Chapter 2 - Maria
354 Words
You learn something new everyday, as Albert used to tell me. Today I learned that society, especially in the Americas, is slowly degrading itself down to the level of slums as time passes on. Their “refined” tastes in music is inevitably slowly changing and shifting to modern day TRASH and ear-aches such as pop, rock and roll, R&B, hip-hop, punk, blues, ALL THOSE FUNNY-SOUNDING NAMES THEY CAN COME WITH! These pieces of garbage sounds are destroying my business and the honour and name that comes with it! Erich and I worked very hard to uphold the traditional songs and solid Classical sounds of (both West and East) Germany for so long, without giving in or bowing down to pressure. But now with these vile “New Wave” trends coming about, I do not think the Hubert Opera House will have its much-needed pick-me-up anytime soon.
Everyday as I walk through this beloved building - the same building where I make a living and live my life at the same time - I see very forlorn sights that break my heart each time. The main hall is no longer as crowded as it used to be. Each performer of mine does not receive standing ovations as long as they used to be. Even my audiences, who are consisting of less and less youths these days, are not as enthusiastic and energetic as they used to b towards my performances. I am heartbroken. The death of my beloved Erich, 20 years ago, was already a terrible blow to me. But now to learn that I am at risk of failing to fulfill his last wish to keep Classical Music alive, breaks my heart even more.
Albert’s survey of musical tastes of the people in Germany have ruined my breakfast and my whole day (and possibly my whole life as well). To start and keep a business running after a war is no easy feat. But to learn that my husband’s legacy is on the brink of being forgotten due to changing trends brought over from the West?
Preposterous.
Maria.
- Writer
