Descending Thirds
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3 Months Free
Buy for $21.85
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Narrated by:
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Mary Jane Wells
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By:
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Nicole Conn
Descending Thirds is an epic tale of love, ambition, and betrayal set against the lush world of classical music in 1965 New York—a searing triangular love affair that unfolds like a symphony of passion and suspense, culminating in two intriguing twists.
At the world’s most prestigious piano competition, three lives collide: Alexandra von Triessen, a gifted but emotionally guarded pianist, is torn between two extraordinary brothers: Sebastian D’Antonio, the devastatingly handsome showman who lights up every room he enters, and Conrad D’Antonio, the mysterious other-worldly genius whose music seems to rise from another realm.
What begins as artistic rivalry transforms into a spellbinding triangle of desire, ambition, and betrayal. Each encounter, each performance, builds like a crescendo toward heartbreak, redemption, and the haunting question: How much would you sacrifice for love…and for greatness?
Musical score snippets and original compositions woven throughout the narration give this story an elevated, cinematic dimension—allowing listeners to hear the emotions thrumming beneath every glance and confession. The result is a sensual, transcendent experience that merges romance and art into one unforgettable performance.
Inspired by Conn’s own mother—a pianist battling End Stage Parkinson’s who continues to play despite her failing hands—Descending Thirds resonates on a profoundly human level. It’s a story of love tested by ambition, of devotion to both people and art, and of beauty’s inevitable cost.
For listeners who crave intense, character-driven romance, sweeping emotion, and a touch of musical magic—Descending Thirds is a story that delivers a concerto of heartache and passion you’ll feel long after the final note fades.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2025 Nicole Conn (P)2026 Nicole ConnListeners also enjoyed...
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A lot of the story revolves around competition – not just the most coverted position of winning an internation competition, but that which comes after with your peers. Where reputations can be made and lost quicker than playing the scales.
The relationship between Alexandra and Sebastian and Conrad, the two brothers adds a lot of turmoil, though it’s less about romance itself and more about what Alexandra sacrifices along the way. It’s messy in a way that keeps the story moving.
The focus is on ambition and the costs that come with it, rather than a straightforward success story. Every advance seems to take something away, whether it’s relationships, identity, or stability.
The music aspect is well done. Beyond discussing it, the audiobook includes snippets of music which doesn’t overwhelm like some musical additions do. It plays background to the story without taking over.
The tone is lush and emotional. Sometimes this works well, especially when connected to the musical themes, giving it a certain rhythm. Other times, it may go a bit too far, depending on how much melodrama you can tolerate. I found myself wavering on that.
In terms of pacing, the story moves quickly. There are twists, but they aren’t the main focus. It’s more about the consequences of those moments than the moments themselves.
Alexandra carries much of the story. Her struggle between ambition and connection provides a solid anchor. The two brothers are crucial, but they play a bigger role in shaping her journey than standing alone.
Mary Jane Wells does a great job with the narration. She is easy to listen to, there are no production issues, and her voice fits the tone well. There’s a certain polish to it… a refined quality that suits the setting nicely.
Overall, this is a big, emotional story that embraces drama, romance, and intensity without holding back. This one took me a minute to get into when I started, but eventually I found myself being swept along for the ride. For me, it leaned a bit too much into melodrama at times, but I rarely hit pause once I started.
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