Chapter 9

009. First Commission

Film music.

I had vaguely thought this field would be similar to opera.

I felt it was quite similar in that it had to satisfy both the visual and auditory senses simultaneously.

However, today I noticed a crucial difference.

Where the emphasis lies.

That was different.

Opera is, after all, a stage for singing.

The elaborate costumes and stage were ultimately devices to make the singing stand out even more.

In contrast, film leans more heavily on visuals. Music felt like an added bonus.

Of course, that doesn't mean music is less important in films. On the contrary, it's even more important.

Film music can fill in for an actor's lackluster performance, make a weak story more dramatic, and sometimes even have a greater impact than a billion-dollar CG.

"I was already keeping an eye on it..."

Film is a pretty good medium for people to hear music.

The fact that it comes with visuals is also appealing, and most importantly, film music and classical music are closely related, making it the perfect genre for me, who only knows classical music.

As I thought this, my heart began to beat rapidly. Just the act of composing a piece is so joyful, so how exhilarating would it be to have an audience to listen to my music?

With such thoughts, my anticipation began to soar.

Of course, for that to happen...

Arrangement. That's what needs to come first.

It's essential to turn the rough sketches on the staff paper into polished gems.

I can't just show an unfinished piece.

Then, what's needed for the arrangement?

With the materials prepared, I need to decide what to make.

Even though the piano is called a "small orchestra," it can't fill a film score with just piano sounds.

To create the most suitable instrumental arrangement, I need to broaden my options.

I don't need to know how to play every instrument...

'Of course, the more I can handle, the better.'

The higher my understanding of instruments, the better the quality of the arrangement, naturally.

Come to think of it, 'that guy' learned the violin before composing a concerto.

Ah, he didn't learn it. He taught himself.

I can still picture his characteristic casual tone when he said the violin was no big deal.

Of course, I can't believe everything he says.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. That monstrous guy.

"Still, it might be good to learn at least one string instrument..."

After a moment's thought, I concluded that the violin would be best.

As a string instrument, it's like a vocal in the ensemble, so just creating a violin line would make the rest relatively easy.

I don't need to be as good as Wolfgang.

Even a basic level would definitely help with composition and arrangement.

With that short deliberation over, I stood up from my seat.

I had made up my mind, but there was still one final hurdle.

"I need to get permission."

17 years old.

At this age, my parents' permission is still absolute.

#

I stepped into the hallway and turned left.

First, I saw the darkened break room. Behind it, a light was leaking out.

It was the direction of the office.

I approached the office.

When I pulled the door handle, I saw my father sitting at his desk, wrestling with a pile of papers under a single lamp.

I used to not think much about my father, who was buried in work, but now that I've come inside the company, I can't help but think he's pretty cool.

"Dad."

As I pushed the door open and called out, my father looked up. He chuckled and checked his watch, slightly surprised.

"Oh, it's already 9 PM. Should we go now?"

"No, no. You can keep working."

"No, I was just about to check this and go home."

He put down the paper he was looking at, leaned back in his chair, and smiled as I approached.

"So, how was it? How was today?"

"It was fun. In many ways."

Just thinking about it makes my lips curl up naturally.

I continued, addressing my chuckling father.

"I didn't know you did this kind of work... It's pretty cool."

This time, his smile was ear-to-ear. "Is that so?" he muttered. Good, the atmosphere is good. Now, should I ask for permission?

As I was organizing my thoughts, my father, who had been smiling contentedly, suddenly asked.

"By the way, if you're not here to tell me to go home, what brings you here? You seemed like you had something to say today?"

"Um, is it that obvious?"

"Of course. You never come around here unless you're worried about disturbing my work. So, what is it? Tell me."

My father looked at me curiously.

The stage is set. I erased all the eloquent words that had come to mind and got straight to the point.

"I want to learn the violin."

My father seemed a bit surprised by the sudden request.

"Was today's performance that impressive?"

"That's part of it..."

It's not a lie.

In the recording studio, the sight of the string players drawing their bows in unison is still vivid. It was a performance that could rival any violinist in my memory as Brunner.

Especially the texture of the sound produced by Shin Su-ah was special. If I were still Brunner, I would have hinted at calling up Il Perso to sponsor her.

But that's not why I want to learn the violin.

"It will help with arrangement."

In short, it's a study for composition.

My father nodded, saying, "Indeed, learning strings can significantly impact orchestration."

After a moment's thought, he said to me,

"If you only want to learn to the level needed for arrangement... How about one of the performers who came today? Su-ah is the most skilled, but she doesn't give private lessons for some reason. Jun-seo. Jun-seo is probably still giving lessons. Do you remember him?"

"Yes, the one who talked the most."

"Right."

My father laughed heartily.

I laughed along and added, "He's pretty good too."

It was sincere.

Compared to Shin Su-ah, his sound was less colorful, but it was perfect for second violin. He built harmonies delicately enough to not clash with Shin Su-ah, setting the stage for her to freely change the colors.

"You're right, Jun-seo is good. He has a charm that fits anywhere. That's why he's the most sought-after. That's why they say performance follows personality."

My father, nodding in agreement, said to me,

"Then I'll give him a call."

"Thank you!"

"Ah, and Seo-ho."

As I clenched my fist in joy at getting permission, my father called me over with a meaningful look.

"You said you found film music interesting?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Do you plan to continue in composition?"

I nodded immediately.

Of course. That's why I quit piano and left the Arts Center.

I plan to create my own music. Without being confined to a genre, in the direction I want.

And film music seems like a great start.

As I thought this, my father handed me something he found in the pile of papers on his desk.

"Would you like to try this?"

I took the paper, a bit surprised. It was a music production request form.

"It's an OST request for a music film. They need a piece made in advance because they have to film a performance scene."

As I flipped through the pages, the names of the production company, the CEO, and the director appeared. At the bottom, the film's title caught my eye.

'Yunzart?'

...Is it a name derived from Mozart?

While I was puzzled by the unique title, my father continued.

"I'm not asking you to take it on, but I thought it would be helpful for you to practice. The background of the film is written at the top, and below that, you'll find what kind of piece they need."

I looked down as my father said.

Below the description of the film's background, a brief concept of the required piece was written.

So...

"A piano piece composed by the genius protagonist."

You want me to create this?

#

Arts Center.

Professor Seo Mi-ock, a violin instructor, served warm tea in her room. She handed the steaming cup to her old student, who had come to visit after a long time.

"Thank you."

As Shin Su-ah took the cup, Professor Seo smiled and said,

"I was wondering how you were doing, so I called. Well, you're the least of my worries, but still."

Shin Su-ah nodded with a small smile.

"I'm doing well."

"I heard you're on hiatus from school and working as a session musician."

"Ah, yes."

As Professor Seo watched Shin Su-ah sip her tea, she asked,

"Was it Han yesterday who recorded at the company?"

"Do you know Han CEO?"

"Of course. Most of my students work as session musicians there."

Professor Seo's smile was tinged with a hint of bitterness.

In fact, it wasn't just her students; it was a trend in the classical music industry.

Most classical music majors eventually end up in film music.

Perhaps it was inevitable.

As classical music becomes more niche and exclusive, film music is almost the only way for talented but not exceptionally gifted musicians to make a living.

Of course, there are those who, despite their talent and dreams in classical music, end up working as session musicians out of necessity. Shin Su-ah was one of them.

Professor Seo found this deeply regrettable but didn't show it.

She's a proud kid...

As Professor Seo moistened her lips, a thought suddenly came to her.

"By the way, his son used to study here for a few years. Under Professor Yun."

"Professor Yun Seok-ho?"

Shin Su-ah's eyes widened.

Professor Yun Seok-ho, a piano instructor, was known for being extremely strict, even to a violin major like herself. He was also highly skilled.

"I heard he quit."

"Right. I heard the piano professors gossiping a few times. It seems he never participated in a competition. He probably lacked talent."

Shin Su-ah frowned at Professor Seo's words.

"That's a bit strange."

"Huh? Why?"

Shin Su-ah, fidgeting with her teacup, recounted the events of yesterday. Briefly but thoroughly.

Professor Seo's eyes sparkled as she listened.

She often said she enjoyed listening to others' stories, so it was natural. Besides, it was a story about a student Professor Yun rarely mentioned.

Finally, when Shin Su-ah finished, Professor Seo looked intrigued.

"That is strange. Your judgment can't be wrong, and it's even stranger for such a talented person to never participate in a competition."

"He was really skilled. It's hard to believe he's a high school student."

"Is that so..."

Shin Su-ah's story made Professor Seo think deeply. She lightly tapped her desk.

"Could it be... that?"

Making eye contact with Shin Su-ah, Professor Seo added,

"When I was in Germany, I saw a few similar cases. Talented kids whose temperament didn't match their talent."

"Temperament?"

Shin Su-ah looked puzzled, and Professor Seo explained,

"To put it simply, stage fright."

"..."

"There are kids who do well in one-on-one exams with professors or small recitals, but freeze on big stages."

Shin Su-ah's expression was blank. Sensing her disbelief, Professor Seo continued,

"There were quite a few such kids. Some would freeze so badly before a performance that they couldn't move at all. They couldn't participate in any competitions or performances. They tried everything, even changing majors, but it never worked. No matter how desperately they wanted to, it just didn't work..."

#

"What a perfect day for a performance~."

The banner on the street lamp fluttered.

<Cherry Blossom Concert>

I smiled faintly as I read the brush-written text on the background with its subtle colors.

I suddenly envied the performers at that concert.

It's not a competitive or exam-like setting like a competition.

Yesterday's recording was so enjoyable, so how exhilarating would it be to perform live, breathing with the audience?

And if it were a piece I composed?

Just imagining it feels good.

I've heard that famous film soundtracks sometimes have their own concerts. Could I get such an opportunity?

Feeling naturally energized by these pleasant thoughts,

'I can do it.'

I can't remember the last time I had such a thought. Or did I ever?

Not just being optimistic, but genuinely thinking something is 'worth trying.'

"It was good."

As I walked lightly toward the school gate, someone shouted loudly from ahead.

It sounded like they were calling a friend, and all the kids around turned to see who it was.

The person being called must be embarrassed.

They could just come over without shouting, but...

"Seo-ho Han! Have you seen the new teaser for Spica's song?"

"..."

Is there another Seo-ho Han?

Especially not among the chubby friends of Lee Ho-ik over there.

...Should I pretend not to hear?

The decision was quick.

'I can do it.'