《Liang Zhu》 was divided into three parts. The first was introductory, the middle unfolded, and the last part was reconstructive. Among them, people were most familiar with the tune throughout the song as it was the iconic classical melody for any Huaxian.
Zhu Wen Jun stood at the podium of the majestic hall's main stage. When he swung his baton, the orchestra followed his command, turning that music sometimes melodious and meaningful and other times fierce and intense.
He truly deserved his reputation of being one of Huaxia's most outstanding conductors. Under the wave of his hand, 《Liang Zhu》 became exquisite, delicate, and rich with emotion that even Westerners who had never heard it before couldn't help but frown, immersed in the song and unable to extricate themselves from it.
However, what surprised many musicians was the youth that stood to the conductor's left——
The orchestra didn't outshine him for even a moment!
Qi Mu's right hand leaped in a blur, and the movement of his bow gliding across the violin's strings produced a fierce but enthusiastic sound.
This was an excellent replica of a Stradivarius violin. Its exquisite, vigorous timbre could make any violinist obsessed with it. But right now, it laid obediently in the arms of this young man and made such a magnificent melody.
Liang accompanied his "sworn brother" for his 18-mile journey. . .*
Ying Tai, who didn't want to get married, arrived before the grave. . .*
*Events of the story Liang Zhu (Butterfly Lovers in English).
The violin mournfully sighed, whispering the pain of these two lovers that could not be together.
Throughout the whole piece, Qi Mu's violin appeared to have been drowned out by the cymbals, but in actuality, it echoed like a sob, and during the final part, it emerged once again with a hauntingly familiar melody.
Those in the audience that were particularly emotional already had tears in their eyes. When this melody was first heard, Liang and Zhu had just met, and now they were a pair of butterflies, flying together in front of a grave.
On stage, the young man frowned a little. When the last note floated from the tips of his fingers, the audience burst into applause in an instant.
Guidance was unnecessary. This piece, which belonged entirely to Huaxia, had conquered the audience thoroughly——to the point of shedding tears. Music was not divided by gender, age, or nationality. They couldn't help but feel the love that stood against time and the secular world depicted by this song, and they were moved by it.
This was ultimately an excellent performance!
The interpretation was so good, the audience was swallowed up by it. Because of its intensity, they had forgotten they wanted to see what the young man on the stage could do. Instead, they were intoxicated with the youth's performance!
After his cooperation with New Ai, Qi Mu was used to such a situation. He smiled and hugged Zhu Wen Jun then, under the lead of the other man, the whole orchestra bowed to the audience. Even more enthusiastic applause broke out anew.
The S City Symphony Orchestra's Centennial Celebration was officially over.
There was no need to evaluate the event. The applause still hadn't stopped five minutes after the concert ended, proof enough of its historic ending.
Qi Mu and the orchestra left the stage orderly and below, the audience left with smiles on their faces. Some were still in their seats, recalling the musical feast they were treated to.
"Mr. Perez?" A middle-aged, blond male smiled at the old man next to him. He asked gently, "Mr. Perez, are you going to sit here for a long while? Tonight's performance was fantastic! There really is a lot of great music in Huaxia!"
The one speaking was the British "Times" correspondent in Huaxia, Evan Ritter. He had been in charge of the Times' music section for two years and naturally wouldn't miss the Centennial Celebration. What he didn't expect was for there to be a mastic sitting next to him at the event.
Sitting next to Evan was an old man with grey hair. Though his hair had all turned white, he was still in good spirits and had a kind, gentle smile in his eyes.——
This foreign old man made a good impression even at first glance.
"Evan, you're right. Let's talk while we walk." The two men got up and walked in the direction of the exit together. "I always knew Huaxia had good music. There are a few good Huaxian musicians in my orchestra, they are excellent."
A glint flashed in Evan's eyes, sniffing out good material for an article.
"Mr. Farrel, I really liked Dresden's performance in Edinburgh last year. It was truly unforgettable!" Evan was a person who would lead the topic, he turned and said, "Mr. Farrel, who do you think gave the best performance tonight?"
Farrel Louis was the chief conductor of the Dresden Symphony Orchestra. The sixty-year-old man had been with Dresden for over a decade, allowing the world's oldest symphony to become even more outstanding and had received praise across the globe.
Simultaneously, he was recognized as one of the four greatest conductors alongside Min Chen and Dorenza.
Farrel wasn't angry with Evan's leading words. Instead, he smiled, "They were all excellent. Huaxia's skill level has surprised me. But, Evan, you can write more on that person in your report. . . oh yes, that last violinist. I believe you will hear his name often in the future."
Evan was slightly surprised. "You mean. . . Qi Mu?" Having been in Huaxia for two years, Evan's Chinese was quite good.
Farrel smiled and nodded, "Well, it should be that child. His 《D major》 was great, but I care more about. . . his last 《Liang Zhu》. His feelings were delicate, and his approach to music is very unique."
This straightforward comment made Evan's eyes shimmer. He quickly engraved the passive to his memory and planned to go back and start his manuscript that night.
But when Evan was about to seize the opportunity and talk a little more with him, Farrel waved a little and called out, "Hey, Auston!"
When Evan turned to look, he saw a man with a straight posture turn to look at them.
The moment he saw him, Evan was stunned speechless, and there was a burst of ecstasy in his mind: Good God, it's Auston Bertram! I didn't expect to run into him! If he could talk to him, he would definitely get. . . headlines. . . tomorrow. . .
"Hey, this buddy seems familiar. Are you a reporter for the Times?" A blue-eyed blond walked over, and he grinned, revealing a white tooth. "Is it hard to catch news every day in Huaxia? We have a performance next month, I don't know if you're interested. . ."
Daniel looked at the little reporter and took him aside, not giving Evan a chance to react. When Evan returned to his senses, he discovered that he had listened to this long-winded Bai Ai agent for over twenty minutes. . . such a waste!
Who wants to know what Bai Ai's playing next month!
Wasn't it announced early?!
In Paris!
Conducted by the guest Charles Littis!
Who didn't know!!!
Besides, he was a reporter on Huaxia, not foreign reporting!
What's did Bai Ai have to do with it!!!
After Daniel pulled aside the reporter, Min Chen walked alongside Farrel, and the gentleman said politely, "It's been a long time, Farrel. The last time I saw you was in Munich?"
Farrel nodded with a smile, "Indeed. I remember that I couldn't attend your New Year's concert this year. You didn't listen to Dorenza's either. It was fantastic."
Min Chen nodded a little, "I've been busy recently."
Farrel did not ask further. He looked at the man standing beside him, smiling but not speaking. "Christi, I didn't expect to see you in Huaxia. How do you feel about the concert tonight? It was pretty good, don't you think?"
The brown-haired man standing next to Min Chen was Bai Ai's concertmaster, Christi Mensa, and the gentle violinist smiled at Farrel's words. "Mr. Farrel, the classical music in Huaxia has always been strong. Daniel told us a few months ago that Huaxia had some talents with great potential. Oh yes, you heard the performance of the violinist Daniel was speaking about today. His 《D major》 was really good."
As he was speaking, Daniel returned to them, and the four went in the direction of the concert hall's exit.
Farrel said, "Christi, I disagree with you there. I think. . . his last song, 《Liang Zhu》, was best. Ah, Auston, I just remembered it was your song. Pay it no mind."
In the face of old friends, Min Chen had no choice but to look away, acting as if he had heard nothing.
Of course, the conversation did not stay on 《Liang Zhu》 for long. They quickly changed from Qi Mu, and they said a few words on the orchestra. Then they started talking about the next year's Menuhin Violin Competition. Overall, the topic turnover was pretty quick.
Min Chen wasn't a talkative person by nature. Especially in the face of Daniel and Farrel, he occasionally spoke a sentence or two but said little in the end.
In the dark night, Min Chen walked on the periphery of the four with his hands in the pockets of his black coat.
Many people were chatting about the concert in the lobby outside the concert hall. Some say the small circle and naturally came over to greet them.
Of course, aside from the world-class musicians who came over, there were a few young ones that came just to express their reverence to Farrel, Min Chen, or Christi, then left.
Watching the dramatic pair, the more they talked, the more Min Chen felt like sighing. He eventually sighed softly and took two steps tot he side, giving the passionate talkers a chance to chat with each other.
However, not long after, Canada's national treasure composer, Spencer Rice, clapped his shoulder and started chatting about compositional inspiration.
Min Chen's patience for music had always been good. He listened carefully to Spencer and exchanged some ideas. While he was listening, he caught sight of something in the corner of his eye, and he subconsciously turned.
Qi Mu and Zheng Wei Qiao were exiting the backstage.
There were a lot of people gathered in the lobby, but the largest circle was simply too eye-catching. Qi Mu spotted it in a glance. He also noticed the man standing just to the side of it.
The two looked at each other in surprise. But Qi Mu noticed he was talking with Spencer, so he smiled but did not go over to bother them. Min Chen hesitated for a moment but immediately understood the youth's intention.
He thought for a while then extended his right hand with the thumb pointed up.
Looking at the young man's stunned expression, Min Chen's lips curled upward, and he turned to look at his conversational partner. "Spencer, it sounds like you really want to use the Canadian maple leaf for inspiration, but if I remember correctly, isn't it winter in Canada, right now? How about changing the theme. . ."
Not far off, it took a while for Qi Mu to gather his wits.
He stared, dumbfounded, at the man who had turned away and was no longer looking at him, feeling a little helpless.
That just now. . .
Was he praising his performance?
Well, it seemed a little childish.
Translator(s): Kuro, Bet
Editor(s): Bet
Oh no! Kuro’s most available to translate during the weekend, but her laptop broke! So let’s see if I can hang onto this for a little more.
As repayment, she is doing us (Read: Me, because I’m a sucker) an art piece.
We have some ideas already, but if you have an opinion on what the KOCM cast (Qi Mu, Lu Zi Wen, Min Chen, Zheng Wei Kiao, Christi, and Daniel) look like, drop a hint in the comments! She’ll take all of them into consideration.