For The Musical Genius (Novel) - Chapter 92

Chapter 92

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“Paganini played the piano?”

Of course, when learning music as a child, it was not uncommon to study violin, piano, and even cello together. For aristocrats, if anything, they would have increased the number of instruments for social purposes, not decreased them. All the more so for a family of musicians. However-

“He was as skilled as Calvin?”

It was a story hard to believe. Who was Calvin? He was known as one of Czerny’s favorite students and, at one time, a rival pianist to Liszt. But in the end, he had to give up the piano due to tendinitis. His skill was so remarkable that it was said the European social circles were plunged into grief the day Calvin quit the piano. Liszt himself even remarked that the true unparalleled genius was not himself, but Calvin.

“This is a hard story to accept, maestro.”

“Calvin himself said so. He said that if Paganini had played the piano instead of the violin, there would have been rumors that he sold his soul to the devil. There are even rumors that Calvin quit the piano not because of tendinitis, but because he saw Paganini’s performance and could no longer play.”

Liszt reportedly fell into despair after seeing Paganini’s violin performance. The famous anecdote goes that he resolved to become the Paganini of the piano, since he could never match Paganini’s playing even if he were reborn. But if Paganini had played the piano instead of the violin, how would they have seen him?

“Maestro, with all due respect, there is no record in any document that Niccolò Paganini played the piano. Except for a brief period in his childhood, that is.”

“…I know, director. I also heard this story from my beloved teacher when I was young. Everyone says Paganini’s violin technique surpassed even Pietro Locatelli, but Calvin thought differently. He said the violin was just one of the many suits that fit Paganini best. That no one could be compared alongside the name Paganini.”

It was too specific a story to dismiss as mere fantasy.

“After quitting the piano, Calvin devoted himself to teaching. He only ever had one student. The student’s name was Vasily, a Russian master more renowned as a composer than a performer. And the musician I sought out after being rejected by Professor Auer was also named Vasily.”

For a moment, Jean-Pierre felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head.

“Calvin told his student, ‘Niccolò Paganini was not blessed by the devil, but by the god of music. He was not only a master of violin and piano.’”

At that moment, Gustav gave a mysterious smile.

“He played every instrument.”

*

A film set is filled with many staff members. Like Adam Smith’s invisible hand, the unseen efforts of countless people outside the camera come together to finally complete a film. I had been to a film set in a previous life. I was the one who resolved the scandal when directors in the film industry were caught using methamphetamine.

“Again-!”

Jean-Pierre furrowed his brow. It seemed he was dissatisfied with the camera angle or the actors’ performances. It was impossible to count how many takes had already gone wrong. The rookie actress’s face was turning pale, as if she hadn’t eaten in days. The staff’s expressions were also growing uneasy.

“She has to play the piano while under the influence of hallucinogens, but it seems difficult to capture the scene.”

As Alessandro said, it was a scene that showed a side of European high society. The actress had to portray playing an instrument while intoxicated by drugs and pleasure, a difficult task for a newcomer. There was also a clear discrepancy with the Paganini scene I had seen in my previous life.

“Alessandro, how would you act this scene?”

“I couldn’t easily advise on this either. It’s something she’ll have to figure out for herself.”

Alessandro shook his head with a regretful expression. Even a famous Hollywood actor would lick their dry lips at such a scene, so how much harder must it be for a rookie?

“Let’s take a short break. Ms. Rose, please have a word with me.”

In the end, Jean-Pierre surrendered. Filming a movie was never easy. They had already spent hours on a single scene. But the other actors simply frowned without complaint. Such things were common on set.

“Sis, do you have a moment?”

The rookie actress, having finished talking with Jean-Pierre, was biting her lip to hold back tears. Her face was flushed, likely from self-reproach and anger. At first, I hadn’t planned to help, but what could I do? At this rate, we’d be stuck all day.

“Don’t overthink the hallucinogen part. Stiffen your fingers a bit more. Just because you’re playing under the influence doesn’t mean you have to be limp. Instead, play more intensely, as if thunder is crashing down on the keys. The intoxication can be expressed well enough with half-removed clothes and unfocused eyes. Oh, and don’t touch up your makeup. The half-worn look suits you better.”

I remembered vividly how the rookie actress performed in the Paganini scene from my previous life. She was only in a short scene, but her acting was so impressive that people talked about it for a long time. Surely, with this one cut-

“This scene might change your life.”

She would later become an Oscar-winning actress.

Dudududung-!

It was only a single piece of advice, but a promising seed is different. The rookie actress understood me perfectly. The thunderous sound of the keys and her performance created an ensemble, and Jean-Pierre’s face lit up with joy. At that moment-

“How did you do that, violinist Hyun?”

Alessandro quietly approached me and asked.

“I saw you giving advice to Rose. I didn’t hear what you said, but I could see her eyes widen. Look at Director Jean-Pierre’s face. It’s the first time he’s smiled so brightly all day. What kind of magic did you use to change her acting so much?”

Before I could answer-

“Could it be that you have an eye for acting as well as for violin posture?”

Alessandro’s misunderstanding continued.

* * *

“An invitation?”

It was an invitation to dinner from the Eternal Maestro Gustav. Invitations were sent to each person-Director Jean-Pierre, Alessandro, Martina, myself, and President Im Hye-ra. It was sealed with red wax, as if from the Middle Ages, and written in elegant handwriting. Gustav’s personality was evident in the invitation.

“Hyun, does this dress look okay?”

President Im Hye-ra was already fussing over the dress code. It was clear she wasn’t just here as a guardian, but enjoying a trip.

“Hyun, try this one on too.”

It felt like I’d returned to childhood. President Im Hye-ra kept bringing me outfits to try on, and I’d lost count of how many times I’d changed. It seemed unnecessary, but her serious gaze made it feel like we were going to an awards ceremony.

“We’ve arrived.”

Seeing Gustav’s villa outside the car window, I couldn’t help but gasp in admiration. It was truly fitting for the Eternal Maestro, coveted by violinists worldwide. It was far grander than any hotel, reminiscent of Poland’s Moszna Castle. Even President Im Hye-ra was impressed by its antique appearance.

“Oh?”

I couldn’t help but exclaim when I saw Alessandro’s suit. It was identical to mine, down to the brand and the color of the handkerchief. It was clear they had been tailored at the same place. But the size difference was obvious. We looked like a young father and son. At that moment-

“It seems the two Paganinis are in sync.”

Actress Martina covered her mouth and laughed heartily. I wanted to say the suit was President Im Hye-ra’s choice, not mine, but I held back. Guided by the butler, we entered a grand dining room reminiscent of a medieval film.

“There’s not much, but please enjoy.”

Gustav, in a wheelchair, greeted us. Contrary to his words, the table was laden with a feast worthy of the name. Even the wine was Austria’s finest, the Grand Emitamir, known among sommeliers as “the drops of God” and comparable to Romanée-Conti.

But what the butler poured for me was not wine, but grape juice. Who could understand my yearning? I soothed my excited heart with grape juice.

“My father is from Austria. That’s why I prepared Viennese home cooking today. The chef has been in charge of my palate for a long time, and I assure you his skills are second to none. He’s a friend I wouldn’t trade for anything. Of course, he always nags me to quit wine,” Gustav joked as dinner began.

The food was so delicious that even President Im Hye-ra, who had the palate of a gourmet, looked delighted. Gustav smiled kindly at me.

“Does the young maestro find the food to his taste?”

“It’s an honor to be invited, maestro. Especially this Tafelspitz with special sauce-it’s amazing. My tongue is still in awe.”

It was an Austrian traditional dish of boiled beef rump served with root vegetables and potatoes. I’d had it a few times in my previous life, but never with such a special sauce.

“You know Austria’s signature dish? Have you had Tafelspitz before, young maestro?”

“I tried it at a restaurant serving Austrian cuisine when I visited Russia. The memory is still vivid.”

It seemed my quick thinking was improving. By the time the sweat on my back dried, the meal was over. The beautiful teacups served for dessert each had a flower petal floating in them.

“This villa in Italy is a building I constructed after much thought. Built in 17th-century Baroque style, it was designed so that the sound of instruments would resonate deeply and richly indoors. But once it was completed, my shoulder gave out. I became unable to play the violin anymore.”

It was a sad story, but the passage of time is inevitable. At that moment, Gustav turned to me.

“Young maestro, if it’s not too much trouble, could you perform for us here?”

It was a sudden request, but how could I refuse after being invited to such a grand feast? I gladly accepted and stood up. But I hadn’t brought my violin.

“Don’t worry, there are plenty of instruments in my villa.”

No sooner had he spoken than cases filled with various instruments were brought out. There were not only violins but also many unusual instruments, like a string instrument museum. As I mentioned earlier, it was truly fitting for the Eternal Maestro Gustav’s villa.

“Maestro, may I use this instrument?”

“You have a good eye. The ‘lyra’ is a good choice, as it’s an ancient string instrument similar to the violin. It’s well maintained and still produces sound. For a musician, there’s no greater blessing than the ability to play every instrument.”

It was indeed an ancient string instrument. I would never have the chance to play such an instrument anywhere else, so I couldn’t miss the opportunity. Gustav looked at me with a mysterious smile.

Meanwhile, Jean-Pierre swallowed nervously as he watched.