When the bright, crisp opening of the lively and fluid G-major serenade rang out, Natasha's violet eyes instantly lit up. Those two short measures alone had already justified a whole day's worth of curiosity.
Meanwhile, Phyllis unconsciously loosened her tightly clasped hands. As a music student, she had more than enough discernment to judge the quality of an opening melody, and this was the most striking, most rhythmically captivating introduction of any serenade she had ever heard.
And so her tension gradually melted away. Caught up by the music that followed, she grew light and cheerful, her body swaying gently to the rhythm. She tapped time with her right hand, thinking to herself: "Even when writing a small piano piece in the style of a serenade, Lucian manages to create a masterpiece and a classic. He truly is a genius musician blessed by the Lord!"
In the melodious, lighthearted, and delightfully cheerful tune, every guest was swept up in a mood of ease and pleasure, feeling the urge to dance. But since they were listening to a genius musician's debut performance, they restrained themselves, smiling with admiration as they watched Lucian's hands glide across the piano with fluid grace.
As his slender fingers moved with rhythmic precision, pure and soaring notes seemed to leap forth one by one, and his body, arms, and fingers blended together with the music in perfect harmony.
It wasn't just the music — Lucian's very act of playing seemed to exude an indescribable beauty and elegance.
"Who would have thought that playing the piano could give off such a feeling, radiating an air of refinement and nobility, brimming with charm." Seeing this scene of a piano solo, countless young nobles and musicians found themselves seized by the desire to learn the piano. Compared to the past, the very technique of piano playing was itself a form of art!
Many noble young ladies watched with sparkling eyes and swaying hearts.
The bright, lively opening melody reappeared repeatedly amid the light dance-like passages, reinforcing the cheerful and radiant atmosphere of festivity. And set against it, the dance-like melody showcased a flavor unique to the piano that no other instrument could replicate — every note was rich in texture, round and pure.
In such wonderful, such joyful musical surroundings, time flew by. A few minutes later, Lucian struck the final note, his right hand sweeping gracefully upward to a close, bringing the piano piece to an end. He then rose, placed his right hand over his heart, and bowed his thanks to Natasha, to Phyllis, and to the other guests.
Applause rose like a tide. At a banquet, a piece so bright, joyful, and classic was invariably welcomed with enthusiasm.
"Elegant, splendid, balanced — Lucian, you've showcased your genius and spirit to the utmost. This is a flawless work." Natasha praised Lucian with a satisfied smile. As Altor's future Grand Duchess, she was very "certain" that Altor's musicians were the finest on the entire continent, surpassed by no other nation's musicians, regardless of the form of music. "I look forward to you completing the remaining movements. When that time comes, I'm sure it will become a timeless masterpiece among serenades." She once again gave Lucian the highest praise, without pointing out the inevitable shortcoming of a serenade — namely its lack of intellectual depth and substance.
Phyllis's face flushed crimson, and combined with her slightly swollen eyes from earlier crying, she looked thoroughly emotional. "Lucian, thank you for the birthday gift. I think my coming-of-age celebration will be remembered in music history because of this serenade."
"Happy birthday, Phyllis." After the embrace, Lucian returned to the circle of musicians.
Christopher wore the fond smile of a senior appreciating a younger talent. "You haven't disappointed our curiosity, Lucian. Though it's still just a piano piece, it already lets us feel the pure beauty of music. It's the most exquisite and moving work I've heard among serenades of similar style. I believe that once you've fully completed it, it will be a classic worthy of gracing the grand concert stage. Heh — though in more solemn settings, it would lose much of its inherent charm."
"No one can deny your genius any longer, Lucian."
Sylvia was very satisfied with Lucian's serenade, her smile pure and sincere. Moreover, the way Lucian's body, arms, and fingers had moved in coordinated, rhythmically beautiful harmony while playing the piano had truly won her heart for the instrument. The piano was an absolutely elegant instrument — both the music itself and the act of performing it possessed a special charm that could rival the "queen of instruments," the violin. And in terms of expressive tonal nuance, thanks to the clever use of the pedals, it was in no way inferior to the clavichord.
As Lucian's teacher, Victor remarked with a touch of humor: "I think this piece will not only become the most indispensable accompaniment at every banquet, but also the tune most frequently heard in taverns and on the streets. Heh, it might even spread even wider than your 'Destiny.'"
Compared with a symphony's difficult content and intellectual substance, the cheerful, bright, and spirited style of a serenade was far more beloved by common folk and adventurers. Victor, who had once visited taverns for research, knew this very well. "And Lucian, you boldly employed many techniques of considerable difficulty. That's what I appreciate most about you — after all, your future doesn't lie in serenades."
In the end, Victor was still subtly advising Lucian. When a teacher has a genius student, unless that teacher is narrow-minded, they can't help but worry whether their student is going down the right path — whether pride has taken hold, whether they've strayed from the noble halls of music. In his view, symphonies, concertos, sonatas, and operas were what Lucian ought to devote himself to. Of course, during the learning stage, practicing with other forms of music was perfectly understandable.
"I'll keep that in mind, Mr. Victor." Sensing Victor's reserved yet deep concern, Lucian felt a complex mix of emotions. Beyond the warmth, there was also the fact that he had finally confirmed Rhein knew about the headquarters of the Magic Council — he now had a clear goal to strive toward with all his might. Perhaps after one successful concert, he would set off on a new journey. In the future, he would most likely move far away from music altogether, and that would truly be a disservice to Victor's earnest expectations.
Though it was merely a piano piece, it was so splendid, refined, and beautiful that even many symphonies could not match it — the pinnacle of music that showcased beauty in its purest form. The other musicians nearby either watched with gratification as a musical genius showed no signs of decline, or were disappointed and vexed to the extreme, because they simply could not find a single flaw in it.
McCants's expression twisted. He shot a venomous glare at the devastated Julian, then seemed to recall something. He stepped forward and pointed at Lucian: "Your performance just now didn't resemble a newcomer who's only been learning piano for a few months at all. You're a fallen soul who's made a deal with the devil!"
All the musicians and nearby nobles turned their startled gazes toward him. This was the most serious of accusations — an allegation that could very well cost Lucian his life.
"McCants, watch your words. This piano piece was composed by Lucian himself and he's spent several weeks practicing it. Even if he hasn't fully mastered every technique, he can certainly play this one piece proficiently." Victor naturally stepped forward to defend his student.