21. The Aspiring Musician
Free at last from his domineering mother, Nero gave free rein to his impulses and indulged himself to the fullest. He fancied himself a talented musician, and although others scoffed – but never to his face – he took it seriously. Nero took singing and lyre playing lessons from the era’s greatest musicians and underwent exercises to strengthen his voice, such as lying down on his back with lead weights on his chest. He also avoided all fruits and foods that were reportedly bad for the vocal cords.
He began to give recitals on stage, first before small groups of intimate friends, then, as sycophants praised his “talent” – he reportedly had a weak and husky voice – before bigger audiences. Eventually, Nero threw exceptionally long concerts in which he sang and played a lyre. Few dared leave before completion, or observe with less than rapt attention. The performances were reportedly so bad that women faked labor in order to leave, and men faked heart attacks or death so they could get carried out. That was nothing, however, compared to how Nero indulged his other passion: for the Olympic Games.
