'The best thing from Denmark since Hamlet.' John Julius Norwich

In the year 1629, a young English lutenist named Peter Claire arrives at the Danish Court to join King Christian IV's Royal Orchestra. From the moment when he realises that the musicians perform in a freezing cellar underneath the royal apartments, Peter Claire understands that he's come to a place where the opposing states of light and dark, good and evil, are waging war to the death.

Designated the King's 'Angel' because of his good looks, he finds himself falling in love with the young woman who is the companion of the King's adulterous and estranged wife, Kirsten. With his loyalties fatally divided between duty and passion, how can Peter Claire find the path that will realise his hopes and save his soul?

'The best historical novelist of her generation. She evokes the past with sensuality, wit and superb sleights of hand... The plot is ingenious...an unforgettable tapestry of Eros and art.' A. N. Wilson

WINNER OF THE WHITBREAD NOVEL AWARD

About the Author
Rose Tremain's novels and short stories have been published in thirty countries and have won many awards, including the Orange Prize (The Road Home), the Dylan Thomas Award (The Colonel's Daughter and Other Stories), the Whitbread Novel of the Year (Music & Silence) the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the Prix Femina in France (Sacred Country) and the South Bank Sky Arts Award (The Gustav Sonata). Her most recent novel is Lily, a Richard and Judy Book Club selection. Rose Tremain was made a CBE in 2007 and a Dame in 2020. She lives in Norfolk and London with the biographer, Richard Holmes.

Reviews
The best thing from Denmark since Hamlet. * John Julius Norwich *
A magnificent novel... a brilliant book which will repay many readings * The Times *
She is the best historical novelist of her generation. She evokes the past with sensuality, wit and superb sleights of hand... The plot is ingenious...an unforgettable tapestry of Eros and of art -- A. N. Wilson
Tremain's achievement in Music & Silence is extraordinary ... A narrative as funny as it is compelling * Daily Telegraph *
Tremain weaves her web of stories with great visual flair and emotional acuity: This is a fabulous cacophony of passion and despair * Metro *


Awards
Winner of Whitbread Prize (Novel) 1999 and Whitbread Book Awards: Novel Category 1999.



Book Information
ISBN 9780099268550
Author Rose Tremain
Format Paperback
Page Count 528
Imprint Vintage
Publisher Vintage Publishing
Weight(grams) 362g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 31mm