Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 252 Who is Better?

Hattie's zither performances are undeniably enjoyable.

Nonetheless, as previously noted by Darwin, her playing lacks a sense of connection between herself and the music. Her emphasis seems to be solely on demonstrating her technical prowess, resulting in a noticeable absence of emotion. A zither piece without emotion is dry.

The technique is crucial, but achieving top-tier musical tones also requires time for maturation and refinement. Many aspects are perceptible to listeners attuned to music.

The music concluded.

Darwin applauded, "Well done, Miss. Your dedication to zither practice is evident. Yet, I can only award you eight points."

Hattie's expression darkened, her gaze intense.

"Why?" she inquired.

Darwin responded, "I've already explained my reasons earlier. I prefer not to repeat myself."

"Violeta, please."

While Hattie was performing on the zither moments ago, Violeta had already applied her finger picks.

She offered the owner a slight smile, saying, "Okay."

Then, she cast her eyes down to the strings, mentally tracing the musical score. Her initial notes mirrored Hattie's exactly.

However, as the piece progressed into its middle section, distinctions began to emerge.

Hattie's rendition of "Beyond the Ridge" lacked depth in its complex emotional shifts.

However, Violeta's performance highlighted the emotional changes within the music and contrasts in dynamics when plucking the strings.

As Darwin listened, his satisfaction grew steadily.

The primary distinction between Violeta and Hattie lies herein.

impeccable skills, the divergence

gazed at Violeta with growing admiration, while Hattie struggled to discern

ability to play the zither. However, apart from that, she didn't find

The music concluded.

enthusiastically clapped beside them,

your performance

deep understanding of this piece. It's

Hattie was taken aback.

from her chair and exclaimed, "Why? Where do Violeta and I differ in the completeness

Darwin sighed, "Emotion."

continued, "When Violeta plays, the piece showcases emotional changes and stark contrasts in string plucking. Hattie, that's where the gap lies between you two."

Indeed, she was perplexed.

between her and Violeta was decades

years to mastering the zither, so had Violeta. The distinction lay in the amount of time Violeta had invested, not less than Hattie. Music, like people, requires accumulation. Hattie was

a perfect ten

points, whereas Violeta

her higher score compared to Violeta, Hattie chose not to contest

it. Could Violeta really

flip through the music

"Next song, 'Dahlia Lullaby""

insisted, "Let me

"Sure."

She began to play.

Lullaby" painted a picture of graceful and vibrant dahlia flowers swaying in the

still earned a perfect

concluded, the onlookers joined

"Amazing performance!"

"Indeed, so bea

in playing

satisfaction upon hearing the

quick look