With a Foreword by James Naughtie

‘A joyous romp, mostly. But underneath, of course, is the story of a commitment to music that’s unshakeable. A young man, of resolute beliefs and political views, discovers the violin and prospers, because he loves it. . . His is a story to treasure.’
- James Naughtie, Broadcaster

‘I couldn’t put this book down! The author has great stories to share from the very first page, giving the reader an insight into so much more than music-making.’
- Mary Macarthy, Musician

‘An enjoyable and frank account of the life of an orchestral musician and the ups and downs of a string quartet.’
- Edward McGuire, Composer

‘Peter Markham’s entertaining life and times, evoking his working-class London upbringing and wonderful tales of classical musicians on the road, from Arran to Zarautz, are so like the man – unassuming, charming and mischievous.’
- Nella Kerr, former Director, Music in Hospitals Scotland

A stellar international career as a classical musician spanning more than 50 years started from humble beginnings. With typical self-deprecating humour Peter Markham describes himself as ‘a violinist of no particular eminence or distinction’ but his achievements speak for themselves.

His down-to-earth account of life on tour at home and abroad, and the realities of people coming together to make music, is highly entertaining and will be of particular interest for aspiring professional musicians.

And there is of course the music – the privilege of playing the string quartet repertoire or being part of an orchestra in performances of masterpieces by the great composers comes across as an incomparable way of spending one’s working life. Theme and Variations will find a wide audience with its countless tales of the Good, the Bad and the Utterly Joyful.

Peter Markham was a founding member of the Ulster Orchestra in the 1960s followed by a year with the Bergen Symphony Orchestra and four years with the Northern Sinfonia Orchestra before joining the world-renowned Edinburgh Quartet in 1975 where he remained until 1998. From then on teaching became his greater interest, balanced by membership of the Scottish Ballet Orchestra.