Chapter 172
Once the new year began, the worlds major orchestras grew busy.
The previous year, they drew up their plan for the new year, but at the years start, many things still needed to be handed over. Even though Qi Mu was the deputy concertmaster of the orchestra under Anthony, he had to start handling c.u.mbersome matters.
The orchestras concertmaster needed not only superb technical strength but also an incredible depth of understanding regarding the orchestras level and the best style of control to utilize with them. The concertmaster and conductor had to use the same style, that which was most familiar to the orchestra, and the concertmaster had to understand the needs of their orchestra. With every music selection, regardless of the orchestras distribution, he needed to know what to do.
Qi Mu gained incredible insight in his month of study.
Before his rebirth, his task was to lead the orchestra in their daily rehearsals and help both the ever-busy Evra and Jacques, who was often idle. But now, he led the rehearsals in the morning and developed strategies with Anthony in the afternoons.
Such intensity was exceptional pressure for anyone, and even Dorenza worried whether Qi Mu could bear it. But, he couldnt let the young man rest, since his time with Anthony was quickly running out. Qi Mu needed to take over his full duties as soon as possible.
Despite everything, Qi Mu did not complain. When Roman came to the Wei Ai building early in the morning, he always found Anthonys lounge lit by a dim, yellow lamp. Even before the sky had brightened, the handsome young man would already be sitting there, flipping through Wei Ais previous materials for who knew how long.
The old-fas.h.i.+oned Roman, who had always been stubborn, couldnt help mentioning it to Dorenza.
And when Dorenza heard how hard the child was working, he could only sigh. Roman, I always thought that child had a talent that surpa.s.sed ordinary people. What really touched my heart and made me recruit him wasnt his talent, but his diligence and hard work.
Dorenza paused, then smiled and continued, The scariest thing in the world is those who have exceptional talent but still work hard. They are the true masters. Roman, you have to believe its a hardworking person that controls the world, after all. Do you think Auston Bertram isnt working hard enough? No, I saw him as a child. At the time, to study a score, he sealed himself in a music room for ten days and nights. This world will always belong to them. Only by working hard can we reap more rewards.
During the month, Qi Mu was like a thirsty sponge, madly absorbing information about Wei Ais previous performances. It took over half a month to listen to each musicians sound during rehearsal and record their characteristic style and flaws.
Each orchestra had its own music style. By then, Qi Mu had worked with many orchestras. The Vienna Symphony had a smooth tone and was orthodox. B Citys Symphony Orchestra had a strong melody, like a mans vocals. The New York Philharmonic Orchestras style was gorgeous, and they had a high tone. And the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Was elegant. It expressed the most orthodox and beautiful sound of Vienna to the fullest extent.
During the nonstop rehearsals, Qi Mu perceived something, but the inspiration quickly disappeared.
Wei Ais training continued endlessly, and they pa.s.sed the time comfortably. In a few months, they would prepare for the Europe tour and it would become really busy.
The Wei Ai interior was calm and light with no ups and downs, but the voices of the media outside never stopped. Recruiting a young man as Wei Ais deputy concertmaster was unprecedented. Before that, Wei Ai was recognized as the worlds top orchestra, the only one that didnt use a young concertmaster.
And now, although Qi Mu was just a deputy, no one knew where the rumor this deputy concertmaster will soon be promoted had spread.
Various media vyed to interview the outstanding young man. Unfortunately, though they disguised themselves to try and get into the high-end community where Qi Mu lived, they were all stopped by the sharp-eyed security.
After repeated provocations, the security staff had good tempers and didnt beat them. Rather, their criminal toolshats, scarves, sungla.s.ses, and pizza (yes, someone attempted to enter using the guise of delivering pizza) were all confiscated. They were strictly prohibited from entering again.
Qi Mu walked to work early in the morning and returned very late. Therefore, he never met any of the reporters. But, after a month of siege and interception, some of the crooked reporters grew resentful.
When Dorenza spotted the newspaper Vienna Music of the Days headline Wei Ais Deputy Concertmaster has a strong background to live in such a safeguarded community, the gentle-tempered musical master finally burst into intolerable flames. In the Vienna Daily, he stated
Wei Ai values the talent and potential of musicians. Its impossible to work behind the scenes otherwise! In two months, Wei Ais European tour will begin. All our fans are invited to witness Wei Ais changes!
No one dared to provoke Albert Dorenzas status in Vienna, or even in all of Austria. So the Wei Ais Deputy Concertmaster Disturbance gradually subsided with this statement. At least, no one dared to discuss the matter in the open. Instead, some fans began looking forward to the change Dorenza mentioned.
Under the winters mild suns.h.i.+ne, the handsome youth led the orchestra for their last practice of the morning. Once the short etude was over, Qi Mu set down his violin and heard an exclamation from one of the members, Oh, Mr. Dorenza! Are you taking over the rehearsal after afternoon tea?
Since there were no performances scheduled yet, Dorenza only partic.i.p.ated in rehearsals for an hour each day. More time was spent thinking about the next events program, venue and other arrangements.
Dorenza smiled. Dear friends, go and enjoy your tea! Ill take your lovely deputy concertmaster for a while. Anthony will take his place.
A wail erupted across the orchestra
Why are you taking away our lovely Little Seven, Mr. Dorenza? What are you going to do to him?!
After tea is over, I also plan to discuss Carnival of Venice with Little Seven!
Mr. Dorenza, send back our Little Seven soon!
When they had an approachable and good-tempered conductor like Dorenza, everyone was close to him. They shared such a warm atmosphere that they could joke amongst themselves. Dorenza naturally didnt get angry and smiled, promising to send back their Little Seven soon. Then, he took Qi Mu into the conductor lounge.
Qi Mu didnt speak even after taking a seat on the sofa and Dorenza sighed solemnly. Little Seven, I must apologize to you. Wei Ais affairs are so busy right now, I never noticed there were reporters ha.s.sling you and questioning your position. I spoke in the Vienna Daily, but if you think theres something I should do, Id be very happy to do it. Dorenza handed over a thick newspaper as he spoke.
Only then did Qi Mu understand the purpose of the conversation. He took the newspaper and read carefully for a long time, then he smiled and shook his head. Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Dorenza. In fact, I wasnt very troubled. They doubt me because I havent shown them my strength. Just as you said to me at the beginning, I want to have confidence in myself. I believe that when I show them my violin, they will definitely recognize me.
Dorenza nodded approvingly at the youths confident vigor.
Little Seven, during the tour, we will stagger our time with Bai Ai and the Dresden orchestra. Ive discussed with Motl and the others this morning. We will start in late March, and Ive chosen Brussels as our first stop.
Qi Mu nodded lightly.
Dorenza continued, I believe youll definitely prove your strength then and shut those boring guys up.
Qi Mus eyes smiled. After thinking for a while, he said, Mr. Dorenza, since theres still two months until the tour, is our program set? If you tell me in advance, I can also make some preparations earlier.
Unexpectedly, after his question, Dorezna frowned. Little Seven, actually regarding this issue, weve been discussing for a week and still no decisions have been made. For the past three years, our genres have been similar. There have been no challenges or breakthroughs. I wanted to try something different this year, but its a pity. We havent found the key yet.
Qi Mu also frowned as he listened to Dorenza.
He listened as the conductor continued, If you could make some adjustments that arent entirely divorced from our romantic style, that would be good.
Jolting with inspiration, Qi Mus eyes widened. Mr. Dorenza, you want to make some changes that wont alter Wei Ais traditional style?
Dorenza nodded, Yes, Little Seven. That would be ideal.
In the brilliant light, the youths black hair gleamed with a golden halo, and he smiled. Mr. Dorenza I have an idea.
Translator(s): Bet
Editor(s): Empress
Proofer(s): Ayn