The Magic Violin
The Gift of Music
A long time ago, there lived a young man who was a wonderful musician. From an early age, he dedicated his life to music, and now, when he played his violin, the melodies were so beautiful that everyone stopped to listen. They declared it the sweetest music they had ever heard, yet the young musician remained unsatisfied.
“I want a violin that will make the most beautiful music in the world,” he said. Determined, he searched tirelessly, trying one violin after another, but he could not find the perfect instrument. Each one had its faults—there was always something wrong.
A Teacher’s Gift
One day, while his old music master lay dying, he called the young musician to his bedside. “I have taught you all I can,” he said. “I can teach you no more, and now I am dying. I have one more thing to give you. In that cupboard, you will find a violin in a case. Take it; it is yours. On it, you will play the most wonderful music ever heard.”
Upon finding the violin and taking it out of the case, the young man was thrilled. It was perfectly made. “Take it,” said his teacher. “It will make you rich and famous.”
The Sweetest Sounds
When the young musician arrived home, he began to play his new violin. True to his teacher’s words, the sound was the sweetest he had ever heard. Each time he played, his music grew lovelier. He could hardly stop, enchanted by the beauty pouring from the instrument.
As his fame spread, people came from far and wide to hear him play. One day, while idly creating new melodies, he unexpectedly struck a tune he had never heard before. The music was so wonderful that he wished to continue, feeling as though it flowed directly from the violin.
A Magical Encounter
As he played, something astonishing happened: a glittering golden staircase began to unfold before his eyes. It grew longer with each note until it vanished into the clouds. From the violin stepped a beautiful girl, who began to climb the staircase. The young musician was so surprised that he stopped playing.
“Do not stop playing,” she pleaded. “I create the sweet sound of your violin. I have been imprisoned in this violin for years. If you play the melody to the end, it will build a bridge for me to return to my family and friends. I have waited so long for a musician to play this melody—please release me.”
Astounded, the musician asked, “What would happen to the sweet sound of my violin if I let you go?”
The Price of Freedom
“You would lose it. It would be just an ordinary violin again, but I would be free,” replied the girl.
<p“No,” said the musician, throwing down his bow. “I will not let you go. You must stay here and make more wonderful music for me.” As he tossed down the bow, the golden staircase and the lovely girl vanished.
Despite his success, the young man often played the haunting melody that built the golden staircase. Each time, as he neared the end, the girl climbed but was forced to retreat. She always wore the same pleading expression, imploring him to let her return to her people.
The Royal Invitation
One day, he received an invitation to perform for the king and the court. The young musician was thrilled and prepared meticulously for the occasion, choosing music that would impress the most esteemed audience yet. With his new suit in hand and his cherished violin close, he set out for the royal palace.
Upon reaching the splendid palace surrounded by beautiful gardens and singing birds, he felt a sense of awe. Carefully, he dressed for the concert, wanting to make a lasting impression on the king and his court.
The Concert
As the concert began, the audience listened in rapture. The king, who had assembled the best musicians of the day, was captivated. He vowed that he had never heard music like this and offered the young musician anything he desired to stay and perform at the palace.
The musician played the most intricate pieces flawlessly, and with each performance, the applause grew deafening. Then, he announced, “I shall end with a piece of music never heard before.” He picked up his bow and began to play the melody. Only he could see the golden staircase and the beautiful girl climbing each step.
A Heartbreaking Choice
As the music neared its conclusion, he hesitated before playing the last note. The girl, reaching for the final step, turned her face toward him, imploring him to let her go home. After a brief pause, the musician played the final note, which he had never played before.
The king and the courtiers gasped in horror as the young musician fell to the floor, lifeless. They saw nothing of the staircase or the girl reaching the top, holding out her hand to him. At that moment, the musician threw down his violin and rushed after her, ascending the golden steps to join her in her beautiful land at the top of the staircase.