The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

Like a melodic chorus, the author weaves music throughout the narrative not only by highlighting the talents of Isa, but also by symbolizing emotionality and powerfully connecting characters. In addition to the sound of Isa’s violin, the brownstone and its surroundings are filled with the music of their thriving community as the spirited sounds of life in Harlem are just as harmonious as a concerto or sonata. The sounds of a choir rehearsing as well as their neighbors’ radios waft onto the streets. Not all the music is made by traditional instruments—Jessie’s water machine adds a soothing, natural sound to their ears, and the brownstone whirs and groans with life: “The radiator woke Hyacinth the next day, whistling a joyful good morning” (64). The narrative also features several references to classical composers, and the Vanderbeeker’s pet rabbit Paganini and their dog Franz are both named after famous musicians. Laney dances with Miss Josie to the vintage sounds of a record player, and even the Christmas tree outing comes with a soundtrack: “[T]hey found Mr. Ritchie sitting on a blue plastic milk crate listening to a portable radio that gave out static in far greater measure than the Tchaikovsky concerto he had turned it to” (125). Whether from a radio, instrument, or the voices of their neighbors, the Vanderbeekers’ life is full of music and sound, symbolizing their energetic zest for life and the euphonious vibrancy of their neighborhood.

Beyond epitomizing the spirit of the community, music comes to symbolize strong emotions and relational connectivity in the narrative. When Isa plays, she pours all her emotions into the notes. The music not only provides an emotional release for her, but it also has a powerful effect on those around her. As she plays, she affects her siblings: “Isa began to play a tender Beethoven concerto, her violin ringing through the basement. Jessie felt the music go straight into her heart” (158). Though she doesn’t love music like her sister, Jessie is connected to Isa through her music. Mr. Van Hooten, her beloved violin instructor, is moved to tears when he hears her play on Christmas Eve. When Laney and Oliver learn that Mr. Beiderman once loved jazz music, they realize they have more in common with their reclusive neighbor than they thought, and the music becomes a way to bridge the conflict between the neighbors. However, no one could have predicted how closely connected they were through Isa’s violin, which they learn once belonged to his deceased daughter. At first, hearing Isa play brings Mr. Beiderman pain as it reminds him of all that he has lost. However, through Isa’s confrontational concert, she forces him to face his grief and he realizes that hearing Luciana’s violin can also be a way to keep her memory alive and remain connected to her. He admits, “It was nice to see it, to hear it sing again” (283). After trying every way to reach his heart, the children discover that music was the pathway to becoming Mr. Beiderman’s friend. Through her lively characters and symphonious surroundings, Karina Yan Glaser creates a story resonating with the music of life and love.