The Healing Life of a Music Genius - Chapter 185



Only Noblemtl

185 one place

* * *

Queen Elizabeth Competition.

A music contest named after Queen Elizabeth of King Albert I of Belgium.

It can be said to be a world-class and traditional international competition that has maintained its authority since its establishment in 1937.

As the competition is held in different categories every year in the order of violin, piano, cello, and vocal music, the atmosphere in Brussels changes completely every year at this time.

The countless flags planted on the streets had Queen Elizabeth’s emblem engraved on them.

No matter where I went, whether it was a restaurant or a cafe, classical music was playing.

Even street musicians play songs by Beethoven, Mozart, and Brahms.

Passers-by passing by the old cathedral in Brussels stopped for a moment to listen to their music.

A young child, who may not be able to write properly yet, holds his parents’ hands and puts a coin into the musician’s hat.

Brussels has transformed into a vibrant music city.

The people of Brussels were proud of their city and the Queen Elisabeth Competition.

Their biggest interest was definitely the contest participants.

“I saw it on ⌜Gramophone⌟ (a British classical music magazine) and they said that the level of participants in this competition is the highest ever? “I heard that there are more than 10 candidates for the championship that the masters predict.”

“I heard that some participants have already released an album.”

“What about Oleg Jankovsky? “I heard you’re a pianist who won second place at the Tchaikovsky?”

“haha. “And yet you came to Brussels.”

“It seems like Queen Elizabeth is acknowledged, so I’m grateful and also amazed.”

“What about that little boy?”

“ah! That 14-year-old contestant?

“Did you say Han… Seo Jin?”

“They said your skills are great.”

“I heard the Carnegie Hall performance received rave reviews?”

“that’s right. It would be great if I could just make it to the finals this time. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“final? “Is that possible?”

“well. The only ‘child’ who appeared in the adult competition… “Wouldn’t it be difficult?”

“Even if we can just put on a great performance, it can be considered a success. You’re only 14 years old? “How great are you hoping for?”

“ha ha ha. “That too.”

“Actually, I’m more excited about the future than I am now.”

“okay. I’ll have to keep an eye on this contest. “I think there will be a lot to see this year in many ways.”

“You could say it’s a pleasure unique to Brussels.”

“I agree.”

The citizens of Brussels were cautious in speaking to travelers who appeared to be Queen Elizabeth participants.

If the participant got the correct answer, he or she was given strong support.

There were also cases where I became a fan of the performer just because I met him on the spot.

A place where long-standing traditions have become part of the culture.

Brussels was becoming more lively every day.

As the contest date gets closer and closer, participants are gathering here one by one.

A man was playing the piano in a practice room at the Royal Conservatoire of Brussels.

The man touched the entire keyboard at once with his fingers, which were longer than any other performer.

The high notes last for a long time and create tension.

The melody dances to the gorgeous tune that immediately follows.

Fantastic performance.

If there had been an audience here, they would have applauded generously, but the man continued playing indifferently.

Even though it was still a long time until summer began in earnest, thick beads of sweat were forming on the man’s forehead.

like that.

Just before the piano screams from his intensity.

“ha······. ha······. ha······.”

The man took his hands off the keyboard.

He quietly listened to the piano’s echo and then shook his head.

‘It’s not enough. To this extent…’

The man pressed his slightly trembling hand with his other hand.

It wasn’t that my hand hurt.

There wasn’t even a problem.

This is just…

The man shook his head vigorously and then stood up.

I practiced to my satisfaction today.

Then, getting a good rest was also an important training.

The man who did not bring anything with him leaves the practice room empty-handed again.

The archaic yet elegant hallway of the Royal Conservatoire of Brussels.

There, someone called the man and stopped him.

“Oleg Jankovsky. “Do you think the pronunciation is correct?”

The man, Jankowski, looked back.

“that’s right. “But is something going on?”

“no. just. I wanted to at least say hello to the impressive performance. “I don’t think Tchaikovsky’s second place title is an illusion.”

“······.”

“ah! You didn’t introduce me. I’m Brian Turner. “You can call me whatever you want.”

“Turner.”

“that’s right.”

Jankowski, who thought about his name for a moment, could barely remember who he was.

“You were the pianist Payance’s student.”

“Do you know me?”

“I think I’ve seen your concert poster once. I also saw Payans pianist’s name there. “You even came to Russia to perform.”

“I stopped by Moscow briefly, but I have a good memory.”

“If you have a bad memory, it’s difficult to become a musician.”

“Uhm. “Is that also true?”

A conversation that seemed to hover in midair.

This was because Turner, who spoke first, hesitated several times to ask ‘that question’.

However, Turner soon asked ‘that question’ without hesitation.

“You already won second place at Tchaikovsky, so why did you come all the way to Queen Elizabeth? Because of lack of fame? Are you more greedy? Right now, you can go on a performance tour. “But why do you have to do this?”

A question that may be rude.

But Jankowski answered without blinking.

“If you want to play the piano ‘properly’ for the rest of your life, second place is not enough. I recently realized that the world is like that. “You’re already doing well on your performance tour, so isn’t the reason you came to the ‘concours’ for a similar reason as mine?”

“······.”

Looking at Turner who had the moment to speak, Jankowski smiled slightly.

“Classical music is dying. Young people don’t listen to classical music. It’s music that’s becoming less and less in demand. In the end, it seemed like any performer other than first place would lose their place. “I’m trying to prepare for that in advance.”

“······ It’s so realistic. “I thought it was just the common reason of wanting ‘greater fame.’”

“Of course there is a reason for that. Because performers can only survive if they receive attention from the public. But before that, I want to play the piano for the rest of my life. Then have the biggest heart. That’s what a musician is. “That’s it.”

“······.”

“Did you get the answer?”

“······ okay.”

Turner had tried to talk to Jankowski with the intention of shaking him up a little, but instead ended up being overwhelmed by his momentum.

‘I heard he’s 3 years older than me. It feels very different… Didn’t I take second place in the competition for no reason…?’

Turner, 18 years old, and Jankowski, 21.

Those two were the strong contenders for winning the contest according to the media.

Jankowski gave Turner a quick nod and then left the hallway first.

Someone else spoke to Turner, who was watching.

“I don’t even care? “It’s a little disappointing.”

A woman sitting on a bench a little distance away.

Turner reacts immediately to the words of France’s Sylvie Luca.

“I thought you were wearing headphones. “I thought she didn’t care.”

“You’re so considerate, aren’t you? “I’m also good at looking out for others.”

“······.”

“It’s the perfect ending, right?”

When Luca laughed, Turner shrugged his shoulders.

“I need to know my opponent so I can devise a strategy. Many people tell me to focus more on ‘my music,’ but in reality, competitions are a relative evaluation. “It was my own strategy.”

“To be honest.”

“That’s my strength.”

“so. Turner, why did you participate in the contest? He said he was going on a performance tour. According to you, there is ‘no need’ to worry about competitions, right?”

“what······. I am not much different from Jankowski. Because I am also a person who needs a place to show my music. I’ll admit it. So I want to take first place in Queen Elizabeth. “You must do it.”

“That’s really honest.”

“That’s my advantage?”

Turner talked to Luca for a while.

and.

Turner had no choice but to admit it once again.

There is no one like Queen Elizabeth at the competition who is not serious about music.

Everyone had their own beliefs and thoughts, and they were the ones who put them into action.

60 people from all over the world will gather here in Brussels.

These people can be said to be the best pianists of their time.

The meaning of ’60 people’ in Queen Elizabeth, where musicians from many countries participate…

It meant that only a few of the leading pianists in each country passed the preliminary examination.

‘Concours. It’s definitely not easy…’

Turner has been mainly on tour during his time performing.

So, it was only when I came here, in Brussels, that I realized this for myself.

“But you. “What music are you listening to now?”

“suddenly?”

“curious.”

“Uhm. “I don’t think you can tell this to ‘Mr. Turner,’ who goes around secretly trying to tease others, right?”

“······.”

Turner, who was relatively young among the contestants, didn’t have many people he could beat verbally.

Lucas laughed again and answered.

“Queen Elizabeth is the youngest contestant. In addition, I was listening to the music of a genius pianist who was even mentioned as a candidate for the championship.”

“······ Did that child have a sound source?”

“There was a video posted on CNN NewTube. “I just listened to it for a moment…”

“Have you heard of it?”

Lucas stood up without answering Turner’s question.

“I don’t think you have any obligation to answer? yes?”

“no! “Where is it that people stop talking!!!”

“It’s here. how is it. “Don’t you have anything to say?”

“······.”

Turner really has nothing to say.

Sylvie Luca, 19 this year, laughed again as she looked at Turner, who was a year younger than her.

“Anyway, I have to go. “It’s about time.”

After waving his hand, Lucas quickly leaves the hallway.

Turner stood in the hallway, took a deep breath, and went back to the practice room.

Lucas listened to the boy’s music while taking a walk in Brussels.

Incredible performance.

A melody that moves people’s hearts.

Lucas was truly impressed by the sounds the child made.

‘You can express these feelings at 14? Is this possible…?’

‘If I were to tell you that Chopin or Beethoven was reincarnated as that child, I might actually believe it.’

‘If not…’

Lucas looked closely at a photo on his smartphone and then turned off the screen.

At a young age, in order to have emotions beyond that age…

Lucas knew from experience that he must have been through a very difficult time.

Lucas arrived at the appointed place on time.

And there.

“Luca! how have you been?”

“yes. “What about Teacher Laurent?”

“I’ve been fine. Really nice to meet you! “You’re a complete lady!”

“lol. “I have reached that age.”

After three years, he met the French master who had helped him greatly in the past.

Each performer has their own goals.

They are in Brussels…

They were earnestly hoping that their wishes would come true.

* * *

Arrived in Brussels from Incheon via Vienna.

The city was in a festive mood.

It was easy to spot Queen Elizabeth’s placards on the streets, and wherever you went, classical music was playing.

Due to the long flight time and jet lag, I spent the first day entirely at the hotel.

And on the second day, I was able to complete my schedule.

The first place I visited was a cultural and artistic space called ‘Palais des Beaux-Arts.’

This is where the concert hall where the Queen Elizabeth competition takes place is located.

It was a place commonly called the Beaux-Arts Concert Hall.

My practice room was prepared separately by ⌜Schmid⌟.

Originally, Queen Elisabeth was supposed to rent a practice room at the Royal Conservatoire of Brussels.

Since it is a space that will be used by 60 people, ⌜Schmid⌟ gave extra consideration to the space, saying it would not be hectic.

Thanks to this, I was able to practice on the grand piano in a spacious practice room with a view of the cathedral through the window.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Director Rogers of ⌜Schmid⌟ for his special attention.

Since you said you were planning to stay in Brussels for a while during the Queen Elisabeth Competition, I thought we would see you often.

Practice went smoothly.

After Ettlingen last year, I only prepared for Queen Elizabeth.

Although he performed at Carnegie Hall, the Esplanade, and the Singapore National Hospital, it was also part of the preparation for this competition.

Two days to spend all day in the practice room with Professor Yuhan Kang in Brussels.

When the third day came like that.

To participate in the competition orientation, I headed to the Beaux-Arts Concert Hall with Professor Yuhan Kang.

Unfortunately, my mother and Suyeon could not go together.

Unlike youth competitions, this is a competition where each participant decides everything.

Even Professor Kang Yu-han was able to go to the orientation at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth, but the original principle was not able to accompany her.

At the entrance to the ‘Palais des Beaux-Arts’, which was richly decorated with various sculptures, Professor Yuhan Kang gave some light advice.

“If it were you, Seojin, you wouldn’t be discouraged, but if you ever feel that way, think of your previous performances. “Because compared to that place, the rest is nothing.”

“yes. All right.”

“okay. Let’s take a look.”

The professor looked directly at me and adjusted my tie.

Then he tapped me on the shoulder.

“That’s cool. Do well and come back. “I will be watching.”

“It’s not even a contest day. “You don’t have to worry so much.”

“Because in my eyes, you still look like a child. “Then let’s go in first.”

Professor Yuhan Kang followed the competition officials into Beaux-Arts first.

And I walked along, following the guidance of other officials.

It was late in the evening, so all the windows visible in the hall looked dark.

Instead, the chandelier hanging from the high ceiling was shining brightly, and it was reflected in the mirror-like marble floor.

‘Palais des Beaux-Arts’ was gorgeous.

The scale was enormous as it was a comprehensive art space that not only had a concert hall but also exhibited art pieces.

After following the official and walking down the hallway for a while, I arrived in front of the huge door.

“Would you like to go right in?”

“yes. “There’s no need to stand outside for no reason.”

A contest official spoke in English.

He opens the door himself for me.

A door several times the size of a person slowly opens.

I heard that the space that is normally used for art exhibitions is specifically used as a banquet hall during this period.

A wide hall that was difficult to gauge at a glance caught my eye.

In the place where the artwork was originally supposed to be, there were tables, chairs, and snacks prepared.

and.

The eyes of countless people there were immediately focused on me.

They are all wearing suits and dresses.

They were pianists from each country who passed Queen Elizabeth’s preliminary examination.

“Follow me this way. “It’s a formality, but you have to register first.”

As I walked along with the person in charge, the sound of shoes clicking echoed throughout the banquet hall.

People’s eyes follow me little by little.

Their appearances were diverse.

Some people were standing there with a lot of hair on their faces, while others were just staring into space indifferently.

Some people were reading sheet music, and others were fiddling with their smartphones.

There was a young woman wearing headphones looking at me closely, and a sharp-looking man with his long fingers twitching.

“It must be him. “14 years old.”

“You’re really young?”

“#@$ &^& !!@”

“@#!!} ^!)&”

“But you play like that…”

“Did you say you’re from Korea?”

“Maybe so?”

“!@# %$”

“%$&%@!”

“How good do you want to be?”

“I don’t know.”

Small whispers were heard from some people.

Some of them were whispering in a language I didn’t understand.

I arrived in front of a desk covered with a red cloth.

I listened to the explanations of the contest officials and filled out the relevant documents.

It wasn’t anything special, and it was a document that required simple personal information to be written in my own handwriting.

When I presented the completed document, a contest official slowly read the contents.

“korea. Seojin Han. 14 years old. “Is it true that you are studying with pianist Kang Yoo-han and that you received a letter of recommendation from him?”

“yes. that’s right.”

“All right. “Registration is over, so I think you can wait a little while until orientation begins.”

like that.

When I turned back.

I noticed several masters gathered in one corner of the banquet hall.

People who look at me with bright eyes.

These people were all first and second place winners in these competitions.

Those who proudly won awards at the contest despite the ridiculous competition.

Among the masters invited here, there were no ordinary people.

The banquet hall quickly became quiet again.

It was so quiet that I could hear the sound of my suit rubbing against my ears.

‘Are you all nervous? Actually, that wouldn’t be necessary.’

A unique atmosphere at the competition.

I just ignored it and walked on.

There were flags and names on the tables, so it wasn’t difficult to find a seat.

A few more participants came in behind me.

When I thought the number was about 10…

The entrance to the banquet hall rattled and locked.

Soon after.

A man came to the front of the banquet hall and grabbed the microphone.

“hello. The Queen Elisabeth Competition, which was started in accordance with the wishes of Queen Elisabeth of King Albert I of Belgium, will be held again this year on a grand scale. “The participants will be here in Brussels for over a month at the most.”

60 pianists with their own stories.

These people were all called geniuses…

Gathered in one place at ‘Palais des Beaux-Arts’ in Brussels.

In Belgium, the heart of Europe, where the history of classical music is still alive.

They looked at one place at the same time.