Wolf bowed solemnly

"Wolf, a reserved, dignified man in his forties, lived on music: he was steeped in it; ever new themes chased each other unceasingly through him. Others he seemed to breathe in, drawing them from the Camp air through his famous nose. He secreted music as our stomachs secreted hunger: he reproduced single instruments accurately (but without virtuosity): now he was a violin, now a flute, now an orchestra conductor and, with a deep frown, he conducted himself ... He sang with great concentration, bent forward, his eyes on the ground. Soon, around him, shoulder to shoulder, a ring of four or five companions formed, all with the same posture, as if drawing warmth from a brazier at their feet. Wolf went from being a violin to being a viola, repeated the theme three times in three glorious variations, then broke off with one final rich note. He applauded himself discreetly all alone, then others joined in the applause and Wolf bowed solemnly ..."

Primo Levi, Moments Of Reprieve