Entertainment: Is this how you play music?!

Chapter 453 Gangzi, will you win? Yes, you will win.

There are many underhanded tactics used in professional competitions.

However, most of these discussions are limited to questioning or picking on some harmless issues to provoke the other party.

This world is either about being good or bad; it's all about how bad the other person is and how good you are.

Logically speaking, this report would not have been a problem in the past. It wasn't a smear campaign; it was just telling half the truth and stirring up trouble to see how the other side would handle it.

But the key issue is...

Li Can is too famous and too influential.

Minor figures may not understand, but Jemington does. If Li Can, who has become a spiritual icon for many young musicians, were to fall from grace, it would be a devastating blow to the industry.

Various forms of idol worship.

The various aspects of "Ode to Joy".

Even in academic theory, a considerable number of people are studying him.

Moreover, Li Can only offers free services and focuses solely on distribution channels.

The operational profits were handed over to others.

This is a long-standing and extensive business relationship.

One collapse is equivalent to the collapse of a whole group.

Business competition and rivalry are mostly confined to the industry. However, people tend to defend supermodels like Li Can. Even if Li Can is just messing around, the industry will be the first to clarify things.

No, don't talk nonsense, that's impossible.

Li Can wasn't in a hurry, but plenty of others were.

Jamington thought he had kept it well hidden, but who doesn't know what's going on in many industries?

I see through it but don't say it.

The thought that Li Can might suspect something, or even possibly know about it, made Jamington tremble slightly.

Anger arises from the heart.

Jamington launched into a tirade of profanities.

"Idiot! I should embed your mother's dermatitis in the concrete and plant a flower of hope on it."

The young man who was being scolded lowered his head.

I'm angry, but I don't dare to be angry enough, so I can only choose to be resentful.

He could only helplessly watch as Jamington unleashed his fury upon him, a scene reminiscent of Domino's and Subway.

Jemington's thinking was spot on.

Li Can was genuinely in no hurry and had absolutely no desire to get to know him better, but others were eager, and there were plenty of people willing to make an effort to gain Li Can's favor.

Belokov is the executive secretary of the organizing committee of the Moscow International Music Competition.

He was fluent in Chinese and was in charge of receiving Li Can.

When structured news was just emerging, Belokov became alert and acted only a beat or two slower than Star Media Entertainment.

They took the lead in following up, promoting the event along the way, and once things stabilized, they had some free time.

With a pragmatic spirit and the idea of ​​investigating as well, Belokov felt it was necessary to find out who was behind this.

I have a feeling that it's the other two international tournaments from our old rivals stirring things up.

As it turned out, Belokov actually found out what was going on when he did investigate.

In the media outlet at the source of the news, one shareholder also holds a deputy position in another cultural research lab, which has two projects invested in by Indiana University Bloomington and the Jacobs School of Music.

At the Jacobs School of Music, the person in charge of this project is a student of Professor Jemington, who is also the heir to the original shareholders of the Lighthouse International Music Competition organizing committee.

The relationship is too complicated and cannot be used as evidence.

But one glance is enough to see the thimble.

Belokov didn't think it was a coincidence; in fact, everyone was doing the same thing.

"Mr. Jemington is so ahead of his time. Is this how you give gifts now?"

Belokov's smile was genuinely a little hard to maintain.

I was genuinely amused by Jemington's terrible move.

You don't need to do anything else. Just tell Li Can some questions. As for the rest, that's none of your business.

It's not about smearing or not; the facts are just the facts.

As long as you don't exaggerate or overdo it, you will be in an invincible position.

So, after tidying up a bit, I called Li Can.

Let's meet up for dinner tonight, talk about work, and casually mention this matter.

Li Can, on the other end of the phone, did not refuse.

In fact, since the meeting, one dinner party after another has been held.

One can't eat 800 meals of braised meat a day. Since one is going to eat anyway, one might as well accept the invitation and save oneself the trouble of choosing what to order.

In the evening, the two went to the hotel's banquet hall.

It wasn't until after a few rounds that Belokov brought up the matter.

He then smiled and shook his head, saying in a somewhat strange tone.

"Actually, Jemington probably didn't intend to target you. It was just a minor skirmish, common between tournaments. I guess it was one of their underlings who did it, Lee, you know, their Lighthouse, hahaha."

As he talked, he lost his composure, and even the serious Russian Belokov couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Li Can's eyebrows twitched, utterly speechless.

The tactics were shoddy; anyone could see that. Rather than a meticulously designed trap, it was more like an abstract idea conceived on a whim.

It's just rather dangerous.

But it's not a big problem. I'm already in the atmosphere and have made all sorts of preparations, no matter how abstract the other party is.

"Lighthouse, tsk, that's something they're capable of doing. Structural problems cause their crotch to leak out, and a few hard-boiled eggs will always spill out. But I don't think they'll mind this kind of humor, after all, there's always someone leading the way, pulling the millstone naked—going around in circles and making a fool of themselves, the world's biggest eye-catcher."

"puff."

Belokov nearly choked to death by Li Can's words.

Her cheeks were flushed red; who knows how much effort she had to hold back from bursting out laughing.

"Tsk, if I were a Mayan and predicted that something like this would appear in the 21st century, I would also say that the earth is doomed. The lighthouse myth is indeed true, and there are honest prophets everywhere."

Li Can pursed his lips and raised his wine glass.

He even struck a pose resembling the Statue of Liberty.

"Salute to the freedom of the lighthouse, and may freedom continue to go too far."

"Hahahahaha!"

Belokov couldn't hold back any longer and burst into hearty laughter.

It's even a bit of a shame that this conversation wasn't recorded.

If this were recorded, it would become a classic in the music industry, and even worldwide.

The lighthouse tells Russian jokes.

Very famous.

But this is just because the lighthouse prefers to be the scapegoat.

It's as if the Russians don't have many lighthouses on their side—a joke.

But no matter how vicious the lighthouse jokes are, none of them are as powerful as Li Can's few lines.

Belokov, who understands Chinese, was stunned by this highly artistic expression. His mind was filled with the image of a naked man pulling a millstone, and he also thought of the lighthouse lord's occasional bursts of humor.
"Stop talking about them, it's boring."

Li Can waved his hand, intending to get back to business with Belokov.

Are there any requirements regarding the pieces of music performed by the judges?

"No."

Belokov also became serious.

Judges' performances are always a part that some large-scale competitions consider.

Especially arts-related competitions.

Ultimately, it's meant to be seen by the audience.

For many viewers, the simplest way to prove the value of something is not by displaying a bunch of certificates or industry status.

Instead, he directly showed off his skills.

If the judges' performance is not up to par, it can easily lead to the audience questioning the credibility of the competition's judging criteria.

The Moscow International Music Competition certainly doesn't lack strong judges to showcase their skills. But in this year's piano competition, the best performer is undoubtedly Li Can, a newcomer who has just taken on the role of judge.

On the one hand, it's about delivering a technological shock; on the other hand, it's about giving Li Can a platform to reaffirm his status.

Judging from appearances alone, Li Can is still too young.

There will always be some unknown people who think it's very hasty.

However, if he shows off his skills and demonstrates a level of ability that is completely different from other contestants, then the audience will naturally recognize his strength and not be affected by Li Can's overly young appearance.

"Generally speaking, the judges will choose some world-famous pieces that are outside the framework of the competition repertoire. However, this is a limitation for you. There are no traditional rules that you have to play any classics. If you have something you want to express, please express it."

Belokov smiled and shook his head.

This is Li Can.

What else is there to say?

Li Can can play it however he wants.

Let Li Can let loose a bit; maybe he can really pull off something amazing on stage.

Even if we take a step back and assume the worst, it could absolutely be an excellent attempt at cultural exchange.

After all, Li Can, who has a Russian girlfriend, naturally garners a favorable impression from the event organizing committee.

Li Can nodded, secretly admiring how considerate and accommodating the event organizing committee was.

If it's a free-for-all, then how about some folk music?

He immediately smiled and spoke.

"Then I'll perform a piece adapted from a folk song from Xia Guo."

"Of course, as you wish."

Belokov smiled and nodded.

It was clear from his eyes that Li Can's answer was entirely expected and perfectly aligned with Belokov's wishes.

From the perspective of the executive secretary, Belokov would like Li Can to perform Russian-style works.

However, from an artist's perspective, Belokov would prefer to see Li Can perform works from his own culture, allowing different cultures to resonate in the most harmonious way, so that art can truly close the loop.

What is the name of the work?

"Jasmine Fantasy"

"Oh?"

Belokov raised an eyebrow.

For Belokov, who was familiar with Chinese and the Chinese cultural sphere, the folk song "Jasmine Flower" was a must-listen.

Variations of its melody are found all over the world.

Each version has that same feel, yet each version is different.

Originating from the Jiangnan region of the Xia Dynasty, the floral melody, after becoming "Jasmine Flower," has become a cultural symbol with a very strong presence.

"This probably isn't the jasmine flower I was imagining."

Belokov spoke with a smile.

Fantasia.

This is clearly a significantly altered variant.

Li Can's most famous and widely circulated debut piece in the piano world is "Fantasy-Impromptu".

Today, this is a must-play piece for all performers and has entered countless textbooks. Its terrifying commercial value even far exceeds that of DP's most ruthless money-making beast, "Numb".

It was even one of the pieces performed in this competition.

It’s hard to say anything else.

But Belokov knew that Li Can's fantasy was definitely a very fantastical one.

It's definitely completely different from what I imagined "Jasmine Flower" to be.

"It's different; it's a groundbreaking attempt."

Li Can nodded.

"The musical logic of the East and the West is fundamentally very different. Let's break down the patterns and structures of folk music adaptations and explore more profound musical theories."

"Then I'm really looking forward to it."

Belokov smiled and took out his notebook to record the relevant performance information.

They also inquired about some performance-related needs.

This is something that many people are unaware of.

When a master performs a piano show, it's not always just one piano; in fact, it's quite rare for a master to perform with only one piano.

Even the contestants in this competition.

It is also rare for it to be just a simple piano.

People like Chen Gang are considered to have made incredibly bold and confident choices.

There are definitely quite a few piano concertos.

That was an entire orchestra.

Is the piano a melodic instrument or a harmonic instrument?
The answer is "all of them," meaning instruments capable of creating symphonic effects with a single instrument.

It already possesses the structure of a symphony, so collaborating with a real symphony orchestra in a piano concerto can showcase the piano's more multifaceted potential, which is a significant plus.

It's actually more difficult when you're alone.

However, as Belokov had expected.

A master doesn't need external things; a master is confident. Only the pure piano can allow a master to explore the piano's potential power more deeply.

Of course, this is Li Can's explanation for wanting to play a solo.

If Li Can had chosen a concerto with a large orchestra, that would have been a different story.

[By integrating more elements and demonstrating absolute control over the entire orchestra, he streamlined countless complex frameworks, perfectly showcasing the beauty of the music.]

"Okay, Li, we'll go prepare. You can rest for a few days. Next up are the judges' performances and the competition."

"Ok."

The two had almost finished eating and drinking, stood up, shook hands, and then did not linger any longer.

Watching Belokov pack his things so efficiently and leave without hesitation, Li Can sighed and thought, "Now that's more like a Russian."

His expression was so exaggerated from laughing that he didn't look like a stoic Russian at all.

They're so excited, they'd think anyone pinching a chicken foot was Italian.

"Isn't that a stereotype?"

Recalling Winnie's radiant smile and slightly flushed cheeks, Li Can shook his head and slapped his forehead.

But suddenly the scene shifted, and I thought of the grimacing breath he exhaled when he fell, and his usual expressionless and aloof demeanor.

Li Can slapped his forehead again.

"No, no."

Just then, Li Can opened the door.

Winnie is practicing the piano.

Seeing Li Can return after finishing his meal, put down his guitar, and come running over with a smile.

"Yes, yes."

Time passed slowly.

Chen Gang arrived late, landed in Moscow, and went to the hotel to meet the two.

Judging from Chen Gang's energetic appearance, Li Can could roughly guess what was going on.

Chen Gang has made great progress during this period.

Although he had only given Chen Gang a little guidance at the beginning, he still had to digest a huge amount of knowledge and habits on his own.

It looks like it digested well.

Chen Gang, who had been somewhat smug, returned and immediately asked Li Can to serve him two dishes upon meeting him.

Seeing this, Li Can asked jokingly.

"So? Do you think we'll win?"

Gangzi slapped his chest, his voice ringing out.

"Will win!"

(End of this chapter)