The Healing Life of a Music Genius - Chapter 63



Only Krnovel

63 As if he

* * *

10 minutes before the performance starts.

Two middle-aged women in suits sitting in the middle pew of the church.

They were wearing dark blue and gray clothes, respectively, and were chatting lightly.

“What kind of child will there be this year?”

“well···.”

“Normally, it was confirmed two weeks in advance and a pamphlet was made. But there was nothing like that this time, right?”

“yes. “Thanks to you, I came here without knowing anything about the child’s history, school, or anything else.”

“It seems like a slightly unusual case… “Have you heard anything from Hoffman?”

In response to the question from the woman in navy blue, the woman in gray shook her head.

“This time, Hoffmann kept his mouth shut. So I can’t even predict it.”

“oh. “You didn’t even give me a hint?”

“yes. Still… considering last year, it’s something to look forward to. “It was Hoffman’s recommendation last year as well.”

“ah! That girl? “Brahms was pretty good.”

“I remember too. “Even though he was small, his touch was quite strong.”

“But what happened to that child? “I don’t think I’ve heard any special news.”

The woman in gray smiled slightly.

“I heard that you eventually entered the Hanover Music Academy for Gifted Students. She is 16 years old.”

“and! “Isn’t it okay to do pull-ups when you’re 16?”

“It was close, but I was fortunate.”

“It’s a little disappointing… but it’s still good!”

“Yes? “They said they will be competing in competitions starting this year.”

“I really hope it goes well.”

Without realizing it, the woman said, ‘I feel a little bit disappointed.’

There was a reason why I used the expression ‘disappointing’ when I could just say it went well.

Usually, children who come here quickly stand out.

This is a church where Hoffmann, who conducts from Berlin, the center of Germany, serves as music director.

Of course, children must meet the minimum standards that Hoffman wants.

Because then you can stand on stage.

Then, rumors will spread in the Al-eum-aleum classical music world.

But that didn’t mean how Hoffman would use his power.

If a child can successfully complete a performance here, it can be said that he or she has a certain level of skill.

Even if you leave such a child alone, he will grow on his own.

Like an awl in a pocket, people around you recognize your child.

So, whether it’s a competition, a collaboration with someone, or a broadcast appearance, children make their name known in a variety of ways.

And that too within a year or two.

For that reason, it was said that it was a ‘disappointment’ that I entered a gifted center.

Most of the audience who came here had high expectations.

In Germany, which can be said to be the home of classical music, the reason why several people come to this church’s charity recital every year at the end of the year…

Maybe it’s because I want to be the first to see the ‘second Mozart’ or ‘the second Beethoven’ that will appear somewhere.

Each audience member paid an admission fee according to their circumstances. From as little as 5 euros to as much as several hundred euros. The money is 100% used for charity.

The development of the community, the end of the year, meeting people, and the child’s performance.

Today’s recital was a day filled with many layers of meaning and many expectations.

On the other hand, there were some who watched the stage with a slightly different feeling than those expectations.

Perhaps because she was wearing a yellow dress, the girl shook hands with at least 20 people before entering.

The child was a little restless.

“Uh huh. My brother will do well, right? Yes, actually, I think I’m more nervous. There are so many audiences… If my brother makes a mistake and disappoints me… “I feel so sad.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. “Because Seojin is not that type of kid.”

Han Su-yeon sighed despite Professor Kang Yu-han’s words.

“Whew. I know that too… “I just feel strange.”

Parents holding Suyeon’s hand tightly.

Smile brightly and comfort your child.

Professor Kang Yu-han also smiled kindly at them.

“haha. Still, Suyeon. “Do you remember what you said before?”

“······ yes.”

“What did you say?”

“······ He said the first song he played was for me and my parents.”

“okay. All you have to do is remember that. Then the rest will be resolved naturally.”

“is that so?”

“okay. “Why don’t you just trust me?”

“······.”

Suyeon barely nodded.

But then.

Suddenly applause erupted from the front seats. The rest of the audience quickly started applauding as well.

“and! “It’s my brother!”

As soon as Han Su-yeon saw her brother’s face, she clapped excitedly as if she had never been nervous before.

On stage, Han Seo-jin was scanning the entire audience. She makes eye contact with her parents, makes eye contact with Professor Kang Yu-han, and makes eye contact with her younger brother.

“Look at Seojin! “Do you think we saw it?”

“I know. “Once you grow up like that…”

“Oppa, you’re cool! really!”

Seojin Han puts her hands on the piano.

Slowly, I greeted the audience again.

‘haha. ‘You look like a professional performer.’

Professor Kang Yu-han looked at this with satisfaction.

Hoffman came down from the stage after explaining the two repertoires that Seojin Han would play today.

Han Seo-jin finally sits down on the chair.

And quietly stare into space.

One by one, the noisy audience began to silence their voices.

Today’s audience all came dressed in formal attire.

These people know how to be polite to performers and truly enjoy music.

The high-ceilinged chapel was suddenly filled with silence.

A suffocating silence.

In that fleeting moment where time seemed to have stopped for a moment.

Han Seo-jin’s hands rose to the piano keys.

Lightly, but gently.

A very emotional melody fills the church.

A beauty that cannot be described.

A pianissimo (very weak) sound that you might miss if you don’t concentrate.

It started to shake the hearts of the audience.

.

.

.

‘······ I’m going crazy.’

Hoffman sat in the front seat and quietly looked at Han Seo-jin.

The intro to Arabesque that I didn’t hear last time.

This···.

‘No, this can be seen as a complete understanding of Schumann.’

Many emotions were revealed in Han Seo-jin’s performance.

love. Affection. remorse. longing.

His melody, which started there, created endless stories.

Just as the wind blows and creates waves in a calm pond.

Han Seo-jin’s playing gradually grew in sound.

Tell the story to your loved ones.

Things that cannot be expressed in words are conveyed through music.

The very sophisticated yet delicate touch heightened people’s emotions at every moment.

Before you know it, a long melody full of longing is presented.

The production of a fantastic atmosphere is repeated, signaling the end.

In the sad topic of saying goodbye.

The boy’s first song ended safely.

* * *

A long breath was exhaled.

Even though the parts are divided, Arabesque was played as if it were all in one breath.

The audience remained silent until the piano’s reverberations ended.

I looked at the audience.

Among them, Sooyeon and her parents, wearing pretty dresses, were the first to catch my eye.

They are quietly holding each other’s hands and looking at me.

This feeling.

This joy.

I hoped that it would be conveyed to the audience at least a little bit.

Soon, gentle applause was heard. It wasn’t that long because he had to play the next song right away.

Today’s performance was connected to each other. Although it was clearly a different song, the flow continued.

The audience seemed to recognize that. Before the performance started, I felt like I understood it just from Conductor Hoffman’s explanation. In order not to shake the performer’s emotions, he immediately holds his breath.

Just like the audience who came to see a ‘real performance’.

Respect the performer.

Then there was only one thing for me to do.

This song was very difficult to practice.

Franz Liszt – Beethoven: Beethoven Symphonies, S. 464 No. 9 in D Minor: IV. Presto. “OFreunde, nicht diese Töne!”

A piano version of the 4th movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 Chorus.

Of course, this is a song that should be played by an orchestra.

In addition, at least dozens of choir members are needed.

Beethoven created a choral symphony inspired by Friedrich Schiller’s poem ⌜Ode to Joy⌟.

The choir, which remained silent during the first, second, and third movements without saying a word, finally sings the ⌜Ode to Joy⌟ in the 4th movement.

A composition that no one had thought of at the time.

There was a reason why Beethoven was called a malignant saint.

Liszt was a man who greatly admired Beethoven.

So I tried to capture all the sounds in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony on the piano.

Each piano note contained the sounds of several instruments.

The one key I pressed was the violin, cello, and choir voice.

I had to play this on my own.

It’s time.

I slowly raised my hand upward.

And the beginning was announced to everyone.

* * *

The rapid piano note in D minor begins as an introduction.

dissonance.

Beethoven, who lost his hearing, poured out his resentment in the first part of the fourth movement of the chorus.

The pianist’s ten fingers vent their anger.

A completely different atmosphere from the Arabesque played a moment ago.

But soon Friedrich Schiller’s poetry gives voice.

⌜Oh friends! Not these tunes,

A little more fun,

Let’s sing a song full of joy.⌟

Of course, since it was a piano performance, I couldn’t really hear the voice.

However, Kai Hoffman, who has been involved with music his entire life, seemed to hear the choir’s voices clearly.

‘Well… now the introduction is over… ‘Child, can you persuade us with the sound of Beethoven?’

The ideal of unity.

A song praising the friendship of all mankind.

The history of music that Beethoven devoted his entire life to.

Can that child express that?

In fact, I’m just glad I finished the performance safely.

This song was a large song that lasted over 20 minutes.

Even if you memorize it perfectly and can complete the course, the audience will not complain.

Because everyone here knows the weight of this song.

The weight of songs that had to be played by an orchestra of dozens or hundreds of people was clearly different from ordinary songs.

but.

The child on stage continued playing so calmly.

⌜Joy, beautiful radiance of God,

Daughters of Paradise,

We’re drunk with passion

Entering the temple of God filled with light.

Those separated by harsh reality

Unite them again with your mysterious power.

And all men become brothers,

Where your gentle wings rest.⌟

The piano melody increases to forte (stronger).

The atmosphere is getting more and more heightened.

My whole body starts to tremble.

⌜O recipient of the great heavenly gift,

He who has gained true friendship,

You who have won the warm love of a woman,

Let’s all gather together and sing songs of joy!

Yes, even if there is only one person on this earth

If you have a soul to share your heart, cheers.

But if you can’t even do that

Leave quietly while shedding tears!⌟

Friedrich Schiller, who inspired Beethoven, says:

Out of this world!

Even if it’s just one person!

Cheers to those who have a shared heart!

The child began to pour his all into it.

⌜All beings are in the embrace of nature

Drink in joy.

All good people and all evil people

Walk along the path of roses gifted by nature.

Nature gives kisses and vines,

He gave me a friend that not even death could take away.

Even people like insects enjoy pleasure.

Cherubim, angels of wisdom, stand before God.⌟

Does that child believe in God?

Or did you experience something that made you believe in God?

So who is the angel of wisdom for that child?

At that moment, an omen occurs.

The chord of the A chord changes to the F chord, changing the mood.

⌜Just as the sun moves over countless stars

As if happily flying in the orbit of the vast sky

Brother, hit the road,

Just like a hero runs on the road to victory.

Let everyone hug each other!

This is a kiss for the whole world!

Brother, beyond the stars

Because I have a loving father.

Billionaires, won’t you bow down?

Will you believe in a Creator, all the world?

Find him behind the stars!

Where the stars set, he is there.⌟

The playing stops for a moment.

Beethoven created the chorus that way.

The performer remained silent, as if asking the audience for an answer.

This is where audiences often make a lot of mistakes. There are times when I applaud without thinking when I think the performance is over.

But is Beethoven that simple?

People who think it’s just clumsy music that ends on a high note may be fooled…

The people here remained silent.

For the final utopia that Beethoven envisions.

For the end of the story that child tells.

The piano’s tempo changed to prestissimo (very fast).

The child continues playing in D major.

Beethoven’s last cry sung by all instruments and all choir members as one…

Those heavy feelings that have been suppressed…

Boldly show it to the audience.

⌜Everyone should hug each other!

This is a kiss for the whole world!

Brother, beyond the stars

Because I have a loving father.

Let everyone hug each other!

This is a kiss for the whole world!

Joy, beautiful radiance of God,

Daughters of Paradise,

Joy, beautiful radiance of God, radiance of God!⌟

The child sat in front of the piano and breathed heavily.

Beads of sweat form on my forehead and run down my cheeks.

The melody created by the choir stayed in the church.

As if he wanted to check this space a little more, the lingering feeling did not go away easily.

“······.”

“······.”

“······.”

“······.”

The audience remained silent. If not… I might be at a loss for words.

At that time, someone stood up.

An old gentleman.

He silently clapped alone.

Wordlessly… looking at that little boy…

Before we knew it, the audience began to stand up from their seats one by one.

After a while, no one in the audience was sitting down.

The only person sitting here was the boy on stage.

A boy who can barely suppress his overwhelming emotions.

The boy, who was breathing heavily, shook everything off and finally stood up.

The child looked at the audience.

Quietly staring at somewhere.

The child’s eyes sparkled like stars.

But it was deep, and deep, unlike any child.

It really… created a strange atmosphere.

Conductor Kai Hoffman hurried up to the stage. He stood next to the child and gave words of encouragement.

The audience in the audience also behaved similarly.

For that little kid from the East.

For your child’s bright future.

and···.

For the pianist who created this moment that will never come back.

There was endless cheering and applause.

Because of this, I could not hear the surrounding sounds properly.

Several musicians here raised their voices to share their impressions with each other.

Among them, one musician near the strong pianist made a slightly louder noise.

“It was a great performance. A cool kid has appeared in Korea. But this is that kid’s first performance?”

“This is my first official stage in my life.”

“I really… can’t believe it. and···”

Unfortunately, I couldn’t hear what he said properly.

His words were drowned out by the noise.

The words the musician only mumbled…

“It was like seeing a former colleague of mine. Almost forty years ago… he was very young and swept the stage here in Europe. He suddenly had an idea.”

There are things that are forgotten as time passes.

However, as more time passes, people appear who chase after those forgotten things.

One winter day in a church in Germany,

A child trying to follow someone’s footsteps…

He was standing on that high stage, smiling with tears in his eyes.