Chapter 50
“Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1.
One of his early works and a masterpiece known for its graceful arpeggios.
Unlike traditional structures, it was composed in a freer form, allowing for a sensory and unique melody.
Who is Debussy?
The founder of Impressionism and a pioneer of Modernism.
Though he wasn’t fond of this nickname, it’s true that there’s no better descriptor.
Like transferring French painters’ artwork to music, his romantic and refined melodies continue to captivate listeners’ emotions even after centuries.
Listening to his music feels like colours of soft paint spreading before your eyes.
But then…
“Ah… Is this right…?”
I thought Diana was ready with the basics, so I handed her a new score.
It was the Arabesque I just mentioned.
“Ugh…”
The beginning is a calm melody in 4/4 time, with eighth notes.
She managed to get through that somehow.
But as soon as the sixteenth-note arpeggios appeared, she stumbled.
The charm of this piece lies in its flowing rhythm and tempo changes.
Just like the title “Arabesque,” it’s important to express the curving melody and the elegant tone that resembles artistic decorations.
If played correctly, it can create a very vintage atmosphere.
I thought she’d enjoy it.
Maybe it was still too early for Diana?
“Ah! My lord! I can’t do it!”
She sprang up from her seat and moved far from the piano.
What’s the issue?
“The difficulty itself shouldn’t be that hard, right?”
I don’t expect her to convey delicate emotions yet.
Asking that from a beginner would be unreasonable.
But even taking that into account, it feels like she can’t even start.
“Diana.”
I called her name softly.
“Haven’t you been practicing properly?”
“No, I practiced diligently.”
True, I know better than anyone how enthusiastic she is about the piano.
When I showed her the Arabesque sheet, she eagerly jumped at it.
‘Then what is it?’
She’s been doing well so far, so it doesn’t make sense that she’s stuck here.
“No way.”
I calmly sat Diana back down in front of the piano.
“Try playing as if you’re not actually performing.”
“…Excuse me?”
Was that too complicated to understand?
There’s actually a more precise way to put it, but I worry it might hurt her feelings.
You’re not a performer; you’re just a piano-playing machine.
But I didn’t say that.
“Think of it as simply transferring the sheet music onto the keys without adding emotion.”
“Transferring the sheet music as it is…”
A clumsy melody followed.
“No, stop.”
This solution was a failure.
The Arabesque is characterized by its free-flowing melody.
It’s the epitome of impressionistic music, structured in a sensory manner, breaking away from tradition.
But until now, Diana has only played fairly simple pieces that are true to the basics.
It’s like asking someone who just finished sketching to suddenly replicate a Monet painting.
The unpredictable rhythm.
The fluid melody.
In order to capture even the delicate expressions, it’s not a matter of technique.
‘Sensitivity is needed.’
Understanding why the melody flows this way, why the time signature suddenly shifts from 4/4 to 3/4.
She needs to grasp the intent behind the expression first.
Diana seems to lack that sensitivity for now, so I had her try playing mechanically, without emotion.
But that approach won’t work.
“Hmmm.”
It seems better to show her directly.
“Slide over a bit.”
“Huh?”
“You can stand up if you’re uncomfortable.”
“No… It’s not uncomfortable.”
She hung her head low and scooted over to the edge of the seat.
“Listen carefully.”
I lightly moved my fingers and played the first four measures.
“What do you think?”
“…It feels peaceful.”
Next, I played the part with the rhythmic change and harmonic transition.
“It feels warm… like being in a dream.”
“Doesn’t it paint a picture?”
She nodded slightly at my words.
“Before you play, you need to think about how your music will sound to the listener.”
Knowing that will guide your hands to move as intended.
What a performer needs is the skill to convey emotions in the desired direction.
Simply adding emotion isn’t enough.
“This arpeggio here, as you said, gives a sense of tranquillity. So, it’s best to play it with a gentle, clear sound.”
“Ohhh.”
“And here, where the rhythm shifts and creates a dreamy atmosphere. How should you play this part?”
“Like a mother speaking to her child?”
“Close, but…”
“Like whispering into the ear of a sleeping lover…?”
For some reason, Diana lowered her voice as she said that.
Why are you suddenly whispering?
“…Exactly right.”
“Oh.”
Sensing that the atmosphere could get awkward if I stayed still, I quickly stood up from my seat.
“Anyway, if you understand that, you’ll see why the sheet music progresses like this. If you can grasp why this music was created to evoke certain emotions in the listener, your playing will sound much more natural.”
“I think I’m starting to understand a little.”
“Try again.”
“Yes.”
What’s going on?
Why does she sound so stiff?
Is she a robot?
In any case…
After I gave her a few more tips, Diana soon managed to play the Arabesque without much trouble.
There were a few moments where she paused and missed some notes, but it sounded much better than before.
‘Slow and steady progress.’
I learn a lot through these lessons with her.
Honestly, though, it’s a bit awkward to say this, but…
Diana is progressing quite slowly.
I’m grateful that she follows along diligently, though.
Teaching a student like her is really helpful for designing future curricula.
If I ever establish an academy branch, should I name a classroom after her?
‘Perhaps.’
Could I arrange for her to attend in person?
For now, it might be difficult due to her commoner status, but…
I should consider suggesting it sometime soon.
But why hasn’t this letter arrived yet?
It seems like it’s been quite some time since I sent the request to the Academy.
Not receiving a reply is making me restless.
‘Hopefully, it reached the right place.’
***
At the same time.
Academy Central Building, Meeting Room.
“I believe granting permission is the right thing to do.”
“I agree with Professor Kosolin’s opinion.”
The request letter from Anton Tilburg for establishing a branch academy.
All the professors had gathered to discuss this issue.
Victor Kosolin and Jubel Brosia were the first to cast their votes in favour.
They were known as strong supporters of Anton within the Academy, so there was no real need to ask for their opinion.
Still, they needed to present a clear rationale.
A professor seated across from them asked,
“Do you have any basis for your reasoning?”
“There’s no one with musical knowledge as exceptional as Mr. Anton’s. The same holds true within this Academy.”
“Then wouldn’t it be better to bring him on as a professor?”
“Mr. Anton intends to build not only an academy but also a theatre and a museum there. It would be the ideal environment for studying music.”
“And how does that benefit the Academy? From what I hear, it sounds like he just wants to borrow the Academy’s name for his plan, but we’re not a charity, are we?”
Victor smiled in response to the professor’s sharp question.
“The Academy is, by nature, an educational institution that cannot be limited to a single location. If we establish a branch near the capital, more students will have the opportunity to study music, and cultural exchange will become more active. Moreover,”
Everyone’s gaze turned to Victor.
“Mr. Anton’s plan is not just about building a single school, nor is it merely about borrowing the Academy’s name. His aim is to transform the entire region into a centre of music and art. We need to think in the long term. If the branch succeeds, it will also elevate the Academy’s own reputation. In fact, it’s the Academy that should be asking to join him, not the other way around.”
Yet the professor sitting across still wore a sceptical expression.
“Let’s assume that Professor Kosolin is entirely correct. But! That would require substantial funding. I doubt the Academy has the resources to cover all those expenses.”
This time, Jubel Brosia responded to the question.
“The Academy doesn’t need to pay for anything.”
“What do you mean?”
“Sir Anton has agreed to cover all the expenses.”
The meeting room buzzed with chatter.
“Is… is that true?”
“To think he’d take on all those expenses by himself…”
The professors who had initially opposed began nodding, seemingly convinced by her words.
“Would the Academy have anything to lose?”
“Certainly not…”
If a branch were established, not only would it allow more students to enroll, but it would also, as Victor described, strengthen the training of musicians.
And if that place genuinely becomes the cultural centre of the Empire?
Naturally, the Academy’s prestige would rise with it.
Moreover, the Academy’s expenditure in the process would be zero.
It seemed everyone was leaning toward approval.
The dean brought the discussion to a close.
“It seems we’ve reached a decision.”
He unfolded the request letter neatly laid on the table.
“I hereby approve Sir Anton Tilburg’s request to establish a branch of the Academy.”
—
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