"What a terrible earthquake. It feels like Wenchuan. Well, I'll update a chapter while it's quiet. Tonight's update will depend on the aftershocks."
"I hope Ya 'an's friend is safe."
…
Othello's serious and slightly aged voice came from the office, "Who is it?"
"It's me, Victor. Mr. Othello, I have something to discuss with you. "Victor's smile disappeared, and he became gentle and calm again.
Othello's voice was silent for a few seconds, and he said without any doubt, "Victor, are you worried about Her Royal Highness' evaluation of your music? Come in, the door is not locked. "
He seemed to be in a very good mood, and he even laughed twice, which was very rare. It was very likely that he had been praised by Princess Natasha.
For him, who had not awakened his blood and become a Knight, to maintain his noble status and the stability of his territory, the best choice was of course to be appreciated by the Grand Duke or Princess Natasha, who had inherited the title of Count of Violet. Princess Natasha was very fond of music, and as the director of the Music Association, Othello had a great advantage in this regard.
Victor twisted the bronze handle, slowly opened the door, and walked in with Lucien.
Othello was sitting behind a red wooden desk. His black suit was neat and tidy, without any trace of rain. His serious expression had softened, and his face was ruddy. He was full of energy, and he was holding a quill in his hand, writing something on a piece of paper. When he heard Victor's voice, he looked up and said, "Victor, Her Royal Highness is very interested in the piano concerto you composed in the past year. She is very curious about the new musical instrument 'piano', and she is full of expectations for the concert next Saturday night. Don't let her down."
"Hmm?" After seeing Victor, Othello naturally saw Lucien, who had quietly closed the door behind him. However, he maintained the noble etiquette and did not ask directly. Instead, he waited for Victor to introduce him. Perhaps it was because Lucien's clean and elegant clothes, and his handsome and calm appearance, which was easy to leave a good impression on others, Othello did not show any displeasure. He just felt a little strange. "Why did Victor bring a strange young man to me?"
He had obviously forgotten that he had seen Lucien in a linen jacket.
Victor was in a good mood. Although he knew that the negotiation would be difficult, he was full of fighting spirit and was mentally prepared to face setbacks. "I'm very happy to be appreciated by Her Royal Highness. I'm full of confidence in the concert. Director Othello, this is my student Lucien, Lucien Evans. He has composed an outstanding piece of music. I'd like to ask you to evaluate it. You have a recognized authority on serious music. "
Even though Victor was a sensitive musician, it did not mean that he was not good at communicating with people and did not know how to deal with people. He did not directly say that he wanted to change the music list. Instead, he complimented Director Othello a little, so that he could look at Lucien's music without any prejudice or conflict.
Othello did not find it strange. If Lucien was Victor's true disciple in music, it was normal for him to introduce and recommend Lucien to other musicians, performers, and critics. The reason he used was often to evaluate his student's music or performance. Therefore, Othello, who was in a good mood, showed a polite smile on his serious face. "Victor, when did you accept this student? You've been preparing for the concert for the past year. I didn't even hear about this. "
Without explaining, Victor just smiled and handed the music sheet to Othello, intending to wait until he finished reading it.
Othello took the music sheet, and his expression became serious again. He looked at the music sheet seriously, and the melody naturally appeared in his mind. Soon, he was deeply impressed by the short and powerful notes at the beginning. He frowned a little. To start the whole movement with such notes, he could completely foresee the intensity of the later part. This was something he had never encountered in the past decades of his music career. He seemed to be able to smell a scent that he did not like, which was the music trend that Aalto had started in recent years.
Although he was good at serious themes, Othello's seriousness was limited to religious themes. In addition, he was already old and subconsciously resisted new things.
However, the shocking and intense melody at the end made Othello feel as if his heart was going to stop beating. It was not until he finished reading the first movement that he calmed down. At this time, he found that his palms were sweaty, and the paper at the edge of the music sheet was wet and wrinkled. It was as if he had gone through a thrilling battle.
Othello's rejection of this kind of theme music reminded him of the first movement. He wanted to tear the whole music sheet into pieces to prevent it from being circulated and infected by this kind of music.
No matter how much he hated it, Othello still gave the melody of the first movement a very high evaluation. The two emotions were fighting in his heart, and his frown did not relax.
After reading all the movements, Othello was silent because he did not know how to comment. In recent years, Music Criticism and Symphony News had been welcoming of this kind of theme music. Aalto's music was also mainstream under the leadership of Princess Natasha, so it was impossible to comment on this aspect.
As a prestigious and noble musician, he would not disgrace himself by criticizing the details of a young man who had just started composing.
As for the melody that praised him, Othello would not do it against his will.
Finally, Othello put down the sheet of music and said seriously, "I'm very happy to see a young man who is very talented in music. But, Lucien, music is the sound of people praising God. It's a sacred and broad religious praise. I hope you can put more of your talent and mind into music." Othello nodded, "You're a young man who is very talented in music.
"Thank you for your comment, Mr. Othello." Lucien did not take it to heart at all and responded politely. It would be the biggest joke for him to praise God.
Although Othello did not mention a word about the music, Victor was very satisfied. It was a kind of attitude that Othello did not criticize the music. Therefore, he explained his real intention. "I am very happy for Lucien to receive your praise. I believe that you have already seen the value of this piece of music, Mr. Othello. I would like to present it to everyone at my concert."
"No!" Othello did not think and rejected Victor's suggestion directly. He stared at Victor, showing no mercy as a noble and a director.
Victor also looked at Othello without backing down. "Mr. Othello, why not?"
Othello was slightly surprised by Victor's tough attitude, but he immediately thought that he "understood" Victor's idea, which was to use this piece of music to improve his reputation and status. "I have already shown the piece of music to Her Royal Highness. If you change it at the last minute, it will give her the impression that the association is not reliable. Victor, do you want to use the association's development in exchange for your reputation?"
Victor smiled and was full of fighting spirit. "If there is a better piece of music that is not shown to His Majesty the Grand Duke and Her Royal Highness, then their impression of the association will be worse. Mr. Othello, if you don't agree, I will go find Madam Sylvia and ask her to give the music sheet to Her Royal Highness. I will not give up!"
"You!" His dignity was challenged. Othello stood up like a lion and looked at Victor angrily.
After showing his tough attitude, Victor began to persuade him gently. "His Majesty the Grand Duke and Her Royal Highness do not have any prejudice against theme music. In fact, they like theme music more. I believe that Mr. Othello can imagine their reaction after hearing this piece of music. Why don't you make them more satisfied and happy? This is also good for you, Mr. Othello. "
Without the love of the top nobles, theme music that expressed their inner feelings would not become a trend in a few years.
The anger on Othello's face began to fade. He was already old, and none of his sons or grandsons could awaken their bloodline power. He had to pave the way for them so that the glory of the family could be passed down with the title. Also, judging from Victor's attitude, even if he did not agree, he would try other ways.
After thinking for a while, Othello looked at Victor seriously. "Two days before the concert, I want to listen to your practice. If there are no problems, I will change the song list."
"As you wish, Mr. Othello." Victor waved his fist in the air, "As you wish, Mr. Othello.
Othello looked at Lucien. "I have to say, Victor, you have an outstanding student. His talent in music is unparalleled. Why is he not famous in the association? With his talent, he should have been famous long ago. "
"Three months ago, he came to learn music from me …" Victor answered honestly.
Othello asked doubtfully, "Three months?"
"Yes, he has only started formal music studies for three months." Victor suddenly found himself looking forward to Mr. Othello's reaction, while Lucien was in a daze.
Othello's mouth was half open, and he did not speak for a long time. He was like a statue, and his serious and old-fashioned temperament looked very funny.
"Are you sure? Victor, are you sure he wrote it? "A few minutes later, Othello almost roared.
Victor nodded. "I saw him write it bit by bit. There are manuscripts from the past month as proof. Joseph also confirmed that there was no plagiarism. Lucien was able to write it because of his life experience … "In order to increase his persuasiveness, Victor replaced Lot, Phyllis, and the others' testimonies with his own.
Othello seemed to have lost his confidence, and sat back on the chair. Once the old man lost his self-control, he kept whispering something in a low voice, as if he was mourning his past music career.
After a while, he calmed down and waved his hand to let Victor and Lucien leave.
After leaving Othello's office, Lucien saw a familiar person walking towards him. It was the Church's guard, Corella, the high-ranking Knight squire who fought the red-eyed rats with him.
Corella was wearing a silver chain mail, and his expression was serious. Under the lead of Elena, who was in charge of reception, he walked to Lucien. "Lucien, please answer me. Why didn't you come to the Music Association's library this morning? What's wrong with you?"
Elena was a little nervous when she led the Church's guard over. She did not know why he was looking for Lucien, but when she heard the question, she suddenly felt that it was very ridiculous. "The Church actually cares about people who don't come to work?"
Victor was also very surprised. Why would they ask about such a normal thing? Did the Church have too many people?
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.