The Maestro is a beautifully paced story that begins with the childhood of a very talented American-born classical guitarist, Gianni, who through tragic reversals comes to be raised by his grandmother first in Italy and then in Germany. Dealing with his pain and his “magnificent gift,” Gianni passes through a decade of darkness where he moves away from his classical background and develops into a renowned and versatile guitarist, dazzling the clubs of Milano with his late-night jazz set. Also playing as an acclaimed studio musician, his life nevertheless tumbles ever deeper into the despair of drink, drugs, and affairs.
By invitation from an old friend, Gianni travels to Germany and is confronted with the radical faith of a contemporary Christian music group whose life stories read like his. In a highly realistic and dramatic style, Gianni must deal with his doubts about God, his fears, the unforgiveness of those who hurt him most, and ultimately find salvation. There is no holding back from the issues of real faith as he reorders his life under the miraculous touch of God’s intervention.
A moving story of grace and commitment in the lives of real people. Just what readers are looking for!
From the Back Cover
HE POSSESSED “A MAGNIFICENT GIFT,” BUT HE DISCOVERED IT DID NOT FILL THE EMPTINESS OF HIS LIFE
Gianni was five when his mother died. An American, she was the light, the song, the laughter of his life. His Italian father had provided strength and protection. In the dark loneliness that engulfed both of them following her death, Gianni was devastated even further by his embittered father’s distance. Gianni’s Italian grandmother became the light he could live by, the rock to which he clung.
Raised by his grandparents in Italy and then in Germany, Gianni’s “magnificent gift,” as his grandmother often characterized it, is discovered. The music runs deep in his soul and finds expression through the classical guitar, so that Gianni’s friends call him “the Maestro.” Receiving the best musical training available, he eventually is acclaimed as a rising young star.
But the pain of his childhood loss, the unforgiveness of those who hurt him most, and the awful emptiness in his heart take their toll. Gianni passes through a decade of darkness and moves away from his classical background, developing into a renowned and versatile guitarist. He dazzles the clubs of Milano with his late-night jazz set, and studio work brings him more money than he could ever want. His life nevertheless tumbles ever deeper into quiet despair.
Is there a way out? Could the peace that his grandmother knew be a reality for him? How can anyone trust a God who allowed his mother to die?