Chapter 276: What is a Nocturne?
“Hey! Mr. Nishikawa’s new piece is actually a nocturne!”
A pianist quickly let out an exuberant voice.
“Choosing to perform an unreleased piece this late in the finals? Is he planning on clinching the win and giving his upcoming album some heat?”
“Haha, of course it’s Nishikawa Yuha sensei, always thinking about album sales!”
While everyone was impressed, they also teased him half-jokingly.
A nocturne is a music genre that originated in the 19th century, getting significant development during the Romantic period. It usually has a soothing, dreamy, and lyrical quality, perfect for nights or tranquil settings. The hallmark is a gentle melody, serene atmosphere, and emotional expression.
Due to its unique charm and profound feelings, nocturnes are like hidden gems, not widely popular but cherished by many. While few write them, the ones that do often leave audiences with fresh experiences.
Now, let’s see if Nishikawa Yuha’s “nocturne” delivers this feeling.
Nishikawa Yuha began playing.
The music flowed gently, like a stream under a bridge, harmonious and peaceful.
After Watanabe Satoru’s demanding exercises earlier, such sweet melodies felt therapeutic, providing a comfortable listening experience. Even just the intro had everyone hooked.
“Sensei sure knows how to write a good piece.”
“Not only does he write well, but his playing skills are impressive too!”
“This music is so soft; this must be Nishikawa sensei’s true skill level! That wild fantasy piece at the beginning really threw me off!”
Whoever said this clearly raised their voice, like there was someone in the rest room they wanted to hear.
At this moment, Lin Tian completely ignored their conversation.
He felt so awkward sitting there that he could barely stand it.
He thought about how the entire day, Nishikawa Yuha had directed all his kindness towards him.
Now, Lin Tian felt quite embarrassed by it.
Yuha even used his broken Chinese to cheer for Lin Tian numerous times!
Now, imagine this: If your friend happily introduces you to his fiancée, and it turns out to be the very lady you frequently visited in a bathhouse… still, you’ve tried to convince her to settle down and marry a nice guy.
Lin Tian instantly felt guilty and awkward, no matter how much he explained it, especially since he had enjoyed her services.
As the music reached its climax:
Nishikawa Yuha closed his eyes and played passionately!
The room buzzed with excitement:
“Oh man, this is strong!”
The soothing and sweet melody spread like a sea of flowers, offering its fragrance to every listener, immersing them in delight.
This music, full of extreme romance, revealed unparalleled nocturne charm under Nishikawa Yuha’s hands.
“Oh man! This is great!”
Even Williams couldn’t help but admire,
“I believe this would rank among the top three of his works.”
Others soon chimed in:
“Oh, so the crazy rhapsody from the prelims was just a setup!”
“Looks like Nishikawa sensei prepared thoroughly for today!”
Another pianist, Alves Burke, despite typically being quiet, sighed,
“These arpeggios and wave-like melodies are textbook nocturnes.”
Night songs, not very common, usually draw from the classics. But seeing such a beautiful one now, even Burke had to admit—
this “Silent Gate” could become a contemporary standard.
With the performance over and applause echoing, Lin Tian sat and listened, stunned.
Was this truly the definition of a nocturne?
Though he knew the quality of the piece, hearing such praise made Lin Tian feel uneasy.
Was it his fault? Or were people just overly kind?
Yet, these words gave him a bit less guilt.
Before he could ponder more, it was his turn.
Stepping out of the resting room into the corridor, Lin Tian bumped into the returning Nishikawa Yuha.
“Mr. Lin Tian!”
Nishikawa Yuha rushed to greet him happily,
“How did you find my ‘Silent Gate’? Pretty good, right?”
Nishikawa Yuha proudly beamed with satisfaction.
“It was pretty impressive,” said Lin Tian.
Regardless, Nishikawa Yuha’s “Silent Gate” was a masterpiece, perfectly capturing the romantic essence of a nocturne. Plus, with his incredible playing abilities, he delivered a superlative performance.
Both other pianists and live spectators seemed highly appreciative.
“Haha, thank you!”
Hearing Lin Tian’s response, Nishikawa Yuha appeared elated.
Patting Lin Tian’s shoulder, he said,
“Keep going, Mr. Lin Tian. You mentioned you have a niche number ready. I can’t wait to hear it later, learn from it.”
“Indeed,” Lin Tian replied.
Nishikawa Yuha looked perplexed, but Lin Tian was already heading toward the stage.
In stepping onto the stage, Lin Tian wondered:
Who started nocturnes in this world?
Lin Tian wasn’t sure.
But in another life…
Nocturnes were initiated by Irish composer John Field.
And it was Chopin who truly popularized them, making them impactful for centuries.
Anyone mentioning nocturnes would think of him immediately.
That person was —
Frédéric Chopin.
In other words, without Chopin, nocturnes might not have been as widespread.
Lin Tian didn’t know how people here learned about nocturnes.
But judging from the reaction…
Looks like they’ve been hungry for better content…
Next up, the 7th contestant, Lin Tian, will play an original piece titled “Nocturne in E-flat Major.”
In his past life, it was known as
Chopin: “Nocturne Op. 9, No. 2”
(End of Chapter)
