Chapter 48 (1/2)

《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.