The cello that wouldn't play Bach (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798223421719)

A thousand hearts stopped beating. The orchestra grinds to a halt. A furtive glance, and with a shake of the head to the conductor the cello soloist walks off the stage.

A young woman looks at her father, "What is happening dad?"

"All will be well Georgia," he turns to answer, "it's just a broken string."

And so begins our story. Played out not under the bright lights of the Hong Kong stage but in a modest life in South Melbourne, where a young, if reluctant gifted musician rises above the impact of her father's business and family collapse.

Bonds are formed between an old luthier; a failed concert cellist now turned teacher to the girl, the girl, and an unwanted cello, which steadfastly refuses to play works by the old masters, notably J. S. Bach.

Joining a local orchestra, her section leader sees within her a great potential. She premiers the work of a young composer to wide acclaim only to see her career hopes dashed in a disastrous national radio interview when she refuses to play Bach.

When her teacher does not turn up for a lesson, her insensitivity at his no show is severely chastened by the pawnshop owner who knows more of the story.

His friends rally; the cancer now in remission, his teaching lifts her playing to where now they consider a career as a professional cellist. His plan is to subtly modify the timing of the Bach second suite she has to play, he hopes, by breaking accepted norms she will startle the judges into favourably considering her application.

Days before the university entrance performance her teacher's illness returns and he's rushed to hospital where the prognosis is poor.

The hospital informs the luthier of his old protege's death on the day of the recital, he cannot risk her knowing and remains silent in his grief.

During the performance, Georgia looks into the old man's tear filled eyes and knows David has died. In an act of love and faith she attempts the Bach on her dead teacher's instrument.

Horrified, her father sees her walk onto the stage with the cello but it is too late, she sits and plays.