Chapter 159 (1/2)
The Palisade Theatre was an ancient, Romanesque-styled building that stood in Vienna for nearly 100 years. Throughout the continuously changing musicians and actors, many loyal viewers considered it their favorite theater for life and visited every week to listen to the opera.
Those people were the pillars that supported the PalisadeTheater for a hundred years. For them, even on Christmas Eve, the members of the theater orchestra insisted on playing a high-level concert to display their level of excellence.
Therefore, the intense practice was absolutely necessary.
In the bright rehearsal hall, the melodious music rang clear. The trombone rumbled, the string instruments sang like flowing water, and it all came together soothingly, bringing to life the beautiful, moving sound that was unique to Strauss.
《Emperor Waltz》 was divided into a prologue, four small waltzes, and six parts at the end. Almost every part had two themes. The former is bright and cheery, and the latter is passionate and intense in sharp contrast with each other.
It was a warm ensemble. The music quieted, and the conductor raised his baton and turned his head to the left of the podium.
Qi Mu looked up and smiled at Wallace, a bright sound flowing from the violin under the youth’s fingers. It was clear, bright, and soft.
The Palisade Theatre’s concertmaster successfully completed the music piece at the conductor’s will. The whole orchestra played neatly under their leadership.
Even for rehearsals, no one in the orchestra dared to make a mistake. Even the woodwinds, the ones most prone to mistakes, were as stable as if they had trained a hundred times.
When in fact…
This was only their first rehearsal!
Nearing the end of the song, the musicians directed the first seat of each group. Stepping off the conductor’s platform, Wallace turned to Qi Mu. “Little Seven, when Lance introduced you to me, you were great! Your violin was gentle and delicate. I really couldn’t believe such a young person could have such powerful force!”
Without waiting for Qi Mu to respond, the other members of the first violin group laughed, “Mr. Wallace, our Little Seven has been for over four months. How can you only discover he’s simply unscientific now!””
“That’s right. When I saw Little Seven, I thought… When I was 22, I also organized a small band in my hometown. Several people were playing, right?”
“Arnie, you’re pretty good, ok! When you were 22, you all graduated. I was still being scolded by my tutor all day long in college!”
……
Listening to them rant, Qi Mu laughed. Wallace frowned. “When he introduced Little Seven to me, Lance said he was an emotional child, that he felt the emotions behind the music. Even then, I didn’t think Little Seven could deliver such an excellent 《Ave Maria》 in a week.”
Praised to that extent, since Qi Mi didn’t have a face thick enough to serve as national defense, he couldn’t help feeling a little embarrassed. He coughed, “Mr. Wallace, everyone in the orchestra is outstanding. It was through this ensemble with everyone that I could grasp this 《Ave Maria》.”
“Little Seven! You are so humble! I believe, by the concert next week, you and the orchestra can play the most memorable 《Ave Maria》!”
Faced with Wallace’s praise and the orchestra’s laughter, Qi Mu could only accept the kindness of his companions.
Just when he thought this outburst would end, a voice sounded out in the crowd, “That’s right, Little Seven, this invitation, should we make a Q version and print your image on it as mascot?!”
Qi Mu: “… I don’t think it’s…” very suitable.
“Hahaha, that’s a great idea! The orchestra always uses such rigid invitations, not very energetic.”
“That’s right! Mr. Wallace, can we redesign the annual invitation letter?”
……
The entire group roared in agreement. Wallace looked at Qi Mu with a “Rest assured, I know what to do” glance. While Qi Mu was feeling relieved, Wallace calmly said, “Our invitations are indeed too rigid, they should be improved. But I think… the orchestra mascot is a bit too much, right?”
Qi Mu: “……” Who’s the mascot!
Wallace thought for a while. “If we’re sending invitations to young children, should a mascot doll be included? Make a little rabbit called ‘Seven.’ It’s consistent with the image of Little Seven, and it’ll promote the cute image of our orchestra.” Wallace turned, “Little Seven, what do you think?”
Qi Mu’s mouth twitched a little. “Mr. Wallace, I think this is…”
“It’s decided!”
“That’s it!”
“Great suggestion. I’m sure the young audience will like this Little Seven rabbit!”
Qi Mu: “……”
Who’s a rabbit!!!!
Inside the PalisadeTheatre’s large rehearsal hall, everyone was laughing. Only the handsome young man had tears in his heart. The next time he had to write his resume, his job title would be——