The Legend of The Enchanted Violin
Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Vincenza, Italy, lived a gifted craftsman named Antonio. Antonio was famous for his violins, which had the magical ability to produce the most melodious sound anyone had ever heard. All across Italy, musicians vied to own an Antonius Stradivarius Viola as was inscribed on every violin crafted by Antonio.
However, rumor had it that it was not just Antonio's skill that created such melodious violins but also a magical secret that was passed down to him by his ancestors. The secret was a special song, sung only once to each violin when the work was nearly done. The song was supposed to enchant the violin and give it the power to produce the most beautiful sound.
Antonio had a son, Giuseppe, who had the same passion for crafting violins as his father. From a young age, Giuseppe followed his father around, learning every detail of violin-making, from choosing the right kind of wood to applying the perfect amount of pressure while sculpting it. He was, however, not privy to his father's enchanting song.
One fateful day, Antonio fell gravely ill. On his deathbed, he decided to reveal his secret to Giuseppe. He sang the enchanting melody to him and taught him every note, every inflection until Giuseppe knew it by heart. He made him promise to keep it a secret, to use it only when creating violins, and to pass it down only when absolutely necessary.
After Antonio's death, the weight of his father's legacy hung heavy on Giuseppe's shoulders. He meticulously crafted violins maintaining the same grace and artistry as his father, and each finished instrument heard the enchanting song from his lips. Miraculously, they produced the same soul-stirring, breathtaking music, and Giuseppe's violins were just as sought after as his father's.
Giuseppe's fame spread far and wide, reaching the ornate courts of the King of Naples. Intrigued by tales of the enchanted violin, the king invited Giuseppe to perform at his court. The court was filled with anticipation as Giuseppe came onto the grand stage holding one of his magical violins. The hauntingly beautiful melody he played engulfed the room, leaving everyone transfixed with its ethereal quality. The applause that followed was thunderous; the King was captivated.
Seeing the immense popularity and the power of the music, a wicked courtier, jealous of Giuseppe's success, decided to uncover his secret. The courtier managed to sequester Giuseppe's violin and discovered the inscription: 'Made by the hands of Giuseppe Stradivarius and enchanted by the song of his ancestors.' The courtier soon realized that it wasn't the violin that was magical but the song that enchanted it.
The courtier, in a fit of rage and envy, kidnapped Giuseppe, forcing him to reveal the secret melody. Giuseppe, faithful to his promise to his father, refused to sing the enchanting melody. The courtier locked Giuseppe away and seized all his violins, hoping he would succumb and share the secret.
Day by day, Giuseppe grew frail; but his spirit remained unbroken. Late one night, in the confines of his dark cell, Giuseppe sang the song, not to a violin but to the cold, harsh wind. The wind carried the enchanting melody across the city till it reached the King's court. The haunting tune mesmerized everyone, causing a peaceful slumber to descend upon them.
In this peacefully enchanted state, the courtier dropped the keys to Giuseppe's cell. A loyal servant of the King, who had remained unaffected by the power of the song, picked the keys and rushed to free Giuseppe.
The King, upon waking, learned of the courtier's misdeeds. He banished the wicked courtier and honoured Giuseppe for his remarkable bravery and loyalty to his father's memory. From that day forward, Giuseppe continued crafting his invaluable violins, enchanting each one with the secret melody and ensuring that the legacy of Antonio's magic lived on for generations to come.