Chapter 374: One of You Three Can’t Handle the Cello
“Zhao Zilong,” this was considered a rather niche piece in the previous world, originating from the film The Assembly of Dragons starring Andy Lau.
As the saying goes, a terrible movie can produce a divine song. This phrase fits Zhao Zilong to a tee, as hardly any Chinese film score leaves such a deep impression on viewers.
In this movie, you can see:
Soldiers of Shu donning WWII German helmets.
Zhuge Liang, the master of betraying his own men.
The peculiar sight of advancing from Chengdu to Changbanpo.
And a general from the Jihan calling out “Long live the Great Shu!” just to raise Liu Bei from the dead.
However, if we completely disregard history and treat this as a fictional movie, it still holds a unique charm.
Especially the scenes of Andy Lau as Zhao Yun charging through Changbanpo, capturing the essence of Zhao Yun like no one else.
All of this can be attributed to the film’s epic score.
If The Assembly of Dragons were a 70-point movie, then the piece Zhao Zilong easily snags 68 points.
This music, composed by Li Yunwen, elevates the movie to a level it doesn’t quite deserve.
You can only imagine the monumental contribution of this piece.
Lin Tian’s choice of this song was not random. Since it was a trio of cellos, he needed something mighty, something epic enough to convey the impact of a grand ensemble.
Common music just wouldn’t cut it.
Therefore, Lin Tian selected a film score.
Such music inherently carries a strong “story” vibe.
This story-like quality can be perfectly expressed through the multiple instruments.
Moreover, for a pop piece, it had to be “simple” and “pleasant to the ear.” Being cryptic is the privilege of classical music; if a pop piece isn’t enjoyable, the audience might as well switch on their browsers to listen to Kanako Tanaka shriek for a bit.
This song fits the bill perfectly.
You can enjoy it without thinking, and it still brings a rush.
You can also listen closely to discover deeper flavors.
It’s similar to how people watch Let the Bullets Fly.
You can see it as a “bandit beats landlord” story or add some brainpower to experience its “violent narrative” and “absurd aesthetics.”
Everyone can extract emotions they yearn for from this piece.
That’s the unique merit of this song.
It allows for pure auditory enjoyment while also holding the weighty emotions of classical music.
The soul of the original piece is a solo played on the traditional Chinese instrument, the dizi (bamboo flute).
Lin Tian had modified this section for Gan Yan Yu’s cello solo.
He figured that with the three of them on cello, he shouldn’t be let down!
As the first rehearsal began.
Lin Tian’s piano kicked things off.
Soon, Gan Yan Yu’s cello led the entry into the melody.
In this practice, since the accompaniment would be added later, it was just the cello playing, which made the performance issues more apparent.
Gan Yan Yu did not let Lin Tian down.
She performed this soulful core part beautifully.
The melodious, rising and falling tones
Resembled a lone shadow in the vast desert.
So proud, so heroic.
Instantly, it elongated the figure of the young woman, glimmering under the sun.
Lin Tian nodded in satisfaction.
Mao Wei Ang on the side looked slightly dazed.
This was his first time witnessing Gan Yan Yu play up close.
What an emotional impact!
Is this the brilliance unique to classical musicians?
Lost in thought, Mao Wei Ang almost forgot it was his turn next.
Until Lin Tian’s piano hit a strong note, breaking his reverie.
Suddenly, it was Mao Wei Ang’s turn to perform.
The slender man positioned himself against the cello, drawing the bow.
This section was a repeat of what Gan Yan Yu just played but with some modulation in pitch.
Almost as soon as the cello sounded,
Lin Tian was taken aback, turning to look at Mao Wei Ang.
So good!
Really good!
Mao Wei Ang’s playing carried rhythm and power; it seemed to have a magic that instantly captured the ears of everyone listening.
What can I say, the king of pop music indeed!
Compared to the weightiness of Gan Yan Yu’s performance,
As soon as Mao Wei Ang’s voice came forth, it struck right at the audience’s heart.
Mao Wei Ang focused all his energy on the auditory experience.
Unlike a kn*fe thrust straight into one’s heart, his music was much gentler, trying his best to caress the audience’s senses.
Gan Yan Yu was like the proud hero.
Standing high, radiating charisma, making countless people eager to understand her and dive into her inner world.
Mao Wei Ang, on the other hand, flexed and bowed down, constantly coddling the audience, opening his embrace to welcome them.
The difference between the two is, essentially, the fundamental contrast between classical music and pop music.
Classical music is inherently aloof.
It never intentionally seeks to please or embrace anyone; it’s like a rare flower blooming in the harshest of climates, waiting for people to come understand it. And when you’ve braved all challenges to approach it, this highland flower will not disappoint.
Pop music, however, is the complete opposite.
It holds little meaning on its own; its very purpose is to exist for people.
Therefore, its essence is to continuously serve and please people. If no one listens, it loses its significance as music. In a sense, it’s a friend of humanity.
Some seek to pursue the rare flower, while others prefer a true friend who genuinely cares.
Mao Wei Ang was right.
Whether it’s pop or classical, there’s nothing wrong with liking one over the other. In fact, music lovers should just become good friends themselves.
In this regard, Lin Tian quite appreciated Mao Wei Ang.
“Blending everything” has always been a laborious and thankless endeavor, often leaving you getting scolded with “What the heck?!” from others for your efforts.
But he still considers it something he desperately wants to do before he kicks the bucket.
And just like he said himself,
He doesn’t feel that doing so is “cool” or “meaningful,” or that it counts as doing a good deed before his time.
He simply wants to do what he loves.
To fulfill himself and atone for the chaos he brought to this world of music.
Watching Mao Wei Ang’s performance, Lin Tian felt a bit emotional.
As a competitor,
He genuinely had to thank this collaboration.
If it weren’t for getting up close and personal in this way, Lin Tian wouldn’t understand this opponent nearly as well.
He truly knows how to capture the audience’s feelings.
If Lin Tian hadn’t played Moonlight in the semifinals, he might have really faced a thorough defeat.
Lin Tian couldn’t imagine, if this was Mao Wei Ang in such form, how would the finals turn out?
This cooperation seemed like intelligence-gathering.
“…”
As Mao Wei Ang’s section concluded.
The next part was Bai Junze’s performance.
Lin Tian had been looking forward to this guy for quite some time.
It wasn’t for nothing that Lin Tian pulled out all the stops to host him.
This semifinal featured strength only second to the explosive Nanaly.
The last person Lin Tian had been told to wash the feet of was also Gan Yan Yu!
As Bai Junze picked up his shabby cello and drew the bow.
The music was catapulted to a whole new level.
This section was supposed to have a chord accompaniment, but Lin Tian hadn’t added it yet.
Yet, even so, when Bai Junze’s music rang out, Lin Tian couldn’t help but get goosebumps.
So invigorating!
This guy wasn’t lying!
Having practiced just once, but showing such high completion right off the bat.
Bai Junze’s cello carried immense emotional value.
His music conveyed a startling, brute power and a strong feeling of oppression that looked like it would hurt,
Yet, each punch landed comfortably on the audience.
Like a full-body spa!
Back rubs, cupping, essential oil massages.
A delightful mix of pain and pleasure.
Just like Mao Wei Ang, focused on the audience’s listening experience and providing music that was uniquely comfortable.
Mao Wei Ang’s ease was a more traditional approach; he was gentle and cautious, filled with skill.
While Bai Junze’s method was chaotic, launching into a series of combo punches—simple, brutal, and immensely satisfying.
It felt a bit like being a masochist!
Lin Tian thought this must relate to Bai Junze himself.
He never attended a music academy, having drifted north for years, free from constraints.
Naturally, his playing didn’t follow any “rules”—it was more spontaneous and carefree.
Such a contestant was truly more frightening.
Because you could never really tell where their limits lay.
No rules, no traces to follow.
He could suddenly explode on any piece, dominating the finals stage and crushing everyone.
As the music escalated,
The melody approached a climax.
Lin Tian’s expectations soared.
Finally, they were about to start the ensemble.
After hearing the solos of the three, Lin Tian’s anticipation was through the roof.
What kind of spark would emerge when these three cellos came together?!
Lin Tian held his breath, brimming with expectation.
Gan Yan Yu, Mao Wei Ang, and Bai Junze all took a deep breath, gripping their bows tightly.
As Lin Tian’s piano began to rise, reaching its peak.
It’s happening!!!
The three tightened their brows and pulled their bows simultaneously—
“~”
“￥#&@￥%*（@#”
“.”
“What the heck??!”
Lin Tian’s exclamation interrupted the performance.
He turned, leaning against the piano, feeling utterly bewildered.
So abstract!
At the moment all three cellos played simultaneously,
The music that was gradually building to a climax suddenly turned into a massive mess!
Three different tones tangled together like a brawl, clearly just noise!
“None of you played wrong, right?” Lin Tian asked incredulously, especially directing his gaze at Bai Junze, who had barely practiced.
“Nope, senior.”
Bai Junze shrugged, looking quite helpless and said,
“I played according to the score.”
“Teacher Lin, I can assure you, I didn’t play wrong either.”
Mao Wei Ang affirmed.
“.”
Then it wasn’t a matter of playing wrong.
Lin Tian stroked his chin; clearly, the renowned “walking score” Gan Yan Yu wasn’t likely to commit such a blunder.
However, after calming down and considering it, it indeed seemed unlikely to be an error.
All three were top-notch cellists; how could they make such a mistake?
It seemed someone must have flubbed it.
“Let’s try again.”
This time, Lin Tian decided not to accompany.
As the composer, he needed to hear it personally to spot the issue.
How could such a fiery piece turn into a pile of mess?
“Go straight into the climax.”
Lin Tian instructed.
The three of them nodded, readying their bows again.
“Three, two, one.”
After Lin Tian said this, he raised his hand.
The music began again.
This time, the rhythm was decent for a moment, but it only lasted two seconds before the music descended into chaos again.
“Stop, stop, stop!”
Lin Tian hurriedly halted them.
The three of them simultaneously looked up.
“I can confirm,”
Lin Tian raised his index finger and said seriously,
“Among the three of you, one of you is having a cello issue!”
As soon as he said this,
The three exchanged glances.
Lin Tian’s gaze quickly scanned over their faces.
If they were all playing according to the score, no one should be wrong.
But among these three, one cello clearly reacted negatively with the others, as its rebellious tone subtly shifted, leading all three astray, causing the chaos.
“So who is it?”
Gan Yan Yu asked nervously.
When it comes to issues in an ensemble, she’s quick to think of herself.
“Definitely not you.” Lin Tian smiled.
“Isn’t that a bit too biased?!” Bai Junze exclaimed in horror.
“I’ve worked with Teacher Gan for so long; if her cello had a problem, I’d notice immediately.”
Lin Tian said earnestly.
“Then it must be Bai Junze!” Mao Wei Ang turned his head toward Bai Junze.
“Hey, hey, hey! I thought it was you!”
Bai Junze crossed his arms, showing a dismissive expression,
His face seemed to shout:
“Even questioning second place? What’s your score?”
“In my opinion, both you and I play pop music, so maybe our style doesn’t mesh with Teacher Gan’s?” Bai Junze proposed.
“Me?” Gan Yan Yu looked puzzled.
“Teacher Lin, how should we locate the problem?” Mao Wei Ang tossed the question back at Lin Tian.
“Let me think.” Lin Tian stroked his chin.
“How about the variable control method?”
Just then, Gan Yan Yu suggested tentatively.
“Variable control?” Lin Tian blinked in surprise.
“Yeah, since we can’t figure it out in a trio, I’ll play separately with Teacher Mao and Teacher Bai, then they can perform together again, and you can listen to each one. That way, we can filter out the culprit. Plus, I can’t rule out that it’s my fault too, so if everyone plays, we might discover more than one person has an issue.”
Gan Yan Yu used her fingers to illustrate her point animatedly.
“Sounds reasonable.”
Lin Tian couldn’t help but admire Little Gan Classmate’s brilliant idea, even if it was a silly plan. Clearly, nothing else would be more effective.
“Then let’s get started!” Lin Tian said.
Soon, it was the first group: Gan Yan Yu and Mao Wei Ang.
“.”
To everyone’s surprise, their duet went surprisingly smoothly.
Lin Tian was already leaning towards an answer, but he still had Gan Yan Yu and Bai Junze perform once.
As a result,
Their duet instantly fell apart.
“Just as I thought, it’s you!!” Lin Tian shouted.
(End of Chapter)
