the fourth instalment of my musical translation series — following the creative process of a disillusioned composer as he struggles to regain his inspiration through murder. within the pages soaked in blood, lies a harrowing tale of friendship, ambition, love, guilt, and at the heart of it all, music.
the videos are not mine, but all translations are my own.
musical: sonata of a flame (광염 소나타)
cast (2024): [j] yang jiwon, kim zychul, hyun seokjoon, park junhwi • [s] kim kyoungsu, yoo seunghyun, yu taeyul, kim junyoung • [k] lee si-an, lim byeongkeun, lee hyunjae
synopsis: once hailed as a prodigy, the composer j now struggles to write even a single piece, stifled by the overwhelming success of his debut. fearing he will soon be forgotten by the world, j seeks out the acclaimed music professor k, hoping to revitalise his songwriting career. yet inspiration still does not strike — until the night j accidentally hits someone with his car. amidst the cloying scent of blood, a melody takes shape in his mind. that night, j feverishly pens the first movement of a sonata. learning the truth behind j's composition, k spurs j towards killing, and three more movements are crafted with spilled blood. the talented pianist s worries for his longtime friend j, all while j's inspiration dwindles yet again — and at last, k incites j to complete the final movement with the death of s. will j be able to finish writing his sonata?
the composer who completes his pieces through murder. the bloodstained five movements begin.
[S]
What is it that you wanted to say?
Hmm? You said you had something to tell me.
[J]
I want to listen to your playing.
[S]
What?
[J]
Will you play for me, for the last time?
[S]
I will, but only if you say it’s not the last time.
[J]
I’m not joking around right now.
[S]
I’m not joking around, either.
(S relents, then plays a silly tune on the piano.)
[J]
What do you think you’re doing?!
[S]
You look too solemn right now!
[J]
Can’t you take me seriously for once?
[S]
Then what should I play?
[J]
A song that inspires you.
[S]
Inspiration…
Alright. The song I like most.
[S]
Do you remember this? The first song you composed.
Back then, when I hadn’t had any hope…
Do you know what I thought upon hearing this song?
"I want to pursue music too, just like you."
Come here, let’s play together like we used to.
[S]
Upon the keyboard, my fingers dance
I’ll become the music notes, and you’ll become the rest signs
Mormorando; quietly, as if whispering
[J]
Sforzando; playing just that note with emphasis
[S]
I'll quickly complete this music
[J]
And go to you
[J, S]
So that the light doesn’t fade
[ other pairings here (kim kyoungsu, kim zychul) and here (yoo seunghyun, yang jiwon), for different actors' interpretations of these characters and their (doomed) relationship. ]
- ☽ -
- ☽ -
이름 없는 사람 – a person without a name
kim kyoungsu as s, park junhwi as j, lee hyunjae as k
[K]
Do you know why I accepted him as my protégé?
Those eyes. You wouldn’t know.
I know that gaze better than anyone.
The nature of that emotion. That anxiety, which you ultimately gave him.
[S]
Don’t speak as if you know everything about us.
[K]
It is impossible to linger forever in a fleeting moment of beauty.
Realising that, he grew anxious.
That’s why I helped him find freedom.
[S]
Stop it! That filthy logic of yours is what pushed him to this extent.
Why won’t you recognise that?
[S]
A person, who respected
Your music, to the tips of your fingers
That person is eternally sacrificed within your greed
With even his name erased
Those infernal late nights
Born from your filthy lies
How much did he tremble, in that darkness?
That so-called musical inspiration
Has become an offering to your avarice
As he composed pieces in that darkness
How many tears did he shed?
[J]
I can’t feel anything. Nothing at all!
[S]
I wanted to see it
The scene of you walking upon
A path more torturous than death
Even if, every night, I kill you again and again
That person without a name can no longer return
My one and only person
[ bonus sitzprobe video, for a highlight medley of some numbers. ]
