Chapter 17 Chapter 3 Palace Concert
After December 21, the sun follows its own trajectory, and after staying on the Tropic of Capricornus, it begins to move north again.The sun abandoned this sea, let it suffer the ravages of winter, and sent summer back to the northern hemisphere.
The model island is only 10 degrees away from the Tropic of Capricorn.It will continue down south until the Tonga-Taboo Islands.Arrive at the southernmost point stipulated by the route, then turn around and head north, keeping sailing under the most pleasant weather conditions.Really, when the sun was shining overhead again, periods of extreme heat were apparently unavoidable.But the sweltering heat may be tempered with sea breezes.Furthermore, the heat will weaken somewhat if it is far away from the Golden Crow that radiates heat.
There is a separation of 8 degrees, or about 900 kilometers, between Samoa and the main islands of Tonga-Taboo.Acceleration is unnecessary, and the machine island can float on this always picturesque sea.The tranquility of the sea is no different from that of the sky, rarely disturbed by storms.Even if there is, it is rare, not to mention that it comes and goes quickly. In early January, you will be able to reach the Tonga-Taboo Islands.Stayed there for a week before turning to the Fiji Islands.From there, the model islands reach the New Hebrides.Let the Malays disembark there, turn northeast, and return to the Gulf of Madeleine, and the second voyage is declared over.
Billion City always lives in this tranquil environment.I have been living the life of a metropolis in America or Europe; steamships and telegraphs maintain continuous contact with the New World, residents visit relatives and friends, and the two hostile families also show signs of easing; walking, playing, and always being influenced by music Lovers' favorite "Quartet" concert.
Christmas is coming.The festival is very dear to both Catholics and Christians.Whether in Christian churches, in St. Mary's Church, or in palaces, mansions, and business districts, celebrations will be held.The entire machine island was filled with a festive atmosphere, which lasted for a week.From Christmas to January 1st New Year's Day.
At this moment, the two newspapers on the model island, the Starboard News and the New Herald, are constantly reporting the latest news on and off the island to readers.Moreover, a piece of news that was reported by two newspapers at the same time caused a lot of discussion.
Newspapers on 26 December reported that King Marekari had gone to the town hall, where he was held in talks by the island's consul.What is the purpose of His Majesty the King's visit? ... what motive? . . . All kinds of rumors spread throughout the city, and they were all groundless assumptions.The next day, the newspapers carried the exact news.
King Marekari requested a job at the Observatory on Model Island, and the highest administration immediately granted his request.
"Excellent," Pansina exclaimed, "only those who live in the City of Millions can see such things...a sovereign, with his eyes fixed on a telescope, watching the sky full of stars!"
"The terrestrial star is asking about its celestial brother! . . . " replied Yvernay.
The news reports were not inaccurate.Why is His Majesty the King so helpless, and actually ask for this position?
King Marekari was a wise king and his wife was a wise queen.In any average country in Europe, they can do very well.Open-minded and free-spirited, they never claim that their dynasty is a kingdom given by heaven, even though their country belongs to one of the oldest dynasties in the ancient continent.The king was knowledgeable, well versed in science, art, and especially fond of music.As a scholar and philosopher, he had a keen understanding of the future of the European monarchies.They are ready to abdicate as soon as their subjects no longer need them.Since they have no direct heirs - and it doesn't hurt their family - they will relinquish the throne and the crown in due course.
The opportune moment came three years ago.But in the dynasty of King Marekari there was no revolution, at least not a bloody one.By unanimous consent, the relationship between His Majesty the King and his subjects is concluded.The king became a man, and his subjects became citizens.They bought tickets as ordinary passengers, boarded the train and left, allowing another system to replace his regime.
The king, though sixty years old, is still in good health, with a good frame; probably better than the structure of his old kingdom.He strives to be self-sufficient.But the queen's health is quite weak, so they just want to find a special residence; hope that the temperature change in the residence will not be too obvious.Except for the model island, it is difficult to find another place where the temperature conditions are almost constant.Because people can't ignore the hard work and chase the seasons that are like spring all the year round at different latitudes!Since even the most powerful and rich people in the United States call Model Island Corporation their city, it certainly has all kinds of advantages.
So as soon as the machine island was built, the king and queen of Marekari decided to settle in the city of billions.They are granted residency and live here as ordinary citizens without any privileges.One thing is for sure; their Majesties the King and Queen never expected to be treated differently.On Starboard, they rented a small mansion on 39th Avenue.There is a small garden surrounding the mansion, and garden paths lead to the park.There, is the residence of the two monarchs.They live in seclusion and never take part in any kind of open and secret struggle between the two factions.The king studied astronomy, and was very interested.The queen is a devout Catholic and lives a semi-monastic life.Since poverty does not exist in this "Pearl of the Pacific", she does not even have the opportunity to do some charity work.
Such was the experience of the former masters of the Mare Kari dynasty.This is what the steward told the artists.He also added that the king and queen were the nicest people he had ever met, despite their relatively modest fortunes.
The decline of the royal family, the monarch can accept it calmly with a philosopher's open-minded and indifferent attitude, which has to make the "Quartet" very emotional.They couldn't help admiring the abdicated monarch and his wife.Instead of going into exile to France, the sanctuary of exiled monarchs, their Majesties the King and Queen chose the model island, just as the rich choose Nice or Corfu for health reasons.There is no doubt that they were not exiles, and their kingdom did not drive them out.They could have stayed there or they could have gone back and just claimed their citizenship.But they didn't think about it.Although there are laws and regulations to be followed on the machine island, they feel that the peaceful way of life here is really good.
If they are compared with the residents of the city of hundreds of millions, the king and queen of Marekari are not rich in terms of living requirements alone. An annuity of 200,000 francs is spent here, what can I do?The cheap housing alone cost 50,000.Among the kings of Europe, the former king was not considered rich.Of course, in the face of Gould, Vanderbilt, Rozkiel, Astor, Mackay, and other financial giants, the kings of Europe can only be regarded as insignificant.In this way, although the train they live in does not bring them luxury, but only meets their necessities, they are not disturbed by it.Fortunately, life here was indeed beneficial to the queen's health, and the king never thought of giving up here.At this time, he wanted to increase his income through his own labor.As there was a rather lucrative vacancy at the Observatory, he went to apply to the Island Governor.Cyrus Picktaff, after consulting the higher authorities of the Bay of Madeleine by telephone, assigned the post to the king.So the newspapers carried the news: King Marekari had been appointed astronomer of the model island.
How would the meeting be publicized in other countries?For two days, everyone talked about it, and then it faded away.It is very natural for a king to continue to live a peaceful life in the city of billions of dollars, and to seek this possibility by working part-time.He was a scientist, and it would have been quite an honor to use his knowledge.If he can discover new celestial bodies, such as planets, comets or stars, he will definitely be regarded as a great man, and his name will appear brilliantly in the official almanac.
Sebastian Zorno, Pancina, Yvernay, and Frascolin took a walk in the park.At the same time, they are also discussing this matter.In the morning they saw the king enter his office.They have not yet Americanized to accept that this is at least somewhat extraordinary.So they still talked, Frascolan said:
"If His Majesty is not qualified for the work of an astronomer, it seems that he can still be a music teacher and give music lessons."
"A king still runs for the writer's education?" Pansina cried out loudly.
"Needless to say, as long as rich students can afford the tuition..."
"In fact, he's been said to be a pretty good musician," Yvernay said.
"He loves music, it's not unusual," added Sebastian Zorno, "When we had concerts, we saw kings and queens loitering at the entrance of the casino because they couldn't afford the tickets. .”
"Well, wandering musicians, I've got an idea!" said Pancina.
"Your Majesty's idea," said the cellist, "must be outlandish again!"
"Whether it's outlandish or outlandish, old Sebastian," said Pencina, "I'm sure you'll agree."
"Listen to Pancina's idea!" said Frascolin.
"We will hold a concert for the two majesties, give a special performance in their home, and play our best works."
"Well," said Sebastian Zorno, "that's a good idea!"
"Hi! This kind of idea is all over my head, just shake my head..."
"That will ring a string of bells!" replied Yvernay.
"My dear Pancina," said Frascorin, "this advice of yours is very agreeable today, and I am sure the wise king and queen will find great enjoyment from us."
"Tomorrow we will write and ask him to be our audience," said Sebastian Zorno.
"It can be done better," continued Pancina, "tonight we go to the king's house with instruments, just as musicians go to play morning light..."
"You want to serenade," said Yvernay, "because it's evening..." "Well, the first fiddler is meticulous! Don't be so literal... But that's it?"
"deal!"
It's a good idea.There is no doubt that the music-loving king would have appreciated the delicacy of French artists and would have enjoyed listening to them with great pleasure.
So, when night fell, the "Quartet" left Entertainment City with three violin cases and one cello case, and walked towards 39th Avenue in the hinterland on the starboard side.
This is a very simple house with a small courtyard in front of it, covered with green grass.On one side is the servant's room, and on the other side is the stable that is never used.The housing is on the first floor and the ground floor.There are steps on the ground floor to enter, and a row of doors and windows upstairs and the roof are herringbone.On the right and left, there was an elm tree, whose tall leaves shaded the two garden paths.The garden less than 200 meters long is full of green grass.It is impossible to imagine such a dwelling compared with Coverley, Tankden, or other dignified mansions!He was a sage hermit, a scholar, a philosopher.King Abdolonim should be satisfied if he can find a place to live after losing the throne of Sidon!
King Marekari regards his personal servants as his only courtiers.The queen's maids are also her ladies-in-waiting.In addition, there is an American female chef here.This is all the attendants who serve the abdicated monarch.Once upon a time, the fallen monarch had the glory of being brothers and sisters with the emperor of the old continent.
Frascolin rang the bell, and the servants opened the iron bars.
Frascolin explained his purpose of coming. As French artists, he and his companions intended to pay tribute to His Majesty and hoped to be received.
The servant invited them in, and they stopped before the steps.
The servants came out quickly, and told them that the King was pleased to receive them.He led them through the hall and into the living room.His Majesty and his wife came in almost at the same time.
This is the whole reception ceremony.
The artists bowed to the king and queen with great respect.The queen is plainly dressed in dark clothes, with thick hair without a headgear. Against the backdrop of a few strands of gray hair, her slightly pale face and slightly misty eyes look even more charming.She walked to the chair by the window and sat down. Outside the window was the garden.In the depths of the garden, the trees of the park come into view.
The king stood, saluted the visitors, and inquired what scented wind had brought them to this humble abode.We all know that this is the most remote place in the city of billions of dollars.
Seeing the indescribable dignity of this monarch, the four of them were very moved.Under the almost thick black eyebrows, there is a piercing gaze, as deep as a scholar.His white beard fell to his chest, broad and shaggy.A charming smile diluted the slightly serious expression.His appearance can make people who come to have a good impression.
Frascolan spoke, unaware that his voice was trembling a little.
"We, the artists who want to pay our respects to you, are honored to be received by His Majesty, and we would like to thank you," he said.
"My queen and I thank you all," said the king, "and are very touched by your presence. We hope to end the turbulent life on this island. You seem to blow the fragrance of France on this island! Gentlemen, you are not to me. I am no stranger. I am not only interested in science, but also love music. You have already enjoyed a high reputation in the art world. We know what you have achieved in Europe and America. In the applause that welcomes your 'quartet' on Model Island, we also have ours One copy, although it is a little farther away. Indeed, we also have regrets, that is, we have not formally appreciated your performance."
The king made room for his guests, and then he sat down in front of the fireplace.On the marble rests a beautiful bust of the Queen in her youth, evidently by Francetti.
In order to enter a substantive dialogue, Frascolan took the king's last words.
"Your Majesty is right," said he, "doesn't this regret say anything about the music we play? Chamber music, a quartet of masters of classical music, requires an atmosphere of intimacy, Not the size of the audience. It needs a little solemnity from the temple..."
"Yes, gentlemen," replied the Queen, "this music, like listening to the sounds of heaven, is indeed only suitable for the temple..."
"Please allow us, the King and Queen, to treat this living room as a sanctuary," Yvernay said, "for just one hour, and please your Majesties to listen to our performance alone..."
Before Yvernay finished speaking, the faces of the two monarchs were full of light.
"Gentlemen," replied the king, "you intend to... that you should think..."
"That's exactly what we're visiting for..."
"Oh!" As he said, the king stretched out his hand, "I got to know the French musicians again. Your hearts are as good as your talents... On behalf of the queen and myself, I would like to express my thanks to you gentlemen!... Nothing...yes!...Nothing can make us so happy!"
In order to hold this impromptu concert, the servant was ordered to bring the musical instruments and put them in the living room.At this time, the king and queen invited the guests to go for a walk in the garden.There, they talked, talked about music, like very intimate artists talking.
The king poured his passion into music, he could comprehend the wonderful artistic conception in music and understand its charm.He showed a deep understanding of this master of music, to such an extent that even the interlocutors—the artists who will play music for him in a moment—surprised... He admired Haydn's simplicity and dexterity very much... He remembered an article The dissertation speaks of Mendelssohn, the eminent chamber music composer, who could express his thoughts in Beethovenian language... Weber, what a delicate feeling, what a chivalrous consciousness, a man with Different masters... Beethoven, the prince of instrumental music, his symphony reveals a soul... No matter in terms of greatness or contribution, his genius works are not inferior to any great poems, works of art , sculpture and architecture.After he wrote "Choral Symphony", the star fell.But in this piece of music, the sound of instrumental music and human singing have reached the point where they are in perfect harmony!
"but."
It is conceivable that only Mr. Pancina would have uttered this inappropriately.
"Yes," replied the king, smiling slightly, "that proves, gentlemen, that the ear is not an indispensable organ of the musician. He listens with his heart, and hears what only he can hear! I have just told you Speaking of his symphony. Beethoven proves it, doesn't he, in this incomparable symphony? At that time, his deafness made him deaf."
After talking about Haydn, Weber, Mendelssohn and Beethoven, Mozart.His Majesty talked eloquently and eloquently.
"Oh, gentlemen," he said, "I'm completely intoxicated! It's been a long time, I haven't vented so much! Since I came to Model Island, you are my first bosom friend! ... Mo Zha Shi ... Mozart!... There is a dramatist in your country. I think he is the greatest dramatist at the end of the 19th century. He has written many praises for Mozart. After I read them all, I will never forget them. He said that Mozart was in Composing freely, each phrase has unique accuracy and intonation, but also does not interfere with the rhythm and characteristics of the entire movement... He said that in order to achieve a moving sense of reality, Mozart pursued the perfection of the music...Mozart should He is the only one who can accurately decipher life in the form of music! He uses music to express the entire human emotion, the subtle changes of emotion, and character, which means to express the entire dramatic life of human beings... Mozart is not a king, But what about the king?" Then, His Majesty shook his head, "I want to say that he is a god, since everyone can accept the existence of God!...He is the god of music."
What everyone cannot and cannot explain is His Majesty's enthusiasm.It is with this enthusiasm that he expresses his admiration.He returned to the living room with the queen, and after the artists came in one after another, he picked up a book from the table.He has read this book many times, the title is; "Mozart's Don Juan".He opened the book and read these few lines written by the famous master Gounod-the latter knew and loved Mozart the most: "Oh, Mozart! Holy Mozart! There is no one who knows you but loves you! You, The embodiment of eternal truth! You, the perfect creator! You are as high and deep as mountains, and as clear as water! You have perfect humanity and innocence like children! You, what you realize and think, are filled with music. Your works will never be surpassed by anyone, and cannot be surpassed!"
At this time, Sebastian Zorno and his partners took up the instruments.Electric lamps cast soft light, illuminating the hall.They played the opening piece, which they had carefully chosen for the concert.
This is Mendelssohn's Work No. 13, String Quartet No. 2 in A minor.The king and queen feel infinitely benefited.
After this work is No. 75 of Haydn's work, String Quartet No. 3 in C major, namely "Ode to Austria".The tune was played with incomparable vigor and force.No performer has ever achieved such perfection.In the harmonious atmosphere of this temple, there was no other audience except the abdicated king and his wife.
The talent of the composer makes this piece highly regarded.When they finished playing the piece, they played Beethoven's No. 18 String Quartet No. 6 in B flat.This "Melancholy Song" was sad, and its strong appeal made the king and his wife's eyes moist.
This is followed by Mozart's Fugue in C minor.The music is as natural as it is, without any traces of chiseling. It is natural and smooth, like gurgling water with crystal clear bottom; or like the breeze blowing, the light leaves are rustling.And finally, one of the most admirable works of this gifted composer, Op. 35, String Quartet No. 10 in D major.Thus ended this unforgettable evening.Even in Billion City, there is no other party that can compare with it.
The king and queen were fascinated, and the French were very involved in playing these excellent works.
But it was already 11 o'clock in the evening.His Majesty said to them:
"Thank you, gentlemen, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Your perfect performance has given us this artistic enjoyment. For this, we will always remember it in our hearts! We really learned a lot from it!..."
"If the King wishes," said Yvernay, "we can still..."
"Thank you, gentlemen, thank you again! We can't abuse your kindness. It's late, after a while... tonight... I have to go to work..." The king's words pulled the artists back from their feelings Reality.A king spoke to them in this way, and they were almost flustered... eyes drooping...
"Well, yes! Gentlemen," said the king in a cheerful tone, "am I not an astronomer from the model island?" He was a little agitated, and added, "Scholars who watch the stars . . . watch meteors . . . ..."
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