For The Musical Genius (Novel) - Chapter 42
Chapter 42
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Discord
“Who was the most outstanding?”
It was a master’s question. Before the gathered masters lay the list of 12 violinists. Their faces showed clear signs of contemplation. Moreover, broadcast cameras were filming them.
“They’re all excellent violinists, it’s difficult to rank them.”
It wasn’t wrong. Selected from thousands of violinists, these twelve had already proven their abilities. Each one could be considered a next-generation master representing their respective countries.
That’s when.
“Though I hate to admit it, it’s obviously that cheeky kid.”
When Alexei spoke up, everyone focused on his grating voice. Even without further explanation, everyone seemed to know who the cheeky kid was.
“I agree with Alexei.”
As China’s master Deung-ryun expressed agreement.
“I feel the same.”
French master Pierre Ganel nodded briefly. The other masters were the same. Though other participants were certainly excellent, Kang Hyun’s performance had something different. As if.
“It was like watching Paganini.”
The violinist rumored to have sold his soul to the devil. They weren’t referring to his unmatched fast passages and brilliant techniques. Rather, it was the slow tones that required recalling all musical expressions, something impossible without years of experience. Moreover, the child played even the slow tones as if completely unified with the violin.
“I just hope he doesn’t get bored easily.”
Pierre Ganel showed a concerned expression. Isn’t that how all geniuses are? While they become obsessively focused on something, they also tire of it quickly. They said he’d only been learning music for just over a month. So who knows what will happen once he achieves his goals.
“Alexei, isn’t this what you were worried about?”
To Pierre Ganel’s question, Alexei silently nodded. His final question to the kid during the first round stemmed from the same concern as Pierre’s. Without a reason to play music, he might one day put down the bow.
“But I think we can set aside our worries. Didn’t you all see his expression when he lifted the Strad? That’s not a look possible without loving the violin.”
It was similar to when the Queen first took out ‘Ecstasy’ at Carnegie Hall. It was the face of someone who desperately loved the violin. It was chilling to watch as the black veins on the deep red soundboard seemed to caress the boy’s cheeks.
“Then we’ll make number thirty-seven first place in the second round.”
It was a unanimous evaluation.
PD Ria was filming them while holding her breath. Had there ever been a unanimous evaluation from the judges in Queen Elizabeth’s history? As far as she knew, never. Because these masters each had such distinct musical values. Moreover.
“The music world will be in an uproar when the second round video is released.”
No one could dispute Alexei’s words.
*
Damn.
“Please unpack in your assigned rooms, then gather again on the first floor.”
Of all places, my assigned room is on the second floor.
At times like this, having a small body was quite inconvenient. I barely managed to climb to the second floor dragging my carrier as big as my body. Zhang Yan with his seagull eyebrows offered to help, but I declined. What could I accomplish if I couldn’t even handle this much? By the way.
“The scenery is killer.”
Could this be how it would look if a musically sensitive artist drew a blueprint? The white building sparkled like a jewel in the sunlight, and the sounds of flora and fauna echoing from the thousands of hectares of forest felt like musical notes on a staff. Indeed, this place deserved to be called the holy ground of violinists.
Going back down to the first floor suddenly reminded me of my time at the Judicial Research and Training Institute.
“I’m Zhang Yan from China. I played Brahms in the second round.”
It was just like back then – everyone was busy introducing themselves during the first class after being assigned to groups.
“Hyun?”
Zhang Yan’s soft voice broke my reverie. It seemed it was my turn already. Everyone’s eyes turned to me.
“I’m Kang Hyun from Korea. I played Szymanowski’s piece in the second round.”
Some didn’t know about Korea, and there were still occasional glances questioning my identity. Moreover, when I mentioned playing Szymanowski in the second round, they were completely taken aback. But above all, what surprised them most was my age.
“What, 14 years old? I thought you weren’t even 10!”
Eric from Northern Europe had the most extreme reaction. Looking at his appearance, he looked more suited to wielding an axe than a violin – a true Viking descendant. It was hard to imagine those huge hands pressing violin strings.
“I’m from the Royal Academy of Music.”
Once the introductions started flowing, they began listing their backgrounds. When Joseph proudly stated this…
“I studied violin at the Berlin Music Academy.”
Daniel Brühl, who studied under the Berlin Philharmonic’s concertmaster, countered. Then…
“Um, I’m studying at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory.”
It was Anna from Russia. Unlike Alexei’s rough Russian accent, she was quite different. With a small frame similar to mine, striking platinum blonde hair, and green eyes, she was impressive. Her personality seemed introverted, with a voice as tiny as an ant’s.
Somehow…
‘Me again?’
Everyone’s attention focused on me again. They were clearly curious about my background. They must be wondering where this young foreign child suddenly appeared from and where he learned violin. Juilliard in America, Shanghai Conservatory, Italy’s Verdi? Various renowned music schools must have crossed their minds.
I didn’t want to break their expectations, but…
“Daesung Middle School.”
Whatever.
* * *
“Maestro?”
Dmitri’s eyes held confusion. The reason was simple. Spencer, the principal conductor of the London Symphony, was staring wide-eyed. Moreover, he was clutching a newspaper tightly. It had been a long time since anything other than a score was in his hands.
“So he made it to the Chapel.”
A brief statement, but Dmitri understood immediately.
“You mean that boy from before?”
As Spencer showed a faint smile, Dmitri’s cold eyes wavered. It was hard to believe. The Chapel – the place every violinist dreams of. He never imagined the boy would head straight there.
“Dmitri, you have experience too, don’t you?”
Dmitri nodded briefly. He too had once been called a rising star. Come to think of it…
“Weren’t you also at the Chapel, Maestro?”
“Yes, I was.”
Indeed, he had done more than just experience it. Spencer had even won the grand prize. Spencer closed his eyes thoughtfully, as if reminiscing about the past. Though decades had passed, his days at the Chapel remained vivid as yesterday.
“Dmitri, do you know the legend of that place?”
“How could I not?”
An ancient legend among violinists: the Chapel exists with endless melodies and the god of music. The god of music will visit the chosen one with burning dawn. Some say it’s just a joke to encourage violinists’ aspirations.
“That kid might actually be capable of it.”
What could this mean?
“Maestro?”
“I mean the god of music.”
He had thought it was just a groundless legend. But looking at Spencer’s determined eyes, he didn’t seem to be lying at all. Rather, wasn’t he filled with excitement? Dmitri swallowed hard.
Could it be…
Spencer silently curled up the corners of his mouth.
*
“I have something to ask.”
It was late at night after lights out. I was heading to the first-floor kitchen because I was thirsty when someone followed me. When I turned my head sharply, there stood the British gentleman. He had been just glaring at me occasionally without saying a word since morning.
“What?”
Complex emotions were passing through the British gentleman’s eyes.
“How do you play the violin like that?”
Wasn’t that an expression like he was about to cry? It seemed my previous performance had left a strong impression on his mind. How should I explain this? In my past life, I had occasionally seen gifted students crying in frustration at the Judicial Research and Training Institute.
“I don’t know either, I just did what my heart told me to.”
It was an undeniable fact. There was no way to explain how such musical talent had developed in me. Just that when I play the violin, my heart becomes infinitely hot.
At that moment.
“I kept thinking about you. When I play the violin, I couldn’t forget your performance in my head!”
The British gentleman, William, burst out towards me as if spewing anger. I don’t understand why this guy is acting like this in the middle of the night. Though I’d like to handle this as I please, there were many cameras watching. They said it was documentary filming, but observation cameras were attached throughout the mansion like CCTV. In a way, this could be image-making.
“I’ll help you.”
William’s eyes trembled as if there was an earthquake. It wouldn’t be hard to help. Just like how I guided Park Sun-young, I could watch William’s performance a few times. Ah of course, naturally after the competition ends. First things first. That’s when.
“Hic.”
Huh?
William’s body leaned on me as if collapsing.
Damn it, what’s this now?
*
Russian violinist Anna couldn’t sleep despite it being night. The Chapel was really quiet as a mouse. Only the occasional sound of insects and rustling bushes in the wind could be heard like melodies.
“I’m hungry…”
Was it because she was too nervous?
Since she was with strangers, she ate less than usual at dinner. Perhaps that’s why her stomach clock kept crying out. Anna carefully opened her door, worried others might hear, and headed to the kitchen. Earlier, she had seen the refrigerator was abundantly stocked with food.
As Anna was thinking about having toast with butter, her eyes caught a whitish figure.
‘What’s that?’
As she narrowed her eyes, the figure became clearer. In the soft light coming from the refrigerator, weren’t two people, a man and woman, embracing each other?
Gasp!
Anna unconsciously held her breath. At that moment, her eyes met with those of the short woman. The short woman’s eyes were full of bewilderment. Anna felt her heart beating uncontrollably as if she had seen something she shouldn’t have. However, thinking about it, there was no woman as short as her in the Chapel.
Then,
“Hyun?”