The novel depicts music not just as an art form but as a demanding, sometimes destructive force that can isolate individuals from reality.
by Alexis Ragougneau is a critically acclaimed novel that explores the destructive power of musical perfectionism and family dysfunction. The book, which was a finalist for the Prix Femina 2019 , centers on the Claessens family and is structured around Dmitri Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 77. Narrative Synopsis Opus 77 Alexis Ragougneau epub
The story begins at the funeral of the family patriarch, , a world-renowned and tyrannical conductor. Instead of a traditional funeral march, his daughter Ariane , a gifted pianist, performs Shostakovich’s Opus 77 . This performance serves as a gateway into the family's past, revealing a legacy of obsession and emotional trauma. Key Characters The novel depicts music not just as an
A prestigious conductor who sacrificed everything—including his family's well-being—to reach the peak of the musical hierarchy. Instead of a traditional funeral march, his daughter
The narrator and a world-class pianist known for her technical perfection. She struggles with the shadow of her father’s influence.
It explores the "dissonance" of a family bound by music, characterized by high expectations and emotional tyranny.