Chapter 96 Another Identity Revealed
Was Amelia seriously playing a reversed and adapted version of Rosy's famous piece, "Daylight Fireworks"?
Given that it was reversed and adapted, it was nearly impossible to recognize the original melody at first. But as soon as Thea pointed it out, everyone remembered and realized it was true!
The four-part arrangement, the similar war theme, the progressively intense emotional melody, the level of composition that could only be described as a masterpiece—this was unmistakably Rosy's "Daylight Fireworks."
Rosy's "Daylight Fireworks" was renowned worldwide. When it was first released as a special track on Osborne's new album, it took the world by storm. Despite Rosy's low-key and mysterious persona, no one could uncover Rosy's true identity, despite the efforts of countless skilled netizens.
But not knowing who Rosy really was didn't stop "Daylight Fireworks" from being hailed as a divine piece of music. It was even included in the Celestria piano grade ten exam pieces, making it a must-listen, must-learn, and must-practice for all piano students.
Is Amelia out of her mind? If you can't compose an original piece and resort to reversing and adapting someone else's, at least choose something less famous! Using Rosy's piece for a competition? Even if no one noticed during the performance, it would surely be exposed afterward. This was just asking for trouble!
No matter how skilled you are, no matter how impressive the performance, claiming someone else's reversed and adapted piece as your own original work is an unforgivable offense. Rosy has fans all over the world—Amelia would be torn apart!
Rachel was stunned by this unexpected twist. She had wondered why Amelia would change her piece last minute. Did she have another original piece prepared? It turned out she used Rosy's music for the competition! This was fantastic news for Rachel. Amelia would not only be disqualified but also face global backlash, and Rachel would reclaim her first place in the piano competition. It felt like divine intervention!
The audience was in an uproar, and the live stream chat was flooded with furious Rosy fans. Gabriel was equally shocked, unprepared for such a sudden turn of events. The other contestants on stage looked at Amelia with disdain, and if they weren't on camera, they might have openly insulted her. Thea was especially indignant.
No matter how stunning your performance was, breaking the rules is breaking the rules. He might not win first place, but second place was definitely his!
Gabriel quickly regained composure and took a deep breath. Tentatively, she asked, "Contestant number 18, is what contestant number 13 said true?"
This dramatic scene was sure to be remembered in the history of the Celestria piano competition. The room fell silent, all eyes on Amelia, waiting for her response.
Amelia paused, then admitted, "He's right. 'On the Wasteland' is indeed a reversed and adapted version of 'Daylight Fireworks.'"
Amelia admitted it! On stage, in front of the audience and the live stream viewers from around the world, she confessed that she had played Rosy's piece!
The crowd erupted into chaos, with some already shouting for Amelia to get off the stage. But Amelia continued, "Hold on, I didn't break any rules."
"The rules only state that the piece performed must be composed by the contestant, whether it's written previously or recently, and regardless of whether it has been publicly released."
"'Daylight Fireworks' is my composition, and the copyright belongs to me. Whether I perform 'Daylight Fireworks' directly or create a new piece inspired by it, like 'On the Wasteland,' both are my original works."
What? Everyone was stunned. What was Amelia saying? She claimed that "Daylight Fireworks" was her composition? But it was Rosy's!
Then it clicked for some. Could Amelia be saying that she is Rosy?
The entire audience, the live stream viewers, the judges, even Thea, who had accused her, were all dumbfounded.
Thea's eyes widened more than ever before, lips trembling as he stammered, "You... you can't mean to say that you are Rosy?"
Thea was a devoted fan of Rosy. From the first time he heard "Daylight Fireworks," he was deeply moved by its grandeur and depth. He had always wondered who could create such a masterpiece. Rosy's mystery only fueled his curiosity.
The speculation about Rosy's identity had always leaned towards an older, experienced male pianist, possibly a war survivor. But now, standing on stage was Amelia, a teenager in a school uniform. How could this be?
If Amelia truly was Rosy, her admission would send shockwaves through the music world.
Everyone awaited Amelia's answer. She looked at Thea calmly and said, "I am indeed Rosy."
The entire room gasped.
"A year ago, I composed 'Daylight Fireworks' after witnessing a country ravaged by war, with countless civilians struggling to survive under relentless attacks. I hoped the piece would give them strength to persevere and that peace would come soon."
Thea's lips trembled again, staring at Amelia in disbelief.
"Today, I composed 'On the Wasteland' because that country is now in post-war reconstruction, and it reminded me of our own Celestria's history. We too have endured war and scars that time cannot erase. But we never succumbed; we rose and thrived, achieving our current standing."
"But my message is not just about war. As Romain Rolland said, 'There is only one heroism in the world: to see the world as it is and to love it.'"
"Natural disasters, human suffering, exploitation, the darkness of human nature, war... In 'On the Wasteland,' I wanted to convey the determination and courage to face adversity, even in the most desperate situations."
Amelia's words were deeply moving. "On the Wasteland" indeed inspired hope and resilience, more so than "Daylight Fireworks."
"You really are Rosy," Thea whispered, almost in a daze. He couldn't believe that his idol, someone he revered, was a teenager. He, who had played piano for over thirty years, couldn't match a sixteen-year-old.
Then Rachel stood up, furious. "You say you're Rosy, and we're just supposed to believe you? Rosy is so low-key and mysterious; she wouldn't come out to dispute your claim. You think you can just say whatever you want?"