In Jeremy Cooper’s new novel Discord, a composer and saxophonist collaborate on a composition to be performed at a classical music festival known as the Proms. The composer is Rebekah Rosen, a 50-year-old woman who lives on a sheep farm with her husband and stepson in England’s West Country. Rebekah’s agent introduces her to 29-year-old punkish musician Evie Bennet who lives in London.
Evie rides away from the meeting on her bicycle with a soprano saxophone tucked inside her backpack thinking the collaboration isn’t a good idea. She senses Rebekah’s shallow self-confidence. Rebekah, however, believes she’s found her soloist. Not long after, Evie accepts an invitation to spend a few days at Rebekah’s farm. There she decides she’ll explain her exit. They try out musical ideas together, which changes Evie’s mind.
Herein begins their unlikely partnership explored with magnificent texture and insight. Evie is dazzling and energetic, a rising star with a full concert schedule. She boldly bounds across the stage at her classical venues wearing sparkling costumes and fashionable sneakers. Rebekah painfully wavers over her decisions, haunted by self-doubt from her limited output. She regrets never having dared to shine with her musical gift.
For five months, Rebekah refuses to share information about the emerging composition. That frustrates Evie, who consequently continues to consider backing out. They take a three-day trip to Amsterdam to spend much needed time together. They visit museums and attend concerts. Still, nothing from Rebekah. Stuck in the airport on a return flight delay, Evie insists they discuss the piece in meaningful detail. Rebekah opens up, and it feels good to finally hear an outline of what’s to come. Rebekah clutches Evie’s hand in gratitude for her patience, tears almost in her eyes. Evie pulls back her hand and changes the subject. Rebekah hopes for a close relationship. Evie expects a professional interaction.
There’s so much going on in the meantime, richly informing us about their separate lives, such as Evie’s breakup with her boyfriend, whose support got her through her challenges with dyslexia, beginning in her teenage years; and Rebekah’s fractious relationship with her cold mother, and her tenuous marriage seesawing between either continuing or ending. Also, an interesting subject plays in the background having to do with nature and music. Rebekah uses what she describes as “the clamor of nature” for inspiration in her work, such as variations in the wind’s whisper and calls of the sheep on her farm. She researches horticultural diaries for ideas concerning rhythm and time. These thematic keynotes illustrate and subtly remind that the gardens and farm fields of the natural environment sing us melodies.
Evie plays Rebekah’s new composition in London’s Royal Albert Hall. I won’t spoil the outcome, other than to say it’s a sold-out performance. A critic’s review neatly sums up the event and the dynamic of our two protagonists. Rebekah and Evie, those emotional opposites, deliver amazing performances. I’m not referring to the concert but to the imagination of Jeremy Cooper, who intelligently and impressively makes clear the courage it takes to believe in oneself in the world of contemporary classical music.
This review was broadcast on Ohio NPR member station WOSU 89.7 Edits were made to accommodate transfer from radio media to print media. Discord is published by Fitzcarraldo Editions.
The Longest Chapter 