The young musician’s remarkable (exceptional skill)
led many to believe he was almost (incapable of error)
,
though he himself spoke (plainly and unimaginatively)
about his success. During performances, a (feverish)
energy filled the hall, yet he would often (raise objections)
when critics reduced serious art to mere (light mockery)
.
Instead, he chose to (rejoice openly)
in the creative (fruitfulness)
of his work, deliberately choosing to (avoid)
petty rivalries. Even so, some detractors continued to (question the integrity of)
his motives, unable to accept his steady rise.