Arthur

A seven-year-old boy is seated at the piano he is playing Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C major for his piano teacher, his piano teacher is a middle-aged woman with kind temperament, her name is Olga Eva.

Olga - Arthur you can stop now, your mother is here, but remember to practice your scales. Maria, may I have a word with you in private, Arthur is an exceptionally talented young boy, his talent will be well placed in the hands of someone that can guide his piano playing.

Maria – We’ve always been very happy with your piano lesson; I don’t see why we should fix what’s not broken.

Olga – I appreciate your confidence in me, Arthur will continue his lessons with me here, but I also suggest he auditions for the Royal College of music for gifted children, if he is accepted, he will attend weekend classes.

Maria – I had no idea he was that talented, how about expenses.

Olga – Don’t worry, if the audition goes well, they will offer Arthur a Scholarship.

Maria – I see, I will discuss it first with my husband, I’ll let you know next week of our decision.

Olga – Please think carefully about it, with the right guidance Arthur could be one of the great pianists.

Maria – He’s just a boy.

Olga – I know, but there aren’t many boys with his ability, he has already learnt several Bach’s prelude and fugue, he plays as well as the older kids, some are sixteen years of age.

Maria – I understand, I will speak to Arthur and my husband this evening, here is the fee for today’s piano lesson. Arthur, come on now, we must leave, don’t forget your music books.

Arthur is a quiet child, an only child, he is shy and speaks very little, rarely looks at anyone in the eye, he seems to be introverted and spends most of his time reading. He has few friends, but the friends he has, he likes to play football with.

Scene change, Arthur is seated in the bedroom of his family house, Arthurs parents are having a conversation in the living over tea.

Maria – Darling I spoke to Olga today she thinks Arthur should audition for a place at the Royal College of music.

Edward – You know we can’t afford the tuition fee they will ask for; we can barely afford his piano tuition fees with Olga.

Maria – Well Olga believes if Arthur plays well, they will provide him with a scholarship, if he gets through, he will attend weekend classes.

Edward – I don’t know, isn’t Arthur a little too young, shouldn’t we wait until he’s a little older.

Maria – Well that’s the point it’s for gifted children, the offer is open to children like Arthur, the offer ends once they are teenagers.

Edward – Ok, but we’re not paying. Arthur, can you come downstairs we need to talk to you.

Maria – Arthur we’ve decided that you should audition for the place at the Royal College of music, Olga is very confident that they will welcome you with open arms.

Arthur – Is it far away, will I have to leave home.

Maria – Not at all, I will take you there Saturday and Sunday mornings and bring you back in the evenings.

Arthur – What about my game of football at the club.

Maria – Arthur you can still play football at school.

Arthur – But not at the club.

Maria – Not if you get into the music college.

Arthur appears upset by the prospect of missing out on his favourite activity.

Scene change, Arthur is at his weekend football club, he’s on the field.

Football coach – What is the matter Arthur you look unhappy.

Arthur – I’m fine.

Football coach – Well keep your eye on the ball, your team is down to three to one.

Harry – Over here.

Referee – offside.

Harry – Hey that’s not fair are you blind.

Referee – watch your mouth son.

Harry – Arthur you’re too slow.

Arthur – Don’t blame you’re the one that went offside.

Football coach – Arthur keep your eye on the ball.

Edwin – You cover number 12; he’s planned to score.

Arthur – Edwin you were meant to be on the defence line.

Harry – Pass the ball Arthur.

The referee blows the whistle the game is over, Arthur loses the match.

Football coach – Ok boys make your way back, I want uniform and boots in the wash basket, Arthur can I have a word with you.

Arthur – Sure.

Football coach – I’ve spoken to your mother she tells me you have an important audition coming up.

Arthur – Yes, I do.

Football coach – Well good luck, but it might affect your football training.

Arthur – I know, I have no choice.

Football coach – Don’t worry about it.

Arthur’s mother arrives at the school and drives him back home.

Maria – How was it, did you have a good time.

Arthur – Sort of, we lost, mum did you tell Paul about the audition.

Maria – I did.

Arthur – I haven’t got in the music school yet.

Maria – Olga thinks you’re guaranteed a place.

Arthur – I must practice for it.

Maria- I’ve called the piano tuner, the piano is waiting for you, but you must do your homework first.

Scene change, Arthur is back at his piano lesson with Olga, she has a letter in her hand,

Olga – I have good news, we have the audition next month, that gives is three weeks to prepare.

Arthur – Will that be enough.

Olga – We must choose three pieces of music, which I have already chosen for you, you’ll start with Mozart’s fantasy in D minor, Chopin’s waltz in D flat major and finally, Debussy’s Arabesque in E major, I know you can play them well enough.

Arthur – Do you think I’m ready.

Olga – You will be in three weeks’ time, lets start with the Mozart, remember not too much rubato, keep the pulse.

Arthur proceeds playing the Mozart, Olga listen’s carefully making suggestions here and there, she is strict but very encouraging.

Scene change, Arthur is at the dinner table with his parents.

Edward – Eat your food, Arthur.

Maria – Arthur I spoke to Olga yesterday; she says you’re for your audition tomorrow.

Arthur – I know, I can’t wait.

Edward – Well done Arthur I’m proud of you, but you mustn’t neglect your schoolwork.

Maria – You’ll be fine, we must arrive at the college ten A.M junior grades start in the morning, don’t forget to pack your bag tonight, we must be out of here by nine A.M.

Scene change, it’s the day of the audition, Arthur is seated with his mother in the waiting room, he appears relaxed, reading through the music notes. From the waiting room music is head being performed for the audition, a child is performing Beethoven’s adagio from the grand Pathetique sonata. The music comes to an end, a young child walks out and an elderly woman asks Arthur to enter the audition room, there is a grand piano and three professors seated at a table. Arthur is asked to take a seat at the piano and call out what he is about to perform.

Arthur – Today I will be performing, Mozart Fantasy, Chopin’s waltz and Debussy.

The Pannal of judges seems uninterested, a little board, a routine which they must sit through, the judges are seen writing on bits of paper talking amongst themselves. As Arthur begins playing the piano, they continue to show little interest, Arthur closes his eyes and begins to express himself at the piano. At this point, the judges stop talking and begin to pay attention, they are visibly moved by Arthurs piano playing. Arthur completes his piano audition and remains seated at the piano.

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