Chapter 193 (1/2)
Volume 5 / Chapter 193
TL: LightNovelCafe
Jun Hyuk did not have rehearsals during the week long finals period because the Belgium National Orchestra and Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra take care of the performance. He was able to watch the competition comfortably.
Jun Hyuk could not miss the performances of the 3 welcome faces he saw in the list of participants. The person he had the most anticipation for was Laura Goldberg.
He hoped that she would win in the best conditions no matter what song she sings. She needs to sing the soprano part of the Choral Concerto. He had written the song while thinking of her voice.
Laura Goldberg’s assigned song was 17th century French composer Charpentier’s Motet. The start and end are difficult in skill, there is a lot of treble while the middle is lyrical, and there is a warm feeling so it is not an easy song in terms of vocals.
If she can handle it perfectly, winning is not a problem. He has a feeling that Laura will win easily.
Jun Hyuk listened to Laura sing and looked puzzled. She is in no way at this level. He even thought that it could be strategy. The strategy of getting through the assigned song with ease and showing as much skill as is desired in the song of choice is obsolete though it always works.
Jun Hyuk broke out a smile as soon as he saw the song she had chosen. Even though it is an obvious strategy, this song is enough to make it work.
The song she chose is so unconventional it made the judges create a fuss. It is contemporary music great Gyorgy Ligeti’s ‘Mysteries of the Macabre’.
It is not a song that can be handled just by being able to sing well. The changes are so severe that even the audience that is sitting still cannot get themselves together.
It has a difficulty that demands the so-called ‘ultrasonic range of dolphins’ and incredible acting.
However, Laura Goldberg overwhelmed them like a fountain shooting water high and then falling low. The only mistake she made was that the key was slightly rough where it was to be graceful. She brought about surprise with nearly perfect treble technique, strong focus, and committed acting.
With the audience’s standing ovation that lasted for over 10 minutes, they could foresee her win.
As soon as her performance ended, Jun Hyuk left the theater. In the 2 years he had not seen her, Laura Goldberg had become a complete soprano. When he thought of the stage he would have with her, his heart beat faster. He regretted not extending the soprano part of Choral Concerto more.
The first winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition appeared. As predicted, it was Laura Goldberg of the vocal section.
The judges’ evaluations that she has ‘a strong personality and excellent tone with huge potential and clear professionalism’ and reports in the press of her ‘crystal clear voice that crosses between several octaves with ease, excellent expression, solid acting’ let everyone know that a new prima donna had appeared.
The 6 winners including Laura Goldberg found out something new during the competition committee’s feast. That they had been specially requested for the piano and violin final performances.
None of them were willing to turn down the request in such a happy moment. Everyone readily accepted. Their curiosity for the song grew as they wondered what it was that it required vocals.
***
Jun Hyuk confirmed the finalists and arranged a dinner to congratulate Danny and Han Ye Ji. Including Professor Jeon Hye Jin, the 3 people were shocked at Jun Hyuk’s surprise appearance and looked to be disconcerted, but 2 of them could guess why Jun Hyuk is here. Danny was the only one who continued to look befuddled.
“Jun, why on earth are you here? You even rented out a house.”
“Ye Ji, don’t you think he’s a bit daft? Why else would Jun Hyuk be in Brussels?”
Professor Jeon Hye Jin laughed as she spoke in Korean, and Han Ye Ji spoke,
“Don’t you think the final song is Mr. Jang’s? I haven’t heard once that Mr. Guggenheim’s ‘World of Europe’ is the winning song.”
“Jun, is that true? Your song won?”
Jun Hyuk laughed and nodded. Danny continued to look blank. Professor Jeon only looked at Danny pathetically.
Contrary to his blank expression, Danny had performed incredibly and had become a finalist easily.
‘A performance that provides the experience of pure musical bliss and freedom’
‘A violinist who expressed an abstract feeling as if there are many layers of paint and it is impossible to know what is inside’
‘An impressive performer with excellent fingering virtuosity.’