CHAPTER 648: CHAPTER 414 THE WEIGHT OF MUSIC

Bach, full name Johann Sebastian Bach, was one of the greatest composers of the Baroque period and is hailed as the "Father of Western Modern Music".

To the ordinary person, this musician might not be as well-known as Beethoven or Mozart.

However, in terms of Western music history, Bach was a figure of paramount importance.

The seminal work being Bach’s creation of "The Well-Tempered Clavier".

This collection, composed around 1722, includes 24 preludes and fugues covering all 24 major and minor keys. In an era when keyboard instruments had not fully adopted the well-tempered tuning, Bach used this work to practically demonstrate the feasibility of the theory of well-tempering, addressing technical challenges with key modulation.

For this reason, Bach’s work can be said to have laid the foundation for the development of music for centuries to come.

"The Well-Tempered Clavier," not only stands as the pinnacle of contrapuntal music but is also revered as the "Old Testament" of piano music. Famous musicians like Beethoven were deeply influenced by it.

This shows Bach’s significance in the entire history of music, making him undeniably one of the founders of the Western art music tradition.

Among them,

this "Prelude in C Major".

This was the piece Beethoven performed in front of Mozart in his youth, showcasing his astonishing talent.

.....

At this moment, Lin Tian chose Bach’s music.

In a large sense, it was also a way to "return to the original intention".

After having tried pieces from classicism, romanticism, impressionism, tangos, waltzes, and other genres.

At this moment, returning to Bach.

It’s not just a return to basics but also a rekindling of the initial touch that classical music brings to people.

....

After Lin Tian handed the organized score of the ensemble to Gan Yanyu.

The young girl softly mouthed the words, then closed her eyes, clutching the score to her chest, feeling the pressure of the music, and let out a soft breath.

"The weight of history."

Gan Yanyu said.

Lin Tian’s eyes subtly trembled.

Such a calm piece of music, has it been felt even before starting to play, just by softly reciting it?

The usual terrifying understanding, you really are something, Yanyu...

"Let’s give it a try first."

Lin Tian said.

Explaining it a thousand times and ten thousand times doesn’t compare to understanding it more deeply by actually performing it.

"Mm."

Gan Yanyu nodded, then went back to her room to get her cello.

When she returned, not only did she bring the cello, but her long hair was also pinned up, looking gentle and graceful.

Lin Tian resisted the urge to hug Gan Yanyu and urged her to take her seat.

After turning on the recording function, Lin Tian played the first note.

The soothing and gentle music echoed in the room of the apartment.

It was like the last ray of autumn sunlight falling on a cold winter face, as if everything had ended their lively journey, returning to silence and simplicity.

Gan Yanyu drew her cello passionately, as if her heart gradually began to beat.

The warmth of humanity flowed at that moment...

Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu hadn’t played such a warm piece in a while.

Its melody, though gentle, was so rich.

It resembled a new beginning in life, like a person in a floral dress walking lightly by the lake, listening closely, it also resembled the slowly passing time.

On this warmly sunny afternoon, the lazy cat in the next apartment lay napping on the balcony.

Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu sat in the room, abandoning all worries, completely immersed in the ocean of music.

....

It flowed so smoothly.

Lin Tian thought.

His fingers continuously danced on the piano.

The music flowed like a gentle stream through the gaps between his fingertips.

There were no hiccups, no pauses, so beautiful and pleasing.

His piano notes intertwined with Gan Yanyu’s cello, harmonious as if they were playing that "Canon" at the Yingqin Cup.

So smooth, it was almost unbelievable to Lin Tian himself.

He looked at Gan Yanyu, just as she was looking at him.

Gan Yanyu smiled.

Looking into Gan Yanyu’s eyes, Lin Tian also realized.

Indeed,

he and Gan Yanyu, now their relationship could no longer be described by how it was before.

Now, all they see is each other.

Even while performing, it’s the same.

The string music’s Great Demon King who only cared about their own playing, and Lin Tian who couldn’t focus on his piano while only watching Gan Yanyu throughout.

They were no longer who they used to be.

Now, they understood each other.

....

As the piano playing ended, Lin Tian raised his head and looked at the ceiling.

In his mind, Tuoba Jianhui’s words emerged.

Along with that,

the scene when he and Gan Yanyu dropped out of the competition together.

Lin Tian’s expression grew a bit solemn.

It seemed, he could somewhat feel it...?

...

In the evening.

Gao Zhenyang once again invited Lin Tian for dinner.

Lin Tian knew, Gao Zhenyang must have some new information to share with him, so he set up a time with Gao Zhenyang, and the two went to a beef buffet hotpot in the downtown area.

"The Keller Cup takes place next January, you and Gan Yanyu have over two months to prepare."

After putting a pot of beef tongue on the boil, Gao Zhenyang said to Lin Tian,

"I’ll be staying in Baijing during this time, so if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me."