I am a literary giant in Russia

Chapter 203: Sheet Music and Chopin's Inch-by-Inch Performance
Regarding Chopin's political leanings, there is no doubt that he was a nationalist whose love for his country was so strong that his will stipulated that his heart be removed and transported to Warsaw, the capital of Poland.

However, his own ideological leanings were not particularly progressive. He was not a supporter of the republican system, and even when another revolution broke out in France in 1848, Chopin felt great regret at the overthrow of the monarchy. This was because Chopin had been under the patronage of the Louis-Philippe royal family for many years and had a deep affection for the royal attendants who had always supported him.

As an outstanding pianist with international influence, Chopin naturally had considerable value in winning popular support. Thus, in 1837, Nicholas I declared that he would bestow upon Chopin the title of "Court Pianist of the Russian Empire".

The news was conveyed to Chopin by the Russian ambassador to France, who explained that Chopin had not participated in the Warsaw Uprising and was not considered a political fugitive, hence the title was bestowed upon him. In addition, he would also enjoy a lifetime allowance.

Chopin responded bluntly, rejecting the invitation outright, and replied: "Although I did not participate in the revolution of 1830, I supported those revolutionaries. Therefore, I consider myself an exile: this is the only honor I am willing to accept."

All I can say is that the united front value is real, and that's exactly what Mikhail's purpose was in going abroad. Otherwise, it would have been easy for him to make money, but what about the Modern People magazine and his other partners and friends?
Even if we can't run a magazine for life or be partners and friends for life because of changes in the times, Mikhail, as the spiritual boss of "Modern Man" and a pioneer in the hearts of many, set an example for what kind of person he was.
Mikhail could only say that he genuinely found it somewhat difficult to accept.
Mikhail was certainly afraid of Iron Fist, but there was always something greater than Iron Fist. All he could say was that things had come to this point, and he had to fight for something.

However, achieving a major goal always requires taking it one step at a time. Returning to the salon at George Sand's house, Mikhail, out of interest in admiring a famous person, naturally chatted quite a bit with Chopin, whose behavior was indeed somewhat feminine.

Once he felt he had a good idea of ​​what to expect, Mikhail's eyes began to search for the exquisite pastries available in Parisian salons. It must be said that, in this respect, Parisian salons were indeed much more refined.

The most classic drink in Parisian salons is undoubtedly punch, a sweet alcoholic beverage made from a mixture of wine, rum or brandy, fruit, sugar and spices. It is served in a large bowl and ladled to guests by servants, and is as popular as various liqueurs.

Of course, the black coffee that was flowing in Balzac's veins was also indispensable; people often used it to refresh themselves if there was any heated debate in the salon.

As for the food, for the sake of propriety and elegance, it is usually dessert, such as candy, chocolate muffins and other more fancy pastries.

However, just as Mikhail got up to try it, someone suddenly grabbed his arm. When Mikhail turned around with a puzzled look, he saw Chopin struggling but unable to speak.

Mikhail: “?”

What's with that expression? It makes it seem like I've done something to you.
Chopin could only say that he didn't want to do this either, but heaven knows how this person's knowledge was so broad that a Russian could actually talk to him about Polish history, culture, literature, and art!

It can only be said that these things did evoke certain memories for Chopin, to the point that he genuinely wanted to say a few more words to Mikhail.
But to be honest, Mikhail just wants to eat something right now.
Just as the atmosphere became slightly tense, George Sand, who had been watching in surprise for a long time, walked over. After briefly lightening the mood, George Sand, who hadn't had a chance to say anything to Mikhail, smiled and said:

"I finally have the opportunity to talk to you in person. I still remember your two peculiar French novels, The Necklace and My Uncle Jules. Both of them are like exquisite works of art, and people are still talking about them now. After all, their writing style seems to embody a new style."
And then there's your 'science fiction' novel. It's very interesting, and truly a completely new creation. I don't miss a single issue now."

Out of a sense of mutual flattery, Mikhail naturally exchanged a few polite words with the well-known French female writer.

This is really just being polite. After all, George Sand's works do reflect the tragic reality of society and give a voice to the oppressed through her words, but at the same time, she also promotes the idea that "love" and "moral persuasion" can resolve social conflicts.

Her works were quite popular in Russia during this period. Belinsky admired her greatly in his early years, but when Belinsky became more radical and turned to a more realistic and revolutionary democratic stance, he thought that George Sand's later works were empty and detached from reality.

But to put it bluntly, Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables" is also in this tone in a strict sense. The reason why it was criticized by the entire French literary world when it was published was for this reason. The reason why "Les Misérables" can occupy a place among the classics is that it involves another dimension of measuring literature, namely, expressiveness.

Although Les Misérables is not particularly progressive in terms of concepts and techniques, its expressive power is enough to make up for many things. Dostoevsky and Tolstoy are the same in terms of concepts. Although they are both conservatives, the artistic expression they created with their unique language is unparalleled.

This kind of talent is something that truly belongs to great writers. Even if the same story is copied one-to-one, it will never taste the same if someone else does it.

George Sand doesn't seem to possess such a great talent, and although Mikhail had planned to talk about literary ideas at a salon in France, he certainly wouldn't start by contradicting someone, especially since the theme of tonight's salon wasn't literature. Many people were there for Mikhail, but many others were there for Chopin's performance.

As is well known, Chopin was reluctant to perform in public, to the point of being pathological. He would panic at the mere mention of a public performance. And as the saying goes, rarity makes things valuable, and many members of Parisian high society considered it an honor to hear Chopin play.

This time, Chopin, who had been absent from Parisian social circles for a long time, had not only just returned from the countryside, but also reportedly brought new pieces with him. Therefore, both the salon's host and guests were, in a strict sense, preparing for this performance.

Mikhail thought it was a good thing, after all, being able to hear Chopin play was also a way of witnessing history.

Before listening to the performance, Mikhail chatted briefly with George Sand, then found a suitable opportunity to slip into another area. As Mikhail began to eat elegantly, Turgenev, who was covered in sweat, secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

OK!

Although I couldn't quite understand what they were saying, they probably weren't talking about music. If they had, wouldn't what I said earlier have caused Mikhail a lot of trouble?
And sometimes, what you fear most may come to pass. Just as Turgenev finally breathed a sigh of relief, a man who looked somewhat frivolous approached Mikhail.

Just as Turgenev felt the man looked somewhat familiar, the man asked in a rather loud voice, "Mr. Mikhail, I've heard your friend Turgenev say that you have considerable insight into music. What are your thoughts on Chopin's music?"

Turgenev: “?”

I said Mikhail knows a little bit, when did I say he has great insight?!
What a shameful slander!

Before Turgenev could even refute him, Mikhail replied with a smile, "He is my best friend, so he sometimes praises me excessively. In reality, I have only been formally involved in music for less than a year, so I can only say that I have a little understanding of it."

"Oh, I see. It's such a pity you didn't receive a good music education when you were young. Music is such a wonderful thing."

Although he expressed regret, the man wore a broad smile, drawing out his words while giving Turgenev a slightly provocative look, as if to say, "See! I knew it!"

Faced with the mess Turgenev had made, Mikhail could only say that there was not much he could do. Although he had been practicing his piano all along, he actually didn't have much time to practice due to his busy schedule.

But just as the man who had attracted everyone's attention was about to continue speaking, Chopin, who had been struggling to find something else to say to Mikhail, suddenly brightened up and, unusually, took the initiative to invite him: "Musical matters? Would you like to talk to me about them?"

Since Chopin had offered to help them out of the predicament, Mikhail also pulled Turgenev, whose face was somewhat grim, along with him.

As for Turgenev, he wasn't angry because of the other party's provocation, but because of the contempt shown towards Mikhail in the other party's words. At the same time, he also genuinely reflected on whether he should have spoken so confidently.
When Turgenev thought this way, Mikhail was under immense pressure. After all, how many people could normally have a good conversation with Chopin about music?

Not to mention, while they were talking and chatting, other people nearby would glance in their direction almost every now and then. Some of them wore knowing smiles and seemed to be whispering among themselves. It's unavoidable; music is practically a required subject for wealthy families these days, and a lack of musical knowledge speaks volumes.

This kind of problem isn't fatal, but it can certainly give some people a sense of superiority.

Mikhail, slightly sweating, said, "."

Okay, okay, is that how it is?
"Mr. Chopin."

Mikhail briefly interrupted Chopin, who was engrossed in conversation: "I have an incomplete score here. Could you please take a look and see how it's written?"

Frankly speaking, there are some things that are not suitable for Mikhail to do on his own, and given his current mediocre level of piano and music theory, he may not be able to handle many of the tests and scrutiny.
"Of course, this wasn't written by me. It was written by a composer I know who wishes to remain anonymous. He wasn't very confident in his work, so he only signed it as CP. Could you please help me with this?"

Go tell your partner what you want to say!
What does what CP wrote have to do with Mikhail?!

"Oh?"

Chopin was taken aback for a moment, but such things are not uncommon in the music world. As a famous composer, Chopin often faced such requests. Generally speaking, such scores were not of high quality, and Chopin would usually refuse the request. However, after looking at Mikhail's smiling face, Chopin finally nodded and agreed.

"Bring it to me and see."

The two were not speaking loudly, so only Turgenev could actually hear them. While Turgenev was wondering when a composer named CP had appeared in Mikhail's circle, nearby, the group who hadn't heard them burst into laughter at a considerable volume.

"He composed music as soon as he started learning music? And he even had the audacity to show it to Mr. Chopin? Typical Russian, so reckless!"

"Hahaha, I must tell everyone what happened today. Could it be that he felt he lost face because of what happened earlier, which is why he acted this way?"

"Forgive my bluntness, but this choice seems rather unwise. Has this young man been completely blinded by his previous success?"

"I feel sorry for him now. How unwilling must he be to come up with such an idea? I have never seen Mr. Chopin scold someone before. I suppose I will see it today."

"How pitiful. I'll go and comfort this heartbroken young man later."

"Sylvie, how do you plan to comfort him? It's not what I'm thinking, is it?"

Just as people were joking about it, the voices and laughter gradually subsided. When everyone looked at Chopin, they naturally noticed the change in his expression.

When Chopin first picked up the sheet music, he was undoubtedly somewhat casual and indifferent, but when he actually looked at the sheet music, he suddenly felt a little dazzled.

Dense notes, wild chords spanning a wide range, and complex accompaniment textures.
If one weren't a professional, they would probably think this was just random scribbling. Even so, Chopin remained astonished, muttering to himself, "This is impossible. The range of these chords... only giants and machines could play them. Even Liszt probably couldn't."

After overcoming the initial shock, when Chopin truly began to examine the music itself, he unconsciously started tapping his fingers silently on the table, as if he were sensing something.

When his gaze finally fell upon that melodious, expansive, and melancholic tune, Chopin, who finally felt a familiar feeling, became completely excited. Just as he was about to read a few more lines and then express his admiration,
Gone!

chopin:"???"

"What about the rest of the sheet music?!"

Chopin's slender hand seemed to suddenly unleash tremendous strength as he grabbed Mikhail and asked urgently, "Where are the rest of the scores? Give them to me quickly!"

"He only gave me this part of the score."

Mikhail said with some regret, "Maybe it's because I didn't finish writing it, maybe it's because I lack confidence, or maybe it's because I'm shy. In any case, I don't know what the rest of the score is."

chopin:"."

As Chopin sat stunned in his chair, reeling from the shock, no one else in the room uttered a sound. Undoubtedly, they too had noticed the change in Chopin's expression and his earlier urgency. As a result, the salon was deathly silent, and even the servants stood frozen in place, bewildered by the scene.

Sensing the deathly silence, Turgenev thought: "???"

I should reflect on whether I made some of my statements too definitively.

What is there to reflect on?!

Sukabule!!
Attached:
The pianist who signed his name as CP is the most mysterious composer in Russian history. His true identity has been the subject of much speculation. But as the great Mikhail Romanovich Raskolnikov said of his classic character Sherlock Holmes: "When you have eliminated all the seemingly impossible, what remains, however improbable, must be the truth."

Therefore, although the most likely guess still seems incredible and even shocking to countless people, and many people are still doubting and verifying this guess, according to the memoirs of Turgenev, the writer who was closest to Mikhail, and all other relevant evidence, everything seems to point to the true identity of this rare but great composer, namely the immortal Mikhail Romanovich Raskolnikov!

His love for music is world-renowned, and his protection and support for the music industry is evident to all. Even in the most difficult times, he still protected a group of outstanding musicians with his unparalleled prestige.
According to records, the first piece of music he presented publicly was...
Although this statement may provoke countless objections from people in various regions and fields, we still have to say that Mikhail should dedicate himself to music. If he can focus on this, the music world will surely witness more immortal miracles because of him. In the end, all glory will belong to the immortal Mikhail Romanovich Raskolnikov!

—A Glimpse into a Century of Russian Music

(End of this chapter)