Yiyun Li, Pulitzer Prize winner and Princeton professor of creative writing, launches her new novel, “Music Against the Night,” a historical saga tracing the life of Irish composer and pianist John Field (1782–1837). Known as the inventor of the nocturne, Field is portrayed from his musical upbringing in Dublin to his success in Russia. The story follows his artistic development, personal struggles and legacy. 

Li will read briefly from the novel and be in conversation with Princeton professor of music Donnacha M. Dennehy, and pianist Cristina Altamura will play a Field nocturne and an early Chopin nocturne, composed when Chopin was 17 and heavily influenced by Field. 

The Fund for Irish Studies Series is co-chaired by Jane Cox, professor of the practice in the Program in Theater and Music Theater, and Robert Spoo, Princeton’s Leonard L. Milberg ’53 Professor in Irish Letters.

The event is free and open to the public; advance tickets required. 

Limited tickets remain. Reserve free tickets through University Ticketing by email at tixhelp@princeton.edu or by phone at 609.258.9220.

Li’s books will be available for purchase and signing.

Taplin Auditorium is an accessible venue. The Auditorium (room 225) is located on Level 2 of Fine Hall. The most accessible route has step-free level access, an elevator and manual doors. There is step-free level access to enter, and designated spaces for wheelchair users with companion seating.