The Vienna Philharmonic’s footsteps did not immediately stop after the New York Philharmonic’s anniversary celebration officially came to an end. The next day, they were invited to Washington to perform a stirring rendition of the “Heroic Symphony” in the nation’s capital, in honor of that great pioneer.
Three grand and solemn performances left American music enthusiasts both satisfied and happy.
If someone were to ask which of the Vienna Philharmonic’s three concerts was the most impressive, most would likely answer “Definitely the one performed with the New York Philharmonic”; But if someone were to ask, which performance would you like to relive if given the chance?
Everyone would probably choose the third!
There was only one piece “Heroic Symphony”, and it was even without a rehearsal due to time constraints, but this third performance left an unforgettable impression on everyone, so much that some audience members were still humming the melody with joy as they left the venue.
The solemn and grand melody, the passionate notes — under the Vienna Philharmonic’s passionate interpretation, the “Heroic Symphony” really ignited the atmosphere of the audience, as if it was burning to the highest point, boiling, boiling, and boiling!
This was a tribute to a great hero of democracy. This was also a tribute to a hero who pioneered the world, and would rather die than surrender.
Originally, this “Heroic Symphony” was composed by Beethoven at the invitation of the French ambassador to Vienna, to write a hymn for the democratic-advocating Napoleon. However, upon learning that Napoleon had proclaimed himself emperor, Beethoven angrily changed the original title “Napoleon Bonaparte Symphony” completely to “Heroic Symphony”.
Thus, this hymn composed for the heroes who stood up for the world may be more appropriate now to be used to praise Washington, the founder of the United States.
After the third performance, in response to the enthusiasm of the fans, the Vienna Philharmonic also played an encore. However, since it was an evening party in honor of Washington, this performance ended after just two pieces.
On the plane back to Europe, the members of the Vienna Philharmonic were still discussing in low voices lively.
“That last evening party performance was so rushed. Ah, if only we had more time to rest.”
“Richard, don’t think about using ‘lack of rest’ as an excuse for almost hitting the wrong note. Hahahaha, everyone, do you guys know? When I was sitting next to Richard, I heard with my own ears how he almost missed a note in the second movement! Oh God, you should’ve seen his expression at that moment, Richard’s eyes were about to pop out in fear!”
“Damn it, Eco, don’t talk nonsense! I only almost missed… almost, okay!!!”
…
Listening to the chatter of these members, Qi Mu couldn’t help but raise the corners of his lips, chuckling. He tidied up his meal plate and heard Mr. Dorenza beside him say with a smile, “Little Seven, are you in a good mood?”
Qi Mu replied, “Mr. Dorenza, don’t you think Richard is so funny? I can almost imagine the look on his face when his eyes almost popped out.”
Hearing this, Mr. Dorenza raised his neck to glance at the group of musicians about to start playing behind him. He coughed lightly twice, causing those two guys to tone it down a bit, then turned back and whispered to Qi Mu, “I actually heard Richard’s little mistake too. He almost slowed down half a beat. I’m afraid he’ll have to practice properly when we return to Vienna.”
Qi Mu nodded understandingly, “Okay, Mr. Dorenza, I’ll pay attention to it.”
After the two exchanged a few more words, Master Dorenza smiled and said, “But Little Seven, there’s also no need to rush about the orchestra’s affairs. There will be three weeks of vacation after we return this time. What are you planning to do with it?” Pausing for a moment, he then added, “My doors are always open to you. Since you turned down my New Year invitation last time, I’ve always kept it in my heart.”
As he spoke, this gentle-tempered master even pretended to be serious, forcing a stern expression, but still couldn’t help but reveal a kind smile. Seeing this, Qi Mu said helplessly, “Mr. Dorenza, I’m afraid I won’t have time to visit your house this time.”
Hearing this, Mr. Dorenza was surprised, “Not even during three weeks of vacation?”
Qi Mu smiled and nodded, “Yes, I have some very important matters to attend to.”
It was rare to see his own family’s concertmaster in such a happy mood. That joy was completely undisguised, completely revealed in his smile. After a moment of contemplation, Master Dorenza asked, “Dear Little Seven, may I know what important matters you have to attend to? In three weeks, you actually won’t even spare a day for poor me…”
Seeing Mr. Dorenza’s disappointed look, Qi Mu wanted to agree, but then remembered the “surprise” he had promised. He shook his head, pretending to be mysterious, “But my dear Mr. Dorenza, do you really want to stop me from spending time with my beloved little girlfriend?”
“Beloved little girlfriend…” Eyes widening suddenly, Mr. Dorenza exclaimed, “Little Seven, do you really have a girl…”
“Shh!” Qimu placed a finger on his lips, then whispered, “It’s a secret, Mr. Dorenza. My girlfriend… um, she’s especially shy. If he… cough, if she knew that you all know about her, she would definitely be so shy that she would ignore me.”
Mr. Dorenza nodded in understanding, saying with a smile, “You young people just don’t like sharing your personal lives. Little Seven, when can you bring your little girlfriend for me to see? I imagine this shy young lady must be very cute. Someone you’d like… should be the a lady with big eyes and sweet dimples, right?”
“Pfft.” Qimu couldn’t help laughing out loud.
“She must also like to smile. Oh God, this is such a lovely young lady. Little Seven, why can’t you bring her to show us? She’s really too shy!”
Qi Mu nodded repeatedly, already laughing so hard that he couldn’t make a sound. He couldn’t imagine a man with big eyes, sweet dimples, and a smiling face all day long…
If one day Min Chen really liked to smile, hmm, forget about him, perhaps Daniel, Christole, and even all the members of the Berlin Philharmonic would all probably need to call the police right…
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