The Great Ethan Lee

Chapter 51

In an instant, a sweet melody streamed from Ethan's fingers. The tune was the well-known "Für Elise," but Ethan's performance was incredibly skillful, with flawless transitions between the notes.

The expressions on everyone's faces ranged from surprise to admiration, from amazement to embarrassment. As the piece ended, some even had tears streaming down their faces, without noticing it. Even those unfamiliar with music could feel the sincere and steadfast love in Ethan's rendition of "Für Elise."

Sophia stood there, stunned.

Ethan stood up, looking deeply into Sophia's eyes. "Sophia, I don't know any fancy words. This piece represents my feelings for you."

Sophia covered her mouth, her eyes already red. She didn't understand music, but she understood Ethan's emotions. Without any need for words, she could feel all of Ethan's love in that piece.

The audience began to murmur:

"Is it possible to hear such beautiful piano music in this world?"

"Though I hate to admit his piano skills rival my idol's, I have to say, this guy is incredible!"

The audience's attitude shifted completely.

Martin, standing nearby, understood Ethan's skill better than the others. He was amazed.

Beethoven's "Für Elise" is a piece all pianists practice. But Ethan's rendition had subtle adjustments in the melody and rhythm, making it more intricate and tender. These slight changes didn't alter the tune but elevated the emotions.

Martin was stunned. "You! You cheated! You altered the piece! Mr. Brown, why are you here?" he shouted.

Richard's eyes were filled with infinite longing. He excitedly approached the stage and looked at Ethan. "Is this the version Beethoven composed after he became completely deaf?"

Ethan nodded. "Yes, this is the 'Solitude Version' of 'Für Elise.'"

At these words, Richard's eyes welled up with tears. "I never thought I'd live to hear Beethoven's work after he lost his hearing!"

The audience was equally shocked. "What? Richard? Is that old man the renowned president of the World Piano Association?"

Martin was even more devastated. "It's the lost version of 'Für Elise'…"

The piece "Für Elise" originated when a girl named Elise wanted to help a blind old man see the forest and the sea. Beethoven was deeply moved; he performed a beautiful piece for the old man on Christmas Eve.

This music allowed the blind old man to see the snowy peaks of the Alps, the waters surrounding Tahiti, seagulls, forests, and the dazzling sunlight. The old man then closed his eyes contentedly, no longer feeling lonely or sad. Beethoven later dedicated this piece to the kind-hearted girl Elise.

"Für Elise" was composed when Beethoven was thirty, but it was not discovered until fifty-seven years later, with several versions existing.

One version said to have been played by Beethoven after he became deaf, was recorded by one of his students. Due to the war, only half of the manuscript survived.

Ethan said calmly, "Martin, your piano skills are quite good, but you've forgotten one thing!"

Ethan coldly continued, "The piano is the voice of the heart. The sound of the piano is the continuation and expression of the heart. Without emotion, the piano is a soulless clown!"

Richard nodded appreciatively. "Indeed. The same piece can be played with a soothing melody or performed with a faster rhythm. The key is the performer's emotions."

Richard, with tears in his eyes, added, "The 'Solitude Version' of 'Für Elise' was played by Beethoven after he was completely deaf. His life's insights are embedded in the music, making it so great and moving."

Richard earnestly said, "Martin, you lost. Apologize to Mr. Lee and learn well from your teacher in the future."

"No, I didn't lose!" Martin shouted angrily. "I only lost to Beethoven's piece, not to Ethan! I want another match!" Richard, stomping his foot in anger, turned and left the stage.

Ethan asked Martin, "How do you want to compete?"

Martin shouted, "We'll both play the same piece. Whoever plays it better is the best musician!"

Ethan chuckled, "It seems I overestimated you. I didn't expect you to be so foolish!"

Martin jumped up in a rage. "What nonsense are you spouting?!"

Ethan addressed the audience, "The greatest accomplishments of musicians like Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, and Chopin lie in their creation of timeless compositions, not just in their skillful playing of the piano. The piano is merely a tool. No matter how proficient one becomes at playing it, they are only a performer, not a musician."

Ethan looked at Martin with disdain. "I can't believe you've studied piano for so long and still don't understand the difference between a performer and a musician."

Martin screamed, "Stop with the useless talk! Let's just compete!"

Ethan smiled slightly. "Since you won't let me use other people's compositions, how about this? We both create a piano piece on the spot. Whoever composes the better piece wins!"

Martin, sweating profusely, agreed reluctantly. Although he couldn't compose, he believed Ethan couldn't either. He planned to let Ethan play first anyway.

Ethan then turned to Sophia in the audience. "Today, I dedicate this piece, 'My True Love,' to my wife, Sophia. I request the audience to witness my love for her."

Ethan sat at the piano and began to play slowly.

To the audience's surprise, Ethan's playing did not involve particularly complex techniques or intense melodies. Instead, it was a gentle, heartfelt piano piece.

The beautiful sound of the piano was filled with sincere love. People began to recall their own partners and their true loves, and many were moved to tears.

Sophia, Ethan's wife, was overwhelmed with emotion and wept uncontrollably.

Martin listened intently to Ethan's performance, hoping to detect even a hint of plagiarism. He planned to expose Ethan if he found any evidence of copying other compositions. However, he was completely unprepared for the fact that "My True Love" was indeed an original piece by Ethan.

As the piece ended, the stadium erupted in thunderous applause, which lasted for a long time.

Martin, on the other hand, was ashen-faced. His confidence was shattered. He had only ever been able to play the piano; he knew nothing about composing, and now he was so anxious that he couldn't even play.

After a minute, Martin admitted defeat. "I give up."

Ethan replied coldly, "Since you've admitted defeat, let's settle this!"

Ethan grabbed Martin's right hand and placed it on the piano keys.

Martin looked at Ethan in confusion as Ethan suddenly slammed the piano lid shut.

With a crack, all five fingers on Martin's right hand were crushed!