"And thus while I listened, the future became the present unchallenged; and all too soon the regretted past". Paul's growth to maturity is the central concern of the novel To what extent do you agree with this statement? Discuss in relation to the novel's themes and issues. The central concern of the novel "Maestro" is definitely the growth to maturity of Paul. The issues which arise in the novel, such as music, relationships,m love, and betrayal, all contribute and lead to his development to understanding. Music is an on-going and interweaving motif throughout the novel, and is also the most important one. Music is t