66 The Concert 2 (1/2)
“My little niece mentioned before that the composition of the second symphony took Victor around two to three years. After knowing that he would be holding a concert in the Psalm Hall, he spent another three months in my younger brother’s manor for improvement. And it indeed reminded me of the boundless ripe wheat field in my hometown.” Smiling, Earl Hayne introduced the story behind the symphony to the grand duke and the princess, feeling slightly grateful to his niece, Felicia, who he never had fondness for in the past.
Since the eldest son of the previous earl died in a fight against the heretics, a contest started between the second and the youngest son of the Hayne family. At that time, because the second son, who is also the current Earl Hayne, had not awakened his Blessing yet, and Felicia’s father was much better-favored by their father, the present earl was in a great anxiety almost all the time.
Then a favorable turn came to the second son, who awoke his Blessing. Furthermore, his son Harrington grew into a very talented young man who wasn’t even inferior to Princess Natasha and Earl Verdi. The second son successfully inherited the title and all the land the Hayne family had.
“I feel the same way.” Orvarit nodded, “This piece of symphony reminded me of the beautiful country life. Maybe you’re right, Natasha, but the concert is already very impressive. Let’s wait and see the following two pieces of work.”
“The last symphony is from his student, though. I can’t believe a new learner who just started learning music three months ago can compose a symphony, and I don’t have much expectation on the young lad’s so-called talent.” Earl Rafati also joined their conversation, a very handsome man seemingly to be in his early thirties.
“Uncle Hart, I believe you’re the last person who should claim that talent doesn’t mean anything.” Natasha laughed in a very non-noble-lady way, “You awoke the Blessing of Sun when you were ten, and became an 8th circle senior-rank holy magus in your sixties. No one is more promising than you are for finally becoming a legendary holy magus.”
The seemingly young Earl Rafati was actually way elder than he looked like, and he was a very powerful holy magus. Holy magi were people who awoke their Blessing and therefore were granted with magic power. To differentiate the blessed spellcasters from the notorious sorcerers, people called them magi.
There was also a reason for the great power of the Rafati family. While other noble families were relating to each other by intermarriage, the Rafati family insisted on royal incest to make sure the great family power and the purest blood could be inherited by their younger generations. Although many deformed babies were thus born, the family also had many genius members such as the present earl.
Verdi commented seriously, “Uncle Hart’s talent is a gift from God. It’s different.”
“So is musical talent, I heard.” Natasha smiled, “Seriously, I’m quite looking forward to Lucien’s work. No matter if it’s good or bad, it’s gonna be interesting.”
“The fourth piece of symphony should be the most impressive and outstanding one for tonight’s concert. I hope Victor knows what he’s doing.” Rafati slightly shook his head.
“Aside Lucien’s work, I’m also quite excited about the new musical instrument, the piano.” Natasha switched the topic to the following piano concerto.
“I wonder how piano performs compared with harpsichord.” Sitting on the chair, Verdi’s back was straightened in a serious manner.
…………
Now Victor was more relaxed, knowing that his first two pieces of symphonies were acknowledged by the grand duke. During the break, he was chatting with his students casually, while Rhine appeared to be more silent than usual.
Soon it was time for Victor to go back to the stage. This time Rhine would be his designated conductor to direct the orchestra, and Victor would be the one who played the new musical instrument, the piano.
The sound of the piano was rich and resounding. The first note of the piano concerto instantly caught the whole audience’s attention. This was a piece of concerto with religious profundity.
“Impressive,” Verdi commented with satisfaction and then closed his eyes to listen carefully.
The high sound quality of piano fitted perfectly well with the solemnity and sacredness of the religious music. Several higher pitches were also handled very well by the piano. The whole Psalm Hall was immersed in the majestic melody.
When the concerto came to its end, Cardinal Sard crossed himself and said, “This is an eulogy for God. The success of this concerto is accomplished by this brand new musical instrument.”