Chapter 292: Moonlight on Everyone’s Heart
Translator: Kris_Liu Editor: Vermillion
Seeing the crowd, Glinton was very upset. It was totally not fair that those important nobles and pastors were directly invited to the concert without buying tickets.
Turning around, Glinton saw the grand Psalm Hall. For the first time, he felt the coldness underneath its magnificent appearance. This place was never for the devoted followers, but for those nobles and pastors up there.
Glinton murmured to himself, “Not all lambs are equal…”
When most of the people were leaving with great disappointment, a black horse rushed over here and gradually stopped in front of them.
Then the knight on the horse said out aloud,
“All civilians, Her Highness, Princess Natasha, Violet Duchess, believes that music should not only belong to nobles, but for everyone. Therefore, Her Highness has decided to offer support at her own cost to the Church and open the divine circles for Mr. Lucien Evans’ return concert on the Municipal Square, so that everyone could enjoy the great music here in the city of music!”
The crowd suddenly became quiet, and then people wild with joy started to cheer like crazy.
“Her great Highness!”
“God bless you, Highness!”
“Long live her Highness! Long live Violet!”
Among the people, Glinton was very excited as well that he also cheered together with them. He was glad that he made the right decision to come back to Aalto.
…
The first day of June was a happy day, at least for people in Aalto.
After welcoming the grand duke, the princess, Mr. Christopher, President Othello, and Mr. Victor, Lucien was now preparing at the backstage surrounded by Franz, Grace, Fabbrini and some of the instrumentalists who he was familiar with.
Lucien picked the band which once worked with him before, but the lead instrumentalist was no longer Rhine.
A bit away from Lucien stood other instrumentalists, castrati, and kids from the choir.
“Mr. Evans, I can already imagine the great shock that the Symphony in D minor would bring to the audience. I can’t wait to step on the stage. God bless us. It’s is the most breathtaking music piece I’ve ever heard! I’m afraid I might have tears in my eyes later…” said Fabbrini out of great excitement before the performance.
Tonight, Fabbrini was wearing a red bow tie, and his lips were as red as fire.
The symphony Fabbrini was speaking highly of was called Ode to Joy, by Lucien Evans. As their several rehearsals went better and better, Fabbrini’s heart was now filled with admiration toward it.
Hearing Fabbrini’s comment, Grace looked at Lucien out of curiosity, “Is it that impressive? It seems that Ode to Joy can win over Fate?”
“They’re different. People might have different opinions. But I do think it’s a great music piece.” Lucien smiled, as if he was commenting on someone else’s music.
Franz relieved a long sigh and said, “Actually, I was quite worried about the Symphony in E minor would not be accepted by most musicians and critics, although I like it quite a lot, especially the beginning of the second movement. I mean… its structure’s just too advanced to be recognized. But now because we have Ode to Joy as the finale, everything will be just fine.”
“Music comes from one’s heart, and structure is only a tool,” explained Lucien. “When the tool starts to become a burden, we shall be brave to get rid of it and find a new one.”
Lucien was actually talking about the transition from classical music to romantic music.
In fact, compared to most music works in the later period of Romanticism, Antonín Dvořák’s New World Symphony, which had been renamed here by Lucien as New Country Symphony, was already close to traditional classical music. After all, Antonín Dvořák was still deeply influenced by classical music.
Hearing Lucien’s words, Franz nodded thoughtfully. Maybe he was reflecting on his own composition.
The violoncellist, Thomas, also commented, “I think New Country Symphony’s a great piece of work. Although it can receive some negative comments, I believe anyone who really understood music and appreciates its beauty can see the great value in it. Time will prove that New Country Symphony is a masterpiece. Both Ode to Joy and New Country Symphony are masterpieces, I should say. You have my greatest respect because of your courage for inspiration and revolution, Mr. Evans.”
Thomas was very sincere, and he believed that the concert would be the greatest success ever. He also could see how much he was going to benefit from this concert. After playing with Mr. Victor and Evans, the band Thomas was in was now already the best one outside of the palace, and also the most expensive one.
“Thank you all for the encouraging comments, but we still have to see after the concert.” Lucien smiled, “It’s time now. Let’s go.”
After taking a few steps, Lucien added with emotion, “In the following four hours, let’s forget everything, and live for music!”
“Live for music!” All the instrumentalists, band members, and singers responded aloud.
Lucien adjusted his bow tie and grabbed the baton. But at this time, he suddenly started coughing badly.
“Mr. Evans?! Are you alright?”
Lucien gasped, then waved his hand, “I’m okay. It’s been a while like this. I’m fine. Let the band out to get prepared first.”
“You sure, Mr. Evans?” Thomas did not leave with the band but asked again out of concern.
Lucien took out a small bottle of pink potion and drank it all. Then, his face was no longer pale. He said to Thomas, “I’ve got the potion. Don’t worry.”
Seeing that Lucien was still able to talk fluently, Thomas was relieved. Then, he left the backstage to get prepared.
After Thomas left, Fabbrini asked gently, “Mr. Evans… This… doesn’t look like some simple potion for cough-relieving. A potion cannot work this fast.”
As the lead singer of the Church’s chorus, he knew more than most people.
Lucien was now totally refreshed, and he said to Fabbrini with a smile, “A bit something else in it to bring out the best of me in the following four hours. It’s okay. I’ll take a good rest after the concert.”
Then Lucien grabbed the baton and walked out of the backstage in an elegant manner, leaving the rest of the people behind with a straight and impressive figure.
Fabbrini did not say anything for a while. Mr. Evans’ determined smile was still in front of his eyes.
…
On the municipal square, when people saw Lucien walking to the center of the stage in the Psalm Hall, they started to applaud, and then the applause became louder and louder. No matter if Mr. Lucien Evans could hear this or not, all of the people were expressing their joy and excitement. They were welcoming the talented young musician, and also showing their gratefulness to Her Highness’ generosity.
In the history of Aalto, there was never a concert like this that could receive such warm applause before it even started!
Glinton was now standing along the edge of the square. Looking at the crystal screen, he felt joy and was very satisfied. Finally, he could be here and enjoy Mr. Evans’ live performance with his own ears and eyes.
The repertoire was already available: the concert would start with the famous Symphony of Fate, followed by a piano solo of Moonlight and Pathétique. Next, Mr. Lucien Evans was going to show his playing skills by doing an improvisation playing. Then it would be the symphony called New Country, and later Ode to Joy, the Symphony in D Minor, would serve as the ending of the concert.
When the first several music notes jumped out, the familiar melody awakened everyone. They became very quiet, waiting for the feast of music.
After Symphony of Fate, Christopher smiled to Victor and said, “After the three years, now Evans’ conducting is even better. He used to be a bit crazy when conducting, but now he knows where to let the emotions out and when to restrain them. His personal features are still there, and serves a better support and guidance of Fate.”
Lucien’s conducting was no longer inexperienced but mature. Now his conducting matched the great symphony piece.
“He’s the one who never forgets to work hard.” Victor also spoke highly of his own student, “Among the so many times Fate was played, only when Lucien conducted did the music have the most impacting power.”
After a ten minute break, the band left the stage for now. The whole stage was left with a black piano and Lucien, who also dressed in black.
The divine power circle focused on Lucien, covering Lucien with a dim layer of light.
Sitting in front of the piano, Lucien closed his eyes. He knew that this concert was a farewell to the people who liked him. In order to make sure that his relatives and friends were safe, and knowing that, sooner or later, his name would be put on the Cleansing List, he had to let the young musician die, and say goodbye.
He did not know what kind of choices uncle Joel, aunt Alisa, John, and Iven would make, and he was also not sure whether if one day he could still be able to see Victor, Elena and all his friends again. He had no idea whether one day he would still be able to come back to Aalto without hiding himself carefully…
Maybe… maybe after becoming a senior-rank mage, Lucien would be able to take a look at them from afar…
The great sorrow seized Lucien’s heart, and his hands pressed down on the piano. The peaceful and gentle melody flowed like a stream in the Psalm Hall, and it brought everyone back to the lake that was shining under the moonlight, just like a dream.
People were immersed in the peace and quietness. They were enjoying every second of the heartfelt sweetness, gracefulness, and also sorrow.
Underneath the sweetness of the melody, they did somehow feel sad.
Felicia noticed that Elena, who was sitting next to her, wiped the tears from the corner of her eye and murmured, “I don’t know why but… I feel like crying…”
