Chapter 31: Musical Encounter II

When Justin stood in front of the crowd, all his thoughts about competing with Wynter Morgrave were gone.

Every worry he had disappeared, and all his focus was on his violin and the fact that he was playing in front of a whole crowd.

Since childhood, his dream was to be a well-known musician with his own name, without anyone's influence. Performing and playing in front of an audience, letting them listen to the music he loves—there is nothing more he could ask for.

It was a simple and enjoyable dream.

Luca sat by the piano, and seeing how calm Justin was, he couldn't help but slightly shake his head.

'It seems that I don't need to worry about him at all.'

And the moment Justin played the first note, the whole amphitheater was instantly absorbed.

The piece he was performing is Partita in D Minor by Bach.

Bach's "Partita in D Minor" is a vibrant and intricate collection of dance movements for solo violin, showcasing Bach's mastery of counterpoint and expressive melodies.

It consists of several sections, including the lively "Allemande," the graceful "Courante," and the reflective "Sarabande."

The work features contrasting moods, from the joyful energy of the "Gavotte" to the poignant beauty of the "Gigue."

The use of ornamentation and varied bowing techniques adds depth, making it a captivating piece that highlights both technical skill and emotional expression—something Justin was doing splendidly.

While originally composed for solo violin, adding a piano can enhance the harmonic depth and provide a richer texture.

The piano can play chords or counter-melodies, complementing the violin's lines. Luca was definitely the right choice to be his accompaniment.

His piano playing was pushing Justin's violin into the highlight even more.

Their arrangement allowed for a more dynamic interpretation while maintaining the essence of the original piece.

"This is my first time watching him perform, and I must say, he is seriously amazing," Kathrine complimented while watching.

"And look around; most of the people are visibly enjoying his performance," Beatrice said, glancing around.

"That is because Justin also enjoys his performance. He always plays intending to portray the emotions the piece requires while also letting even those who are not too musically inclined appreciate what he is performing," Kenneth proudly said.

"Is his family in the musical world?" Beatrice couldn't help but ask.

"They are well-known in Europe and a bit in other parts of the world. Though barely known here, mostly only in City S," Gabriel replied.

The two ladies nodded. Sometimes, those well-known abroad aren't that recognized in their home country, especially if they started their careers there.

"He returned and declared that he would spread his name in their home country," Kenneth added.

"That's a wonderful thought. It still hits differently when your home country knows you," Kathrine commented.

Soon, the performance ended, and a round of applause erupted.

"Even though I mainly came here to see Miss Morgrave's performance, I did not expect that such a talented young man was also here," one person commented.

"Hmmm, Justin Murphy. Could he be related to Augustus Murphy?" another said.

Some present were music enthusiasts, especially the classical ones.

"I wonder; I have not seen the whole Murphy family, but I have not heard that they have returned to the country. Most of them are still touring Europe and America."

"To think he would still be able to perform so well despite the pressure of going up against that young lady; you've grown a lot while being here," another man sitting in the corner smirked.

"Surely, you will bloom even more from here on out."

It was a magnificent performance, especially by Justin, for playing this piece with no mistakes at all, playing every note beautifully.

Justin sighed with a smile.

"Once again, a magnificent performance from me," he grinned at Luca.

Luca shook his head, "Yes, you did great. Look at our friends."

He gestured at the audience, and when Justin looked, his grin widened seeing how they were all looking proudly at him, each raising a thumbs up or two.

"Next is Miss Wynter Morgrave, who will perform Niccolò Paganini's Caprice No. 24."

Justin turned alert instantly; he was no longer nervous but now looked forward to watching her perform in person. He had listened to her performances uploaded online, and her techniques were truly amazing.

Now, to listen to it in person, he must take this opportunity to learn more.

Wynter Morgrave was just as Luca told him, and the same as the articles written about her. She walked in with confidence, her face almost ethereal, and her pearly white skin complemented her black straight hair tied in a ponytail.

She stood straight, brimming with confidence at the center stage while Justin stood at the side of the stage watching her closely.

Justin tilted his head to the side when it felt like she glanced at him before raising her violin.

He shrugged, 'There was no way.'

They never truly interacted so she wouldn't have known how he looks outside City S.

Wynter took a deep breath before the first note resounded.

Niccolò Paganini's "Caprice No. 24" is one of the most famous works for solo violin, known for its technical brilliance and expressive depth.

Composed in 1817, it showcases a variety of techniques, including rapid scales, double stops, harmonics, and intricate bowing patterns.

The piece is structured in variations, each highlighting different aspects of violin technique while building on a memorable theme. Its lively tempo and dramatic flair make it a favorite among virtuoso violinists, often seen as a benchmark for technical skill and interpretative artistry.

The piano accompaniment complements the violin with lush chords and rhythmic support, enhancing the overall dynamic range.

The interplay between the two instruments creates a dialogue, where the piano often mirrors or responds to the violin's themes.

The piece begins with a dramatic and assertive theme, which is then explored through a series of variations.

Each variation showcases different violin techniques and musical expressions, while the piano provides a stable foundation and occasional flourishes that add to the excitement. The climax features intense, virtuosic playing from the violin, while the piano intensifies the emotional landscape.

The man in the corner slightly frowned, 'It's subtle, but this is not her usual performance.'

Even though it was an awe-inspiring performance with her techniques and fluid movements, as someone who had listened to her perform and watched her closely in every competition, he could tell that Wynter Morgrave had more subtle mistakes.

Though it was normal to make mistakes and Wynter was no different the man felt like there were places where she could have avoided the mistake if she had performed like her usual.