Josephine deBois 
At the Edge of Music 

Ludwig holds the last cords as the music totally dies out. Nobody moves while his hands are still slightly lifted. Finally, he lowers his hands and lets his arms fall down along his body. He stands deeply concentrated with his head bowed. With one hand, he brushes his hair back. He turns to the audience. An enormous applause evolves to standing ovations. Ludwig turns and lifts his arms toward the audience. He turns back to orchestra and again lifts his arms. Finally, he again faces the audience and stands with the orchestra and the singers behind him. He smiles and almost laughs, totally delighted as though he cannot believe the achievement. The musicians zap their instruments as their standing applause. Ludwig again lifts his arms and embraces the audience. He bows deeply. He turns around and walks between the musicians toward the door to the concert corridor leaving the undiminished applause behind. The singers follow him.