She watched him take the trumpet from its case and fit the mouthpiece. She watched as he raised it to his lips and then, so suddenly, from that tiny cup of metal against his flesh, the sound would burst out like a glorious, brilliant knife dividing the air. And the little room would reverberate and the flies, jolted out of their torpor, would buzz round and round as if riding the swirling notes.
In the passage, the observer is captivated by the moment as a musician prepares to play the trumpet. She witnesses the careful handling of the instrument, from removing it from its case to fitting the mouthpiece, which builds anticipation for the sound that is about to emerge. The imagery conveys a sense of expectation and reverence for the musical act that is about to unfold.
As he plays, the music bursts forth with a thrilling intensity, described as a "glorious, brilliant knife" that slices through the stillness of the room. The sound not only fills the space but also invigorates the environment, awakening the flies and causing them to dance around energetically. This vivid scene highlights the transformative power of music, turning an ordinary moment into something magical and alive.
