For The Musical Genius (Novel) - Chapter 95

Chapter 95

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“How is the atmosphere on set?”

Crimson leaves gently settled to the ground.

“It’s already been three months since the first crank-in. But the atmosphere on set is only getting hotter by the day. Well, who would feel tired when they can listen to Paganini’s performance in person? In fact, there are some who feel regretful. Because we’re filming all the performance scenes in such a rush, they worry the regret will double. Sweet things should be savored, after all.”

The bitter espresso tasted sweeter than ever.

“Is there a reason you’re filming all the performance scenes at once?”

“Our Paganini is still a student, so we have no choice. He has to return to Korea before winter comes.”

Adam Wisho nodded with a faint smile. He understood the director’s regretful gaze. Listening to his performance, it truly felt as if Paganini had come back to life.

“Any special episodes during filming?”

Jean-Pierre’s face was filled with hesitation. Was it because there were no episodes? Hardly. With him around, episodes would pop up constantly. He was a violinist who inspired mysterious creativity just by being present.

“There was a time we did a special shoot in Germany. It was a scene where Paganini played on a rocking boat. For synchronized recording, we could have done it on stable ground, but Hyun insisted on actually performing on the rocking boat.”

“So, what happened?”

“The big boat rocked like a cradle, but Hyun’s posture was as natural as flowing water. The melody that pierced our ears was perfect. Everyone must have thought the same thing: that Paganini’s legend was being recreated before our eyes. Of course, we filmed this for the making-of as well.”

…As much as I wanted to check the making-of film right away, there were still questions left. Adam, setting aside his regret, fiddled with his pen and notebook.

“There are rumors that a Guarneri is being used on set?”

“It hasn’t been used yet.”

“So, there are plans?”

“There are many stories about how Niccolò Paganini acquired the Guarneri ‘Canon.’ Some say he received it as a gift from a noble, others that he got it at auction. Some even say he won it through gambling. But it’s clear that the first performance was for just one person.”

Jean-Pierre eagerly awaited the soon-to-come sound of the Guarneri.

“For the woman he loved.”

*

“Imagine you’re holding a small golf ball.”

“L-like this?”

Somehow, the movie set had turned into a private lesson studio. Thanks to that, I’d grown much closer to the actors. Who would have thought I’d become like brothers with a famous Hollywood actor? It was unimaginable in my previous life.

“Don’t think about pressing with force, but imagine the bow just gliding over the string. You unconsciously tense your right index finger when you bow.”

“Hyun, can you really see that?”

“Most famous violinists would notice. The sound is different when you bow with tension-rough, like someone walking in a hurry.”

To the average ear, it probably sounded the same. But the subtle difference couldn’t escape a trained ear. Alessandro swallowed nervously and took his stance. He’d been taking my lessons for months. By now, he’d believe anything I said. The bow rose slowly and drew smoothly across the string.

“How is it? Isn’t your bowing much more comfortable?”

Alessandro’s face was full of surprise.

“Hyun, you always amaze me. Every doctor said I’d never play the violin freely again, but now, with more practice, I could even enter the Queen Elisabeth Competition!”

“You’d hit the age limit, though.”

Indeed, Alessandro’s violin skills had improved so much that “remarkable progress” was an understatement. He’d always loved the violin, even as a music student. Teaching him was so rewarding that I often played violin with Alessandro even on days without filming. Same with Baek Jung-hoon. Was I always this thrilled to teach others? Maybe instead of suggesting my mother’s soy sauce crab business, I should open a violin academy.

“Hyun, you’re bringing the Guarneri for the next shoot, right?”

Alessandro’s face was full of excitement. Of course-who wouldn’t be, with a Guarneri? It was one of the three legendary violins, the ultimate lure for any violinist. However-

“I’m conflicted.”

“Why?”

“No one knows what piece Paganini played first on the Guarneri.”

It was a performance for the woman he loved. Some said he played a famous composer’s piece, others claimed it was a serenade. There wasn’t even a scene like this in the movie I’d seen in my previous life. The appearance of Fiore must have caused a butterfly effect. Anyway-

“Hyun, why are you worrying about that? Director Jean-Pierre entrusted everything to you for a reason. For the past three months, you’ve been the very image of Paganini. This added scene is the result of your deliberation. Just play what you want!”

He was already my enthusiastic fan.

* * *

“Hyun, you’re not going home again? Auntie will go back to Korea alone?”

The movie shoot had lasted three whole months. Even though we were only filming Niccolò Paganini’s performance scenes, there were so many that there was barely any rest. Director Im Hye-ra sometimes went back to Korea on holidays, but I stayed in Italy. The reason was simple.

“I have to stay until all the synchronized recording is finished.”

It was a job under contract. I couldn’t slack off just because I was young. Director Im Hye-ra smiled, as if she’d expected this.

“I’ve spoken to your school. And I heard you placed first in your final exams this semester? The principal is delighted. Not only are you raising the school’s profile, but you’re also top in academics.”

In my previous life, I was called a “beast” even at the Judicial Research and Training Institute. If I failed at middle school problems, my upgraded software would be wasted.

“But aren’t you curious about what’s happening in Korea?”

How could I not be? The country was in the throes of the financial crisis. In Italy, there wasn’t even a single newspaper or news broadcast about Korea. But by now, surely-

“Has the government requested a bailout?”

Director Im Hye-ra’s eyes widened. She hadn’t expected me to guess. The financial crisis had come about a year earlier than in my past life. The bailout that should have been requested a year later was happening now. If you’re going to get hit, better to get it over with. At that moment-

“We’ve arrived.”

Outside the car window, a building sparkled like crystal. My heart started pounding again. This was the auction house where the Guarneri slept. The auctioneer who had greeted us before came out again to guide us. As we walked, I explained the next filming’s storyboard to Director Im Hye-ra.

“No one knows what piece Paganini played?”

There was no record even in Paganini’s diary kept in Genoa, nor in the movie I’d seen in my past life. The unwavering faith of Director Jean-Pierre and the actors only made the burden heavier. What on earth did Paganini play? At that moment-

“Hyun, should we ask the auctioneer? He’s very knowledgeable, and a native Italian.”

He’d overseen antique auctions for many years, so his knowledge must be deep. Before I could answer, Director Im Hye-ra was already talking to the auctioneer. Soon-

“Violinist Hyun, if you don’t mind, may I say something?”

The auctioneer, an elderly man who had previously heard my Guarneri performance, spoke gently. He smiled at me like a kind grandfather.

“There’s a saying in Italy: when you see the woman you love, a song naturally flows from your eyes. Perhaps it was the same for Paganini. I doubt he had a set piece. The moment he saw her, inspiration struck, and the music poured out.”

I bowed in thanks.

‘It feels like there’s a hint in his words.’

But then-

“Hm, a performance for the woman he loved.”

Why did Director Im Hye-ra’s expression look so suspicious?

*

The reason Niccolò Paganini named his Guarneri “Canon” was simple. Even the slightest touch of the bow sent the melody soaring long and high. It was so sensitive that people said only Paganini could handle it. The same went for my Fiore.

Thump, thump, thump.

Just holding the bow made my heart pound. Like last time, I wanted to unleash the melody I’d been holding back. If the Canon was famous for its long, high notes, Fiore was known for its deep and brilliant tone. The moment the bow met the string, everyone would know. However-

“Hyun, are you not ready yet? Should we take a break?”

I still hadn’t decided what to play. In response to Jean-Pierre’s question, I nodded briefly. Even the staff seemed excited by the Guarneri’s appearance. The set was a reproduction of the Genoa concert hall where Paganini first played the Guarneri.

‘The woman he loved.’

Who should I think of? Even looking back on my past life, I’d never truly loved someone romantically. I’d even married my wife as a stepping stone to success. Suddenly, someone flashed through my mind-the girl who treasured the blue hairpin I’d given her.

“Director.”

At my short call, Jean-Pierre nodded immediately. By now, we could read each other’s minds with just a glance. I carefully raised the bow. Among the countless scores I’d written, there were some inspired by that girl.

Zing.

The moment the bow met the string, was it my imagination that a cold wind blew? The strings shimmered with a joyful melody, as if a small hand tugged at my sleeve. My left fingers moved endlessly, recalling memories. Harmonics rang out like her clear voice, and sometimes trills expressed the quick steps of a girl.

Zing-!

At that moment, Fiore’s melody reached the ceiling. Though the piece had no set form, as it approached the finale, the bowing quickened. My left hand plucked the strings in pizzicato, expressing my pounding heartbeat, and together with the right hand, created a brilliant voice. Fiore’s beautiful tone enriched the performance, leaving the audience speechless with delight until the bow finally parted from the string.

“Huh?”

Was I dreaming, or had I played with too much passion? Or did Fiore, preserved for centuries, have some unknown magic? Setting aside countless questions, I slowly raised my bow. The tip pointed toward-

“Yoo-ha?”

She was standing there, looking at me. Next to her was Director Im Hye-ra, wearing a proud expression.