisa, Rosalba and several of the lesser characters are written with such telling, pointed dialogue and actions that there was no one in this book who didn’t “pop” into real life. Just as important, Baroque Venice also comes alive. See the Punchinello plays, Carnival, the Commedia dell’Arte, consume fritelle and Italy with these girls. Viva Italia.

Was the book perfect? Perhaps not if one prefers a straight forward, genre-esque plot. There’s no need to save the world or even Venice in “Hidden Voices.” I do not want to give any spoilers, so I will simply say that the hope of requited love is stretched throughout the book for all three characters, though happy ever after is never the point.

Read Hidden Voices and witness a vibrant culture that’s not normally the focus of historical novels. You won’t be sorry, and when you leave this book behind, you’ll say, as I did, “Brava, Maestra. Brava.”

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[Elli · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's all based on a true location, type of social services given to orphans and essentially run through the auspices of the state. There was a board of directors which were in charge of the legal upkeep and raising of the children. But this one had a phenomenal musical education available to those who showed the talent and aptitude. And this book is written to show the events as through the eyes of three young wards of the orphanage. It was really fascinating to be reacquainted with the youngsters; there are some things that are just characteristic to kids in growing up. Going through being children and then becoming part of the adult world. Vivaldi was the key in this program, and that is true. And he loved the kids and went through all kinds of hell and high water to try to make it the best for them, but musical was the key here, and the children wanted and needed more than that than that in their lives. They also needed to meet life, beyond the ideals. But it's a great book, I think and very worth reading.

[Emon Azimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story revolves around the life stories of three orphaned girls named Anetta, Luisa, and Rosalba. It successfully illustrates their desires, experiences in failure and success.

They all live at the Ospedale orphanage, and are exceptionally talented in their musical ways but wish to go beyond the walls of the orphanage. Anetta denies marriage proposals, Rosalba wants a forbidden romance, while Luisa searches for her the love of her mother who abandoned her at a young age.

Although the author stretches its points throughout the book, he provides vibrant and delightful personalties to all of the characters, making it very enjoyable. I could relate to them very well with all their struggles and relation issues.

If you like fictional history stories you might be in for a beautiful and timeless ride.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orphans Rosalba, Anetta, and Luisa are talented musicians living at Ospedale della Pieta in Venice. They've been trained by the famous Antonio Vivaldi and are gifted enough to be world famous performers during the early 1700's. But, longing for love, security, and family tempts them into different directions, and while it seems romantic at first, they finally realize that the music is part of their souls. While inside the orphanage, their lives are sheltered, consistent, and safe...but the world beyond the orphanage walls are fraught with dangers and unexpected complications. Hidden Voices by Pat Lowery Collins introduces us to a time and place where hopes and dreams are thought to be forthcoming and absolute, but do not always play out as planned.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is for fans of historical fiction only & not a good choice for introducing someone to the genre, unless they are a big fan of classical music or play in an orchestra.

This book takes place in the early 1700s in Venice, Italy in an orphanage where the famous composer Vivaldi is a teacher. Girls who show musical talent are either trained for a career in musical performance or groomed to be eligible for marriage to the wealthy of Venice. Hidden Voices is the story of 3 such girls who begin with similar lives, but very different spirits and grow into unique detinies.

Because of some sexual content, I recommend it for high school students. (The content is specific in description, but not explicit in feel; however, in one case something described is particularly unpleasant.)

[Maude · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three young women growing up in the early 1800's at the Venice orphanage Ospedale della Pieta are under the tutelage of Antonio Vivaldi. The orphanage is known for its extraordinary musical program and also known as a haven for unwanted babies. There is a "scarfetta" in the church where the babies are left.

These young women excel in voice and instrument. Luisa, unlike the others, is not an orpham but was placed in the orphanage by her mother who appears to be a courtesan and sees her only occasionally.

Rosalba is eager to start a life not just with music but is looking for love (and as the music goes, "in all the wrong places"!).

It was an interesting story and I enjoyed the read but I never felt really infused with the story. I liked it but didn't love it.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is for high schoolers and is about the life of 3 female orphans in Venice during the time of Antonio Vivaldi and his contribution to the orphanage of writing, teaching, and peforming singing and playing of instruments to create a career for these girls. An interesting look @ life at the time. Good.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who prefer literary historical fiction. Steeped in the history of Venice and Vivaldi, it chronicles the coming of age of three girls living in an orphanage where the wards are musically trained. The freshness of the setting and period is well contrasted with the familiarity of adolescent concerns. Note that this book contains mature themes related to sexuality.

[Caitlín K]

This book had too many flat characters (e.g., all of them) to be interesting. It seemed like the author was more intent on showing what the lives of Vivaldi's concerto girls might have been like rather than making them at all realistic as people.

[Stephanie C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little rough subject material, though probably realistic-the story of three girls brought up in Venice's famous Opsedale orphanage/music school that Vivaldi himself taught. All 3 looking for love and finding "it" in different ways and places.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book engaging. Venice in the 1700's was culturally foreign to me. These three girls who tell the story are very different in temperament and yearnings,go in very different directions but remain friends.

[MissTree · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion, it deserves 2 stars, but since i identified myself to one of the three girls and felt a small attachment, i give it an extra star. not a book i'd personally recommand but it passes the time.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read! This is such a good book that I've already looked into this subject and started to read other books about this topic. :) I recommend this to those who love music.

[Olga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book! Great character developments, very realistic historical elements. Overall a very good read.

[Zohra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!!! The ending is beautiful. The characters are relatable and easy to understand.

[Literary Chanteuse · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars