The drums sounded, and Nathan Reed took the stage. It wasn’t about how pleasant the music was-it carried a special significance. To many, Nathan Reed’s presence with the drums was irreplaceable.
But why did Gabriel specifically choose to highlight these two forms of traditional art? His intentions were clear-it was a calculated move.
Someone remarked, “Other than Lydia Strings, no traditional instrument can compete with the modern ones. Whatever goes up there will just come down humiliated.”
The sentiment was shared by many, and an air of resignation settled over the crowd. Yet, one man remained silent, calm, and composed throughout it all.
That man was none other than Diomidis Stevens. His gaze was fixed firmly on the stage, his expression unreadable.
The event soon began. Modern instruments performed first, met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. But when Nathan Reed’s drums took the stage, they were greeted with laughter-not laughter of amusement, but of ridicule.
Gabriel’s face bore a faint smile, one that was both mocking and triumphant. His purpose was clear: to humiliate the defenders of traditional instruments, the old guard who tirelessly proclaimed their importance.
As he watched their dejected expressions, Gabriel felt a sense of satisfaction. He wanted modern instruments to overshadow Seclela’s traditional ones, striking a blow to their pride. Despite being raised in a traditional music environment, Gabriel harbored a deep disdain for these instruments.
The stage had become a battleground of sorts, with traditional instruments one by one leaving in disgrace. Then, as hope seemed lost, Lydia Strings made its appearance.
The performer was a woman, dressed in an elegant gown. Her presence was captivating; her beauty and grace immediately commanded attention. Even Georgia, renowned for her own beauty, was momentarily awestruck.
As the woman began to play, the melody of Lydia Strings filled the air-soothing, elegant, and undeniably moving.
Of all the traditional instruments, Lydia Strings was the only one capable of holding its own on the stage. The audience, deeply moved by the music, began to applaud. They weren’t blindly favoring one type of instrument over another; they genuinely appreciated its sound.
The performance received continuous applause, a rare moment of triumph for traditional music. In the rounds that followed, other traditional instruments faded into obscurity, but Lydia Strings managed to restore some dignity.
When the performance concluded, the hall erupted into thunderous applause. Conversations sprang up among the audience:
“This Lydia Strings truly lives up to its thousand-year legacy. Its sound is as captivating as ever. And did you see the woman playing it? She looked like a beauty from ancient times-absolutely mesmerizing!”
“Exactly! Girls who learn Lydia Strings always have this sense of grace and traditional culture about them. I’ll make sure my daughter learns it-it’s the key to elegance and poise!”
“Absolutely! My daughter will learn it too. Lydia Strings is incredible.”
The praise for Lydia Strings was unanimous, and the applause surged like waves, one after another.
Sitting beside Georgia, Cyan smirked and said, “Lydia Strings is nice, and her dress was beautiful. But I still prefer the piano. Lydia Strings is too soft-it lacks a certain strength. The piano, on the other hand, can be both soft and powerful. It’s dynamic, uplifting, and can really stir the soul. What do you think, Georgia? Piano or Lydia Strings?”
Georgia hesitated for a moment before replying, “I like Lydia Strings. I think it’s wonderful.”
“Pfft!” Luther, sitting nearby, scoffed. “Georgia, Lydia Strings is just so-so. It’s never been featured at a world music festival. It’s a niche instrument, popular here but irrelevant on a global scale. The piano, on the other hand, is everywhere.”
Luther’s eyes flashed with defiance. Having studied piano since childhood, he couldn’t accept the idea of a traditional instrument surpassing it.
As the chatter around him continued, Luther grew increasingly irritated. But beneath his frustration, he resolved to prove himself. Lydia Strings? It would pale in comparison to the piano.
These murmurs reached Gabriel on the stage. His brow furrowed slightly as he acknowledged Lydia Strings’ undeniable strength. It had managed to single-handedly challenge the dominance of modern instruments, just as he’d expected.
When the applause for Lydia Strings finally subsided, Gabriel took the microphone and spoke.
“Indeed, Lydia Strings’ thousand-year journey has brought it to an impressive level. I admire its elegance and beauty. But next, we’ll witness the instrument that reigns supreme-a truly global phenomenon: the piano.”
The audience erupted into applause once more. The piano’s reputation was unmatched, its influence deeply ingrained in modern life. Colleges and high schools included it in their curriculums, and it had even become a primary focus in some institutions. Its impact was undeniable.
As the applause quieted, Gabriel continued, “Now, we shall introduce a young talent-a prodigy whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary.”
“This young man’s exceptional musical talent earned him admission to the world’s finest music academy before the age of ten. When he first arrived at this prestigious institution, he faced discrimination-not just from his peers but even from his teachers. Undeterred, he practiced tirelessly, honing his skills in solitude. At a school concert, he finally had his moment to shine.
“Ten years of dedication, all for a single moment on stage! His performance not only earned him respect but also silenced his critics. Students and teachers who once dismissed him were moved to awe. He became a celebrated figure at the academy, proving his worth and earning his dignity.”
By now, Luther had been elevated to the status of a legendary hero.
Gabriel went on, “Two years ago, at the World Music Festival, he was invited to perform at the highest level. His rendition of a composition, now part of global music education, once again demonstrated the boundless potential of Seclela’s talent. Today, we are honored to have him here. Please give a warm welcome to our piano master-Luther Falcon!”
The room erupted into wild cheers and applause. The audience was ecstatic, their admiration for the young pianist palpable.