Hand of a Hero
In a small house in Paris, France, there is a man sitting on his piano stool, looking and listening very mindfully for more inspiration. He looks under a pile of old books, listens to the sounds of the crickets chirping, and watches the sunset that glows like a million stars. Still, no inspiration, no music. With nothing in his mind, he decides to play what he has so far. He starts to play the song, the gentle song.
His fingers touch the piano so gracefully, it’s like they are dancing. Finishing up the song that is not yet completed, he makes some corrections to the music but then he makes more corrections. And again, more and more until the entire page is covered in black ink, all smeared and messy. He crumples up the paper and grabs a new one. This time it needs more spirit, he thought.
Again, he starts to compose a beautiful melody. Writing the notes and playing at the same time, it still didn’t sound fitting enough. Maybe more inspiration is needed.
He goes to the kitchen and greets his wife with a sweet smile. It feels like he hasn’t been out of his study in days. Out the door he goes and once again, looks around and listens. The sky is pitch black and the only things illuminating the heavens are the stars and a crescent moon. It is a very gusty night and he can hear the wind whistling like a train conductor would. The smell of the crisp, Fall air brings a renewed sense of being gratefully alive.
When he goes back inside, he realizes something. He needs to look at a different angle. He needs to listen deeper. That’s when it hits him. He hums a tune that is very soft and gentle, but at the same time, excitable and strong. He immediately runs to his room, picks up the quill and dips it in ink, still humming the tune. On the page, there are no scribbles or mistakes. He plays it. The sound is even more calming than he expected it to be and it is very pleasing to hear. He loves it.
His music inspires us all and gives us a good gentle feeling just like his music sounds.
Even though he died young, he will be remembered as the great musician that was inspired.
Who is he? Frederic Chopin.