Looking back now, there seems a certain inevitability, or anyhow rightness, to our choice. As Jane so beautifully describes, the foundations of Heartsong are music and Venice, and these have long mattered to each of us. Jane used to play the cello and has the most lovely singing voice, while in my case, my father was a composer and musicologist, and I’m one of those few poets to whom classical music matters as much as literature. And again, like Jane, I’ve made repeated visits to Venice, following the footsteps of Arthur de Caldicot and Gatty.


Our little orphan Laura is mute. And yet, just as Jane first conceived, a touching and unforgettable song flows through the heart of the story. Quite remarkably, each of us knew intuitively what this song would be – and I don’t think I’m spoiling anything by saying that it’s Domine Deus, the fifth movement of Vivaldi’s Gloria in D (RV589).


When Jean Jacques Rousseau heard the girls of the Ospedale, it was almost too much for him! ‘I can think of nothing so delectable or touching as this music: the wealth of artistry, the exquisite taste of the songs, the beauty of the performance ... What pained me were the cursed screens, which only let the sounds escape and kept hidden from me the angelic beauties who made them.’


To my mind, Heartsong contains some of Jane’s very finest work, and I think this is because her great skills have been underpinned by research and long gestation, and by such obvious tenderness and deep care, such love for Laura. When a book is published, the creative part is done and dusted. But although I can’t quite explain it, I know Laura’s story has not let go of either of us. As if there were more to say ... more to play and sing ...


Heartsong is published by Orchard Books, 978-1-4083-3606-9, £9.99 hbk


let’S talK abouT art Tuesday 6th October


ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU


A special event Books for Keeps and Ibby UK at the Royal College of Art with Professor Teal Triggs and Daniel Frost


An inspiring session for anyone involved in creating, reviewing or teaching picture books


Tickets £6 including refreshments


To book tickets please email events@ibby.org.uk or phone Clive Barnes 07816 052959


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