For The Musical Genius (Novel) - Chapter 41
Chapter 41
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Alexei had personally seen Stradivarius violins used by Fritz Kreisler, Eugène Ysaÿe, and even Niccolò Paganini.
In the past, major banks would often purchase Stradivarius, Guarneri, and Amati violins to loan them to renowned violinists for life. It was a form of sponsorship, and Alexei had received such offers too. However, no one had ever played the Stradivarius ‘Fantasy’.
This was due to Antonio Stradivari’s last will.
“The Stradivarius violins I made are for violinists. I hope they spread their melodies freely, until their bows and strings wear out. However, Fantasy and Ecstasy are different cases. They choose their own masters, and if someone who is not their true master touches their strings, they will lose their eyes to see the world and ears to hear melody.”
Of course, this story was unknown to the general public.
Some even considered Antonio Stradivari’s stern will as merely a merchant’s marketing ploy. As time passed, Antonio’s will was treated like an urban legend. But violinists were different. It was like finding a lifelong companion. Therefore, they couldn’t dismiss Antonio Stradivari’s words as mere rumors.
The deep red soundboard had black veins like devil’s claws.
“How is this possible?”
French master Pierre Ganel unconsciously raised his voice. Though he hadn’t spoken a word during the competition, this time he couldn’t help himself. The other masters also wore half-dazed expressions. Just like when the Queen first appeared with the Stradivarius ‘Ecstasy’ at Carnegie Hall, the audience felt shock and intense trembling. As the silver strings gleamed and the bow tip sharply crossed diagonally, everyone held their breath as if on cue.
*
Zing―!
The rosin-coated bow pressed heavily against the strings.
It was a melody like a sharp woman’s scream. The left hand on the strings was as gentle as cradling a baby. Yet the bow was creating the most fierce tone ever. The pianist providing accompaniment struck the keys following the violinist’s signal. A strong resonance like thunder.
Then the sharp bow began to cross the silver strings violently. The bowing was so intense that one couldn’t distinguish between up-bow and down-bow. It felt as if all strings might snap from such ferocity.
Crack.
The filming director holding the camera and PD Ria, watching all this unfold, unconsciously clenched their hands. Ria had filmed numerous violinists’ performances. But who was this boy before their eyes?
Szymanowski’s Myth, the first piece ‘The Fountain of Arethusa’.
No one had imagined he would perform the Myth here. The masters at the judges’ table were equally surprised. The filming director captured every expression of the masters without missing any, some even with their mouths agape.
The boy had been extraordinary from the first filming.
Though he could have been flustered by the camera, he showed no signs of annoyance. Moreover, he was too composed and calm to be seen as a child. Whether conversing or practicing, he never appeared like others his age. ‘Like watching a master wearing the mask of a child’ – this was Ria’s vivid impression of the boy.
And what of that violin? It was chilling just to look at it.
Just then.
Zing.
A sorrowful and miserable melody rang out, depicting a man drowning in the Fountain of Arethusa. Yet the violinist was smiling with his eyes gently closed. It seemed to say that his death for her would not be in vain. Finally, as the grand epic ended and the bow tip lowered, the thrill that had penetrated their entire bodies subsided.
However.
No one dared to speak first. Because the intense afterglow wrapped around their entire bodies. Only the filming director, who had fully regained his senses, was capturing their expressions without missing anything through the camera. Then, one master exhaled his held breath and spoke.
“This is maddening.”
It was a voice that seemed to represent everyone’s feelings.
* * *
“This is Mr. Mark Amper, who will be the supervisor of the Chapel.”
Twelve violinists were seated in the hall. Violinists with different exotic appearances. Their common ground would be their love-hate relationship with the violin. Among them were maestros who would later make their names known. Now that I know their names, I finally realize what an incredible place I’ve come to.
“You will be staying at Queen Elizabeth’s ‘Chapel’ in Waterloo for eight days. During this period, all external communication is prohibited, and this takes effect not just by word but through signing an official pledge.”
It meant they couldn’t receive help from teachers, family, or anyone else.
“Mr. Mark here will assist with life at the Chapel, and will also arrange meetings with the conductor of the Belgian National Orchestra.”
Performing with the National Orchestra. I heard that even the King of Belgium attends the stage at the Bozar Hall. It wasn’t called a national event for nothing.
“The training camp begins in two days, and until then, please make your final preparations well. Furthermore, I extend my congratulations. The eight days at the Chapel will provide you with the finest experience.”
Everyone’s faces were filled with emotion. Among the twelve members was the British gentleman, but he didn’t look at me with contempt like before. Rather, whenever our eyes met, he would quickly turn his head away. Acting as prim as a teenage girl. By the way.
‘There are quite a few famous people here.’
Those who would later be called maestros. It felt different from seeing the masters sitting at the judges’ table. Rather than meeting those who appeared in textbooks, it felt like glimpsing the childhood of maestros who had actually been active. However, their gazes toward me weren’t exactly friendly.
I understand.
From their perspective, I was an unknown violinist without a name, and a very young one at that, who suddenly appeared and reached their level. Moreover, since the first and second rounds were closed even to participants, nobody except the British friend had seen me perform.
“Nice to meet you.”
Just then, an Asian violinist approached me and greeted me in English.
“I’m Zhang Yan from China.”
He was a thin but sturdy-looking man. His seagull-like eyebrows were striking. I know this person. The violinist called the ‘Star of China’ in my past life. He was such a skilled performer that he was known to be favored by the state chairman. Moreover, he was also called the ‘Sage of China’ for his international music service.
“I’ve heard a lot about you from the teacher. That there was an incredible new talent at this Queen Elizabeth. Actually, I wanted to greet you since the last judging, but I was worried it might be rude.”
Indeed, he’s quite polite. But teacher?
“Are you referring to Maestro Deung-ryun?”
“Yes, he’s a close friend of my teacher. He cherishes me like a son.”
Zhang Yan smiled and nodded. Of course, if a violinist from one’s country comes to the competition, anyone would want to take better care of them. Though given Deung-ryun’s personality, there wouldn’t be any bias. Still, I never expected to experience guanxi in Belgium.
Hagrid was zooming in on my meeting with Zhang Yan as if capturing a fateful confrontation. Though between us two, there wasn’t even a hint of such tension.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen Teacher Deung-ryun talk about someone for so long. He’s incredibly sharp when it comes to violin. If there’s a chance after the competition, I’d like to perform together. Please.”
True to his reputation as the Sage of China, he was excessively courteous. Among musicians with high pride, he appeared almost monk-like.
“No, I would also love to perform together sometime. I’ve never had such an experience before.”
As I was walking out having a friendly conversation with Zhang Yan…
“Orabeoni―!”
The ice blockhead was running from afar.
At that sight…
“Oh, is she your fiancée?”
Zhang Yan looked at me with wide eyes.
*
“Let’s start with the lovely young lady first.”
This was the interview promised with Ria earlier.
“What is your relationship with violinist Hyun?”
Son Yu-ha carefully read through Ria’s questionnaire.
“We’re very close!”
Ria’s lips curled up at her clumsy English. Though I could translate for her, she insisted on answering herself, which must have seemed quite admirable. I was somewhat worried though. After all, this would be recorded in media. Who was Son Yu-ha? The future heir to Jeil Industries. When I called Korea to ask if an interview would be possible, just in case, Chairman Wang agreed without a moment’s hesitation.
“How do you feel about Hyun staying at the Chapel for 8 days?”
Hmm.
“Be-being apart. So sad!”
She seemed to have a lot to say but couldn’t find the English words. Hagrid quickly zoomed in on her furrowed brow.
“But what is Chapel?”
Laughter suddenly burst out. Ria looked at Son Yu-ha with loving eyes.
“How do you feel when you see Hyun playing the violin?”
Yu-ha, who had been reading the English questions for a while, furrowed her brow again. Anyone watching might think she was taking a college entrance exam. After contemplating for a while, she smiled broadly as if having found the right word. Her baby fat cheeks jiggled.
“Sexy!”
What?
Even Ria’s face showed clear bewilderment. Ah, that blockhead. Where on earth did she pick up such a word?
After the brief commotion passed…
Mother seemed to quite like Yu-ha. And for good reason – the young thing acted so much like a proper lady, choosing all the behaviors Mother would approve of. It’s impossible to overlap this image with her past life as the Ice Queen.
As Mother sat in the interview seat, the camera zoomed in again.
“Mother, what kind of son is violinist Hyun?”
At Ria’s question…
“He’s a very good son. He never gave me any trouble and handled everything perfectly by himself. Sometimes it hurts my heart to see how much he’s grown without me noticing.”
Mother answered carefully.
I was sitting in the translator’s role, but somehow ended up having to convey stories about myself through my own mouth.
“How do you feel as a mother about Hyun making it into the final 12?”
“It still doesn’t feel real. I never thought my son would be this good. I briefly learned violin when I was young too, but not to this extent. I’m also excited because I haven’t seen my son’s performance yet. His grandfather in Korea will probably be the happiest.”
This is more embarrassing than I thought. It’s incomparable to the five days of documentary filming at the Judicial Research and Training Institute. If I had known, I should have offered to do the interview myself.
“By the way, Mother, what was Hyun like as a child? They say prodigies are usually unique from an early age.”
As Ria glanced at me, Hagrid alternated between filming Mother and me. Almost playfully. Ah, now I understand why they asked me to translate. I have to convey this with my own mouth too.