Epilog

It was nightfall and the guests continued to gather in the garden.  In the yawning panorama of brilliant starlight above, the huge and beautiful Nebula of the Bahia gradually rose above the horizon to display itself in rich hues of violet, red, and blue-white.  The moons had risen also and illuminated the world beneath with their silvery-blue light.  The guests greeted each other cordially and accepted the delicious morsels of delicate sweet cakes and goblets of light sweet white wine from the servants slowly making their way through the crowd.  In the distance—off along the westerly approaches of the magnificent estate, the Master stood admiring the Cosmos that is so much a statement of His miraculous skill. His hands clasped behind his back—smiling on Creation—he looked back on his children and it made Him very happy.

He turned and began a slow walk toward his guests and, upon His approach, sought out one in particular.  “Antonio!” The Master said in a low sweet affectionate tone.  “Will you play for me tonight?”

“Master!”  The Maestro replied instructively.  “You know that I love you!  I will play for you whenever you wish!  But, tonight, there are others here.  Johann is over there; see him?  And there—over there is Wolfgang—and Ludwig.  Do you see?  And here…here is your adoring son Glen.”  Antonio said as he put his arm around the fellow next to him in an embrace of brotherhood.  “Might not my brothers be somewhat offended of your insistence that I play tonight?”

“We would not!” Glen volunteered.  “Your music is so beautiful, Antonio!”

The Master smiled and let out a good natured laugh extending his arms around Antonio and Glen who followed him as He walked toward the stage at the center of the garden. “Your brothers love you just as I love you, Antonio!”  He asserted.  “Look at the night!  This night begs for the intoxicating melodies and hypnotic rhythm of your finest compositions.  Here! Look around you at all of the young souls; their eyes alive with romance…ah!  Antonio, play for me!  Sweep them away upon their journey with songs of love and devotion.”  The Master looked at him with His beautiful eyes—eyes that pleaded with the great composer:  “Antonio, please!  Play for me!”

The Maestro nodded his head and let out a low quiet laugh brought on by his modest demeanor at having been given such an honor.  “Very well then, my beloved,” he replied.  “Glen, will you play the trombone for me?”  He asked the man beside him.

“I’d be delighted!” Glen answered.

“See if you can get Claus to come over here and put the orchestra together, will you?” Antonio asked Glen again.

“Yes.  I’ll take care of that.”  Glen answered and he left to address the request.

Antonio waited patiently for his fellow musicians to assemble.  He felt somewhat awkward and smiled at the Master.

The Master asked: “Where is your apprentice, Martin?  Do you think that he will dazzle us with his guitar tonight?”

“Oh absolutely, my beloved, he loves to play.  I’ll go and fetch him for you.”  Antonio replied and he left his Master’s side to find his young apprentice.  He found Martin engaged in an intense discussion of chromatic chords with his teacher Juao.  “Juao!” Antonio called out.

“Ah, Antonio!” Juao replied seeing the Maestro’s approach.  “What can I do for you dear friend?”

“I need you and my apprentice here to play in a rendition of Triste I plan to perform for the Master tonight.”  The Maestro replied.  Martin’s eyes lit up and he became excited.

“You are asking me to play for the Master, Maestro?”  Martin asked his expression one of disbelief.

“Yes but, more than that, He is asking for you as well!” The Maestro replied with satisfaction patting his young apprentice gently on his shoulder.

“Now you’ve gone and done it, Antonio!”  Juao exclaimed.  “He’s all nervous—look at him!  Don’t become nervous, boy!”

Uncle Claus came by at the head of an entourage of musicians—violinists, brass, reed instruments, percussion.  “Places everyone!  Places everyone!”  He calmly spoke with the voice of authority— someone used to command.  “We can’t keep the Master waiting!  This is a great honor.  Martin!  Juao! Don’t stand about!  Take your places.”  He admonished them.  They laughed and followed their friends toward the stage—guitars in hand.

Once seated everyone took up their instruments and waited for the Maestro to sit at his piano. Uncle Claus took his place at the podium above them and withdrew his baton from the lower shelf.  No one needed sheet music; everyone had it memorized—it was the Master’s favorite tune.  Uncle Claus surveyed the orchestra and when the Maestro nodded his approval, Uncle Claus pointed the baton at Martin who began to strum the chords of the haunting melody on his guitar establishing the beat and rhythm that everyone would follow.

The rich melodious sound enveloped everyone within earshot of the party.  It held their attention captive to its rhythm—the beat of the human heart—a natural response to so intimate an affect.  Their souls were immediately uplifted in a heavenly embrace of universal love and tranquility.  The young couples joined hands—each a young man and a young woman—and let themselves become immersed in the spectacular experience.  What a wonderful way to begin their journey.

Martin began to weep for joy.  This was the happiest moment of his entire existence and he lent his soul to the music and leaned his heart into the rhythm.  The Maestro heard the boy’s heartfelt love in his song and was pleased. Uncle Claus felt the precision of the rhythm as Martin continued to lovingly strum his guitar—his fingers delicately dancing across each string in a happy syncopation.  Juao was very proud of him!  The orchestra joined in the fantastic moment.  And, as for the Master; the Master let out a sigh of absolute ecstasy!  His little boy—His beloved son—had finally come home to Him.