The Instrumentalist

“She will tell her to run. She will tell her to dream. She will tell her to let what is inside pour out. And when her daughter asks what she might do with her life one day, what she might be. She will tell her: anything that ignites your world in multi-color.”

This passage describes Anna Maria’s young mother during the few weeks that she spends with her baby before giving her to the nuns at the Pietà. Although her wish that her child find a passion that will light up her life in “multi-color” is, at this point, a bit of figurative language, Anna Maria does indeed develop the innate ability to see the hidden colors within music via her synesthesia. This ability becomes a gift that allows her to surpass all of her peers. Although she does not know it, Anna Maria’s special talent has its roots in her mother’s love.

“Anna Maria della Pietà will be the youngest member of the figlie di coro, the orphanage’s world-famous orchestra, and a maestro by eighteen. The world will know her. They will know her as the greatest musician who ever lived.”

Anna Maria is a strong-willed, determined character. Even as a young child, she is goal-oriented and feels herself destined for a successful career in music. She also understands that achieving her goals will require hard work and dedication, and she is willing to devote long hours to honing her craft. Unlike many girls her age and even her close friends, she is single-minded and focused, leading to her conflicts with Ambition and Drive Versus Friendship and Loyalty.