Original subtitles

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( live classical plays )

( knuckles cracking )

( music continues )

( knuckles cracking )

Just try it. Just try it.

It's the only cure for rheumatism.

Magic, really. The metal draws it out, do you see?

Yeah, I'll try it. All right?

Thanks. Good luck.

Oh, it has to be copper.

All right.

( pop music playing loudly )

Girl: Wow, Dracula's back.

( laughter )

I'm so pleased. So pleased to welcome you.

( piano plays )

( bracelets clinking )

( music continues )

( bracelets clinking )

( music continues )

( speaking Hindi )

( doorbell rings )

( speaks Hindi )

It's for me.

Mini cab. Coming.

Mrs. Ahuja, darling,

if you would let me have ten for the taxi,

I'll let you have it with the other ten when I give you the rent check.

I'd go on the tube, but it looks nicer by car the first time.

So, soon he'll be giving big concerts in the Albert Hall.

( chuckles ) Oh, yes. She said he's a genius.

Thank you, Mrs. Ahuja, darling.

You'll have my check tomorrow.

( television continues )

( sighs ) ( speaks Hindi )

( speaks Hindi )

( jackhammer sounds, men shouting )

Play. It plays from here.

( doorbell rings )

Woman: Door is open!

Always open! Thank you.

( piano continues )

( jackhammer sounds )

Woman: Come in.

That's fine, dear. Thank you.

Ah, yes. Mrs., um...

Well, Manek's mother.

Hello.

Girl: I'll see you Wednesday, then, Madame Sousatzka.

Uh-uh. Girl: Do I have to?

I feel such a fool doing it.

You could never leave the presence of an elder,

let alone a teacher,

without a deep curtsy.

and an"Au revoir, Madame," in French.

Au revoir, Madame.

A little deeper, please. Au revoir, Madame.

( sighs ) All right, go on.

Shut the door.

I love old-fashioned manners.

They're so gracious and beautiful.

Hm.

Thanks, Mr. Cordle. That's fine.

Now, Mr. Jordan.

I've always encouraged him

and supported him, Madame Sasutzka.

Sousatzka. Sousatzka.

Sousatzka.

As with all talented students--

exceptionally talented students--

his lessons with me will be paid for by the school trust.

What he makes of this opportunity

is entirely up to him.

Oh, I'm sure he'll work very hard.

And he's very grateful.

We both are, Madame Sa... Sousatzka.

Sit down, please.

( machines hissing )

Ever since he was two,

it's always been just he and I alone in the world.

And his father?

Oh, his father's just a rat.

Milk? Uh, yes, please.

I don't care who knows it.

Everyone knows it anyway in Delhi,

and what sort of life I had with him.

Till one day I had enough. That was it.

I just walked out with my baby and my suitcase.

Just one suitcase, mind you--

I who had come with 50 suitcases

full of my dowry of saris and jewelry.

Sugar?

Only three. Three.

We are not just from here and there, you know.

We are related to some of the first families of Bengal.

Even through an auntie to the Tagore family.

Thank you.

No one ever thought I'd have this kind of life.

There've been times, I'll tell you frankly,

when I couldn't pay rent and had to pack up and leave at night.

But never mind about me. My life is over.

I want everything now for my son.

I live for the day when he'll be famous and rich

and give many concerts--

Oh, no, no. No, no, no.

We are not talking about concerts.

We are talking about your boy and his gift,

which I am here to develop.

I cannot bear this attitude of everything for sale.

A boy's talent...

This street? "Let's make money"?

Cash, cash, quick, quick, quick. Oh!

Forgive me, but I have very strong feelings on this subject.

Please don't think I'm a commercial person.

I'm very proud that my son is a genius

and that...

You don't think he's a genius?

We don't use that word.

Mrs., um...

Sen. Please call me Sushila.

Mrs. Sen--

( phone rings )

Sousatzka.

Yes.

Yes, I remember.

Well, my secretary's not in just now.

Let me have a look at my book.

Yes, Wednesday at 2:00. That would be fine.

Very well.

Now, I can take your son on Tuesdays and Thursd--

No, Tuesdays and Fridays.

Oh, but he helps me on Fridays.

It's a very busy day for me with the weekend orders.

Hm.

Mrs. Sen, whenever I take on a new student,

I give myself and my time totally and freely.

It is an absolute commitment for both of us--

the student and myself--

because, you see...

I teach not only how to play the piano,

but how to live.

You'll be very proud of your son.

Now there are two of us to care.

( chokes )

( phone rings )

Yeah?

I'm just about to sort out the old woman in number 11.

What's the problem?

Twenty-four?

Look, you've got one sitting tenant, right?

He's 70 years old,

he's sitting on the first floor, and he won't budge.

Well, it's obvious, isn't it?

Offer him another grand, and if he still won't budge,

take the bloody staircase out.

( doorbell rings )

Lady Emily: Door is open! Always open! Push.

Lady Emily!

It's me again, John Woodford.

Oh. Oh, yes, of course.

Wonder if we might have a quick word.

Yes, indeed. Come downstairs, please.

Don't forget the neck two or three times a day.

Thank you.

Woodford: I was thinking about what you were saying the other day,

and I think we're talking the same language, really.

This house is evidently a millstone around your neck,

and you obviously need some help.

And that, Lady Emily, is what I'm here for.

I had a word with my partner,

and I think we can swing it.

I'm afraid you'll have to give me a little more time, Mr. Woodward.

Woodford. What?

It isn't always easy, you know,

to part with a house where one was born.

All of us need a bit of a change sometimes.

Yeah...

I used to dream that one day, perhaps,

I'd have a little place by the sea.

Is that so?

( chattering )

Oi, Manny, you coming out?

I can't. I've got a music lesson.

A music lesson? Music?!

Well, see you tomorrow.

( sighs )

Hello.

( humming )

( sighs )

I believe it's me you've come to see.

I watched you rolling about on those skates.

You mustn't do that.

What if you fall and something happens to your hands?

I never want to see you with those skates again.

( door shuts )

Leave them there.

No, not on the chair. On the floor.

Perfect height.

Thank you.

See? I know exactly. I know you exactly.

Begin.

At the very beginning.

I want you to forget everything you've ever learned

and begin with the C-major scale.

Which hand?

"Which hand," he asks.

My poor child, you think you have two hands?

Both hands, for me and the piano, are one,

acting in total accord and perfect harmony. Begin.

You don't have to impress me with how clever you think you are.

You move around far too much, Mr. Virtuoso.

Perfect scales have no beginning and no end.

Each note is as smooth and as even as these beads.

You see? Mm-hmm.

Forget the fingers.

Don't think for one moment that you play with your fingers.

If he thought about his fingers,

he'd be at the bottom of the ocean

never to be heard from again.

What are these ten poor little worms?

No! This is where the music comes from.

From the abdomen.

And it rises higher and higher

from the depths of your very soul.

Higher and higher, from the deepest instincts

to the height of reason...

until it reaches here.

You see?

Now begin. Begin.

( plays piano ) Just let it play.

Let it play. Yes.

Ebb and flow. Each note.

Smooth and even. That's it.

It begins to play.

Now it begins to play.

Start from the very depth of your being...

Soft. Soft.

( slow music played softly )

Pianissimo.

Pianissimo.

Now very, very soft.

Yes. Too delicate...

to hear with these clumsy human ears.

Mm-hmm.

Now, remember--

remember the position of the shoulder.

Remember, mmm...

Yes.

Just a vibration.

Shh...

Hmm!

Maman's special recipe.

( lively music ) Sousatzka:Allegro!

No.Allegro!

Allegro!No!

No, it's too heavy!

Bright! Bright!

It's too heavy.

Lift up the fingers! Don't collapse the fingers!

Lace. Lace. Ugh!

You sound like an old man shuffling--

in his slippers!

No! Light! Light!

Skip! Skip! Hoopla!

Hoopla!

( exasperated gasp )

( playing continues ) Light!

Woman: Well, has he listened to my tape yet?

I sent it in two weeks ago.

Huh? I told you, Jenny Plover. Plumer?

No, no, no. P-l-o-v-e-r.

Look, just tell him Jenny.

He'll know who I am. He gets a lot of calls.

He's a very busy man. Maybe he hasn't had time.

Yeah, well, we're all very busy, aren't we?

Good-bye.

I knew it as soon as I woke up this morning.

I had a feeling it's gonna be a bad month for me.

I know what'll make you feel better.

Bubbly all around.

Why don't you run a bath while I pop the cork?

I just had a bath.

Oh, have another. I'm not dirty!

I am. ( laughs )

( Sousatzka continues shouting )

Is that Madame's latest?

Yeah. I've got my latest.

We remixed it like you said.

I hope you like it.

( music plays ) I think it's great.

*...through the eyes of love *

Yup, it's good.

Go and run that bath.

Scorpio men-- one-track minds.

And where were you last night?

Out!

Out where?

Out! What's it to you?

( piano plays; Sousatzka shouting )

I had dinner with a producer!

That's what. Who was he?

Mickey something or other. Mickey who?

Come on. You know what I'm like with names.

You're great with names. Mickey who?

What's he done before? What's the label?

( cork pops )

Well? What do you think?

Lovely. Terrific.

You've really improved it.

Really? Thanks.

Both: Cheers.

( piano continues ) ( water running )

Mmm. He's good. How old is he?

Never mind about him.

Do you come here to be with me or what, huh?!

Or what? What do you think?

I told you it was great. I really meant it.

Yeah.

Ronnie, you still owe me a birthday present.

I was thinking we could go out this afternoon.

I've seen this gorgeous dress.

I can't this afternoon, love. Jam packed.

Sorry. I'll write you a check.

How much is it? 350.

Okay. Get me a receipt. I'll put it through expenses.

So what am I?

Business or pleasure?

Hey...

Come here.

You've got lovely eyes. Do you know that, Ronnie Blum?

( laughter )

Beast! ( laughs )

( piano plays )

( replays last notes )

( replays last notes )

( claps hands ) Stop, stop, stop.

How can the music flow through the body

when you're so stiff, hmm?

And what's this?

You're developing a hump like a camel.

Oh, you're such a sissy. That's enough for today.

It's high time you began to work

with Mr. Cordle downstairs.

Come here.

I want to show you something.

What do you see?

Hmm?

Me.

Who is "me"?

Is it Manek, a boy...

or do you aspire to something like this?

All dear friends All dear friends Maman'sof course.

My mother's.

Every pianist that played at Carnegie Hall

came to visit us in our apartment on Riverside Drive.

Rubinstein.

I sat on his lap,

and he made a little mouse out of a handkerchief for me.

( chuckles )

And, of course, this is Mamanin her heyday.

She was such a great pianist and teacher.

Who's this?

Oh, just a student who wouldn't listen to me.

This is what I want you to be like.

Oh, great.

My poor child. Come.

Listen.

What have I told you so many times?

It is all one.

The way we dress,

the way we speak, the way we play.

It's all connected.

( chuckles )

Well, I'll see you on Friday, MadameSoosutzka,okay?

Sousatzka.

Sousaska. Sousatzka.

Yes, Sousatzka. It wasMaman'sname.

Sousatzka.

Sousatzka!

You won't tell her, will you?

This is jasmine.

Grows in your beautiful country, doesn't it?

I wouldn't know; I've never been.

This is a new cloth that's just come in, sir.

Do you like that?

No, no, no. Something more classic.

Maman'sfamily lost everything in the revolution, Manek.

The French Revolution?

Oh, my goodness, dear boy. You're ignorant.

The Russian Revolution.

They fled to Paris for ten years,

and after that to New York whereMamanmet Papa

and I grew up. Ahh--

The blazer. That's very classic.

Ugh! I don't like that.

This I don't like.

Now. You see, you need to develop style

to go with those looks.

Those beautiful looks.

I think we'll try this.

I can't wear that stuff. I'll look silly!

Nonsense! It'll help you be a man.

Fetch some ties.

See,Mamanwore only white until after Papa left.

Then she wore only black because she felt like a widow

even though he was living in the next block with another woman.

( chuckles )

Oh, silly boy.

So, after Papa left,

Mamancouldn't bear to stay in New York.

But then she was offered a position

at the Royal College of Music, so we moved on to London.

How are you doing in there? Let me have a look, Manek.

I'll come out when I'm ready.

Oh, everyone adoredMaman at the Royal College.

It was, "What does Elena think of this?"

"How does Elena feel about that?"

Her English was terrible, but they adored her Russian accent.

Ta-da!

Aah.

No, I want something more vibrant.

Vibrant?

I see.

No, no. No, this is no concern of yours.

I will take care of that.

Now, I will teach you how to offer a lady your arm.

( chuckles) Yes.

"Vibrant"? You'll get vibrant.

( laughter )

( laughter continues )

What's so damn funny?

Is this her idea of how a young boy should dress?

You can see she's never had any children.

( laughs ) Ha ha ha.

Cordle: Uncross your legs. That's it.

And relax.

Now, don't think that pain is a permanent condition.

Most definitely not.

But then, nothing ever is, is it?

Permanent. ( banging )

( Sousatzka yelling ) Not pain, nor pleasure.

That's the human condition.

Or shall we say,

the condition of being human.

Just lift your head. That's it.

You see, Madame and Beethoven make your muscles go like this.

But Mr. Cordle makes them go like that.

Now, just relax.

Relax, I said.

I can't help it, Mr. Cordle.

( thumping, Sousatzka shouting )

Oh, she really ought not to, for her own sake.

( piano plays ) Oh! Horrible!

You do not know how to practice properly!

It's a mess!

It is simply a mess!

Gave you a hard time, did she?

I'm going back to my old teacher.

She might not be Madame Sousatzka

with her wonderful method,

but at least she doesn't make you sick.

What is that ghastly perfume she uses?

Makes me wanna throw up every time she comes near me.

I like it.

What, when she comes near you? Her perfume.

You must be joking!

What's it called-- La Stinkeroo?

Look, she's a bloody good teacher.

She's a big hoax.

Girl: MadameStinkanootzka.

Does she know you go on those?

Hope it's not a bad time for you, Lady E.,

but I'm at the mercy of Mr. Lefranc here.

He's the district surveyor, you know, from the council.

A very busy man.

Lady Emily: I didn't realize you'd need to see it all again.

Do come in.

Woodford: You won't mind if Mr. Lefranc continues

with the mysteries of his trade while I look around, would you?

You have such interesting things.

( Lefranc sighs )

Very striking.

My great-grandmother. Quite a famous beauty.

And this is Mr. Lipescu,

my spiritual master.

Damp.

Yes, I did think it seemed a little colder this winter.

Yes, well, you want to take the skirting

off the outside wall

and strip the plaster down to a meter and a half

and replace it with your waterproof rendering.

Then just get it injected.

Silicon. Won't be very expensive.

Lefranc: Yes, well, it depends what you call expensive.

( music plays )

( knock on door )

( door opens )

So sorry to disturb you.

Manek.

I think you know Mr. Woodward.

And this is Mr. Lefranc from the council.

Sousatzka: Yes?

Oh, do please just carry on.

Pretend we're not here.

Lefranc: I have this down as a bedroom.

A bedroom?

What ancient document do you have there?

Ugh. This has been a studio for 30 years--

first of my mother's, Elena Sousatzka,

and now mine.

I see. I take it you have permission

to run a business from the premises?

This is hardly a sweatshop.

That's not the point.

You still need permission.

Don't be late.

Call you. Okay.

( piano plays )

Too many sitting tenants, if you ask me.

Wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.

( exhales )

( piano continues )

( piano continues )

( floorboards creaking )

You know where Jenny's flat is.

( stops playing )

Who's that?

He calls himself an artist's agent.

Ha! Snooping after my students.

Go on.

( music resumes )

No. No.

The message cannot come to the fingers

if you don't open the body and let it through.

Let me show you.

Yes, well, we'll go over it on Saturday.

I've got to help my mother on Saturday.

I think you should be staying here on Fridays and Saturdays

so that we can work together.

You can sleep there in the studio.

The weekend belongs to me...

and to your piano.

Can't your mother get along without you?

Saturday's sort of a big day for her

with all the deliveries.

Well, if you'd rather be a delivery boy than a pianist...

Go. Go, go, go.

Don't you think you should be playing on this

rather than that apology of a piano your mother has for you at home?

It's not her fault!

She can't afford anything better!

Well, good heavens.

Who said it was?

I know she does the best for you--I know that.

All I'm saying is

that you mustn't waste your weekends.

You must stay here and work.

And work and work.

These are such precious years for you.

All I'm thinking of is what's right for you.

It's you I'm thinking of.

Hmm?

I suppose I could stay over Fridays...

sometimes.

And Saturdays.

And Saturdays.

Now go.

I don't want you wandering around the dark streets, either.

Now, Friday night. You tell your mother.

( door shuts )

( horn honking )

( loud clanging, man moaning )

Guy: You dirty queer! Poof!

( shouting continues )

Kick him! I know what you're here for!

Hey!

( shouting continues )

( metallic clanking ) ( dog barking )

( moaning, crying )

Mr. Cordle!

Oh... Are you okay?

Yes...

Can you walk?

Mm-hmm.

You sure?

I'll call an ambulance.

No, no. I... I'm all right.

It was... stupid of me.

Very stupid.

Uh, I--I stumbled, that's all.

My shoelace came undone.

Careless.

It was...careless of me, it was.

Can't I call Madame and ask her to get a doctor?

No. You're doing fine.

Does this make you feel sick?

I hate the sight of blood.

I'm not hurting you, am I?

Not quite so tight.

Not quite so tight.

How well you do it.

Are you sure I'm not hurting you?

Quite sure.

Do I look... very hideous?

No.

Now, dear boy, you must be getting home.

It's very late.

Don't worry. I shall be perfectly all right.

So, off you go.

Uh, by the way,

don't tell Madame, will you, or Lady Emily.

You know how hysterical women get over accidents.

All right.

And Manek?

Thank you.

( door shuts )

You're very late, aren't you?

I had to get some things for Mr. Cordle.

Just milk and stuff.

That's very good of you. Thank you.

Good night. Good night.

Cordle: Come in.

I do hope I'm not disturbing you.

Lady Emily.

I just had to talk to you about the house.

Can't I get you something?

No, thank you.

Please sit down.

The council say it isn't safe.

Oh...

Whatever have you done to your face?

I fell outside.

It's really nasty.

I'm perfectly all right.

I think I should get the doctor. Please don't fuss!

I'm sorry.

Oh...

Oh, I apologize.

Thank you.

You really should be more careful.

London isn't the place it was in our youth.

At our age, it simply isn't safe

to walk in the streets, especially after dark.

I so often dream of a little place in the country.

Perhaps I really should think of selling.

Are you all right?

Yes.

Ah, "Door's open. Always open."

You've come to see Lady Emily and Mr. Cordle?

I've come to see you.

You don't need to see me, Edward.

Congratulations on your great success.

( door shuts )

Baboo.

What do you want?

I've got a backache.

( sighs )

Just a little bit here, Baboo, please.

Mmm...

That's lovely.

Mmm...

You used to like doing it.

You never got tired.

Don't come in like that! ( laughs )

As if I haven't seen you a thousand times in your bath.

( chuckles )

Soaped and sponged you all over.

See you're home by 7:00.

We are going to Pratima's.

I told you I am staying the night.

I promised Pratima we'dbothcome.

Oh...

What'sthatfor?

My friends aren't good enough for you, heh?

Now only those people inthathouse.

They're lucky it hasn't fallen down yet.

And I only hope nothing happens when you're inside.

Baboo, wait!

I'll be late!

Let her wait.

To ward off the evil eye.

Goodness knows what spell she's cast on you.

Mum...

Mr. Cordle, you take this bread, you see,

and you dunk it into the sauce here.

That's how it works.

This isMaman'srecipe.

The English know nothing about food.

( laughter )

You shouldn't be going to all this trouble on your birthday.

I love to cook on my birthday.

I hope those two terrible men don't come and interrupt us.

No one can make you lose the house you were born in.

Quite right. Exactly.

Manek, don't eat like a barbarian!

It isn't the house so much.

It's the people I mind.

I don't want to lose my dear little family.

Manek: Isn't she coming?

What's her name... Who?

Jenny. Sousatzka: Jenny? Well...

Jenny's going to be a little bit late.

I said, Jenny, you must learn to be

absolutely on time with me.

She said that's because I have

a rising ascendancy in Capricorn.

I'm Capricorn.

It's zodiac nonsense.

I control my life, not the stars.

Oh! Is that good for him?

Of course. I haven't finished the last one yet.

Stupid boy. Listen.

The white wine goes with the fish, yes?

The red wine with the meat.

You must learn to become a man.

( laughter )

To our family.

All: To our family.

Happy birthday! Whee!

( laughter )

I'm sorry I'm so late. I need you.

Where are you going? You must ask the lady of the house...

before you leave the table.

Oh, y--

( thump )

Oh! "Invest in time." Ha.

That's a joke.

There.

What do you think?

They're great.

No, the cake, dummy.

I got it from this bank commercial.

What's this one?

Hmm?

That was the big launch of a new health drink.

I'm the carrot. See that banana?

I went to Australia with him. That's Tony.

Is this from a film?

Country maid and slimming crackers, darling.

You look great.

So are you a model?

Not really. I'm a singer.

I write my own songs. Look.

Let's see. Come on.

How are you gonna get it?

( laughs )

Come on, you're supposed to be helping me.

Did it sell many copies?

It got to number 94 for a week.

Hey, that's really good.

God, how many are there?

Oh, I just stuck 'em in.

We'd better not count, eh?

( both laugh )

( chattering )

How old is she?

Shh!

How old are you?

How old do you think I am?

Twenty?

Yeah! Twenty.

( giggles )

( cheering )

( snap ) Ooh!

A little more champagne?

More champagne? Always more champagne.

( all talking and laughing )

Manek, don't eat like that!

A moment, everybody!

Oh, here we go.

Once again on this great day,

I give you our dear friend,

our kind hostess, our great pianist

and pedagogue-- Madame Irina.

Madame Irina! ( all toasting )

* Madame Sousatzka

A celestial woman

in the heroic mold.

I hear her voice,

not to put too fine a point upon it,

bellowing at her students.

Mr. Cordle, I am as gentle as a dove.

Manek.

No? Manek.

Strong as the Valkyries.

In her blood is the strength of America.

Her spirit

borne by the mighty winds

that sweep the Steppes... Oh, my.

...of Russia.

( murmuring )

And yet,

she's as light and heady

as this champagne.

Not like this cake. It's horrid, isn't it?

May we always meet

and eat together on this great day,

wherever we may be.

And where would we be but here?

Ah! I will drink to that.

Jenny: Oh, hold it.

Great!

This is for you, Irina.

Oh!

From Edward.

From Edward with love.

Rachmaninoff.

Who's Edward?

Lady Emily: Ahem.

Jenny.

Champagne?

Here. ( bottle strikes glass )

Ah.

"E" flat. What?

He has perfect pitch.

( clinking )

"A." ( laughter )

"B" flat.

How delightful.

"G" sharp

and "F."

Yes.

( sings an "F" )

( plays introduction )

( taps note on glass )

( all laugh )

( playing slow classical )

( piano continues )

( sings softly )

Let it play.

Let it play.

She's going to play.

( sighs happily )

(Fantasie in F Major for Four Hands by Schubert playing )

( music continues )

( floorboards creaking )

( clock ticking )

( whispering; music plays )

Woman:You think you play in concert?

Did you have a good time?

This is the day that I missMamanthe most.

The most. The most, the most of all.

Wait here for me.

No, get back to the car.

( rings doorbell )

Manek?

Baboo.

( dog barking in distance )

Baboo!

( doorbell rings )

This better be important.

I brought you shampoo.

I don't believe it. You're mad!

You'll need it in the morning.

Who's that?

Not that fat Sunil?

Someone's got to keep me company.

But why him of all people?

Where are you sleeping?

Which room?

Breathe on me.

You've been drinking.

So what?

She's supposed to teach you how to play the piano,

not how to drink.

Your father did enough of that.

I hope nothing has happened.

No, she just came to bring me my shampoo.

Well, how thoughtful at 1:00 in the morning.

If he doesn't use this very special shampoo I buy for him,

his hair gets into a terrible tangle.

Well, if there's no crisis, perhaps we can all get back to sleep.

Manek, you have a hard day tomorrow.

You need all the rest you can get.

Good night, Madame.

The door closes by itself.

There's no need to slam it.

People are sleeping.

Don't you dare let her give you any liquor.

I'll tell her myself. Go home.

A boy your age.

She must be crazy.

She looks a little crazy.

Come on, Mum, please go.

Uh-oh.

Baboo.

Now what?

I forgot this.

( scoffs )

I'll be home Sunday.

We can go see a film if you want.

Thank you.

Take care.

( playing classical music )

( music continues )

( tapping )

( distorted voice echoing )

( shouting in Russian )

( piano continues )

( resumes playing )

( piano music continues )

( indistinct conversations )

Courageous. Completely courageous and brave.

My student--

Irina darling, I didn't know you were here.

There's somebody I want you to meet.

But my student... this is Manek.

A refreshing change from last night.

Her Tchaikovsky simply wasn't wild enough.

It might as well have been Debussy.

She's mostly in Japan.

Doesn't matter there, I suppose. Excuse me.

I'm sorry. Excuse me just a moment.

Do you mind? Many congratulations.

It was a wonderful performance.

Would you mind just signing my friend's...

It's my pleasure.

Oh, my! I wanted to surprise you.

Thanks very much indeed. We'll catch you later on.

Thank you. Excuse me.

If you want to get to the front, you've gotta push.

Always. Ronnie Blum.

Manek Sen.

Ronnie.

Hello, Leo. What a marvelous evening.

Manek, this is Leo Milev,

one of the truly great piano teachers of the world.

This is Manek, a young man with a big future.

Madame's latest. Ah!

You should get Leo to let you sit in

on one of his master classes.

How is the family? They're well, they're well.

By the way, I believe this is hers.

She might not like to take it from me.

She still hasn't forgiven me.

Oh, you mean Edward? Uh-huh.

Where is Edward these days?

He's in Ottawa, and in precisely half an hour,

he'll be playing the Bartók second concerto.

How long is it since you last saw each other?

Oh...

New York.

Are you still at the same place?

Could you excuse me? Thank you.

You gave me the most divine...

( indistinct conversations )

It's really time to go, Manek.

Excuse me, Mr. Blum.

Man: Very impressive, indeed.

What did he say to you-- Mr. Ronnie Blum?

He wants to hear me play.

And what did you say to him?

That he'd have to talk to you.

Quite right.

Is Ronnie Jenny's boyfriend?

He won't last five minutes...

because a greedy agent got hold of him

and started him much too early.

I've seen it happen over and over.

Fail once, and they drop you like a hot potato.

This is one of Leo Milev's students.

I saw you talking to Leo.

What did he have to say?

What did Leo have to say?

He gave me this.

Ugh.

Poor Leo...frankly, I don't like him,

but I feel sorry for him.

In the middle of a good career,

he lost the use of his arm.

What else did he have to say?

Did he talk about Edward? What did he say, hmm?

He said to give you the bead.

No, not that.

They all think I still care about Edward.

Where is Edward now?

In Ottawa, playing the Bartók second concerto.

Oh! Right now.

Bartók! As though he could ever play Bartók.

( chattering )

Ugh, Bartók!

Ah, Madame Sousatzka.

( gasps )

I did knock.

I'm glad to catch you alone for a moment.

Look, would you care to join me for a spot of lunch?

I'm extremely busy, Mr. Blum.

Then I'll come straight to the point.

I'd like to hear Manek play.

That's impossible. That's quite impossible.

Manek is no concern of yours.

But why? You teach him how to play,

I, how to make a living.

Making a living, as you put it, Mr. Blum,

is not what music is all about,

and I have a rule that none of my students will appear in public

before he or she is ready.

I see.

And who decides when that is?

I decide, of course...

in every case,

and this case especially.

Rubinstein, Lipatti,

Nadia Boulanger...

Schnabel!

I remember hearing him play when I was four years old

at the Albert Hall.

You see, we all have music in our blood, in a sense, Mr. Blum,

even you.

All of our great-grandmothers played Chopin.

Actually, mine ironed shirts down the Mile End Road.

Manek's great-grandmother played the sitar...

or some such instrument.

And so now, he has to catch up on 600 years of European music.

Well, I'm afraid I can't wait that long. ( chuckles )

Perhaps you shouldn't wait at all.

( door opens )

Ah, Manek. Good. You're here.

Mr. Blum was just leaving.

Hi. How are you?

Nice to see you again.

Hello.

Yes, I was just telling Madame

how very much I'd like to hear you play.

What do you want to hear?

Madame says I can't.

Why?

She forbids it.

Why can't I play for Mr. Blum?

All right, then.

Play!

Play!!

Play for anyone.

Play in the street for all I care. Don't let me stop you.

There's no need at all to respect my wishes

or my feelings.

And go on, sit in maman'schair.

( door slams )

( piano plays )

( music continues )

( music continues )

( music continues )

( kids shouting, cheering)

Manek: Ouch. ( laughter )

It's just a little fever, Madame Sousatzka.

Um...on antibiotics.

Yes, thank you. I'll tell him you called.

Good-bye.

( exhales ) What did she say?

I don't know why you can't tell her.

If she knew it was my hand...

She's mad enough with me as it is.

I know she's mad-- completely cuckoo.

Here, give me a hand.

( cash register beeps )

Hello. Good morning.

Here. I'll take those.

Mr. Beechy would like to see you upstairs.

( cash register beeps )

Unfortunately, this was returned

by one of our most valued patrons.

I can't imagine how it got there.

As you know, Mrs. Sen, this has happened before.

You have my word of honor, Mr. Beechy. It won't happen again.

I'm afraid this has to be our last warning.

Oh, absolutely.

I'll see to it personally.

So kind of you.

Ah, this is my son, the concert pianist.

Mum!

Anyway, he soon will be. Yes, you will, my darling.

Thank you, Mr. Beechy. Good-bye.

Stupid old man.

You nearly got the sack then.

Our kitchen is bloody filthy.

Tomorrow, you and me are gonna clean it out.

Ah, they're all talk.

( horn honking )

Mmm!

You must be mad buyin' 'em in that place.

You can get them for half that anywhere.

Mmm?

Not these. These are the real things.

Alfonso's! Mmm!

( announcer speaking Hindi )

( doorbell rings )

( speaking Hindi )

Yes, I'm looking for Mrs. Sen and Manek, please.

Oh, yes. Mrs. Sen and Manek.

They're upstairs.

Thank you.

You'll wait for me then?

Thank you. Up here?

( doorbell buzzes )

Manek, it's Sousatzka.

What a surprise.

He'll be so pleased.

How is he?

Much better today.

The temperature went down to normal for the first time,

and he ate some rice and curds.

What beautiful flowers! Asters are my favorite.

Those are chrysanthemums and lilies.

Oh. I'm so sorry about this mess.

We weren't expecting anyone.

Oh, Manek!

How are you?

Look, Manek, what lovely flowers she's got you.

Your mother tells me you're feeling better.

Well, come here, let me see you.

Come here. I was worried.

Look at you. ( laughs )

Oh! Ah!

What is this?

( gasps in shock )

What has happened?

It's nothing, Madame S.

What happened?

I don't even know why I'm wearing this.

Why was I told lies?

I despise deceit.

Why did you have your mother tell me lies?

It was just a little white lie,

because we knew you'd be so upset about his hand.

See, not even a bruise.

How did you do this?

You did it with football or some such sport.

You haven't been using those skates again?

Manek, you promised me that you would never, never--

Sushita: They were a birthday present.

And they save bus fare.

Will you promise now?

Yeah.

Say it--that you will never use them again;

that you will throw them away. Say it! I promise...

I promise.

I think you better go and wash your hands. You look a mess.

I brought you some books.

I think you'd best start withCrime and Punishment.

You remind me of Raskolnikov.

Those dark good looks of yours.

I hope you'll never take an axe to me.

I hope not.

I think you'll like it.

Thank you.

Isn't it terrible the way they always stay babies, isn't it?

Running here and there.

You have to stop them and say don't do this, don't do that.

I wanted to ask you, Madame Sousatzka,

when do you think he'll be ready to give a concert?

Has he talked to you about this?

No, he hasn't.

I'm speaking to you about it.

( door shuts )

Manek, I think you should explain to your mother.

I thought she understood, but apparently not.

Explain what?

I asked when you're going to play a concert.

Oh, you-- I know I'm just ignorant, of course.

Not a cultured person or a music teacher;

just your mother.

It's what we've been planning and working for all these years.

Who's "we"?

My son and I.

Leave it now. Leave it alone.

And what about all the concerts you're going to play?

Why else have I been slaving and saving--

Mrs. Sen, let me be frank with you.

Manek's playing is immature.

He doesn't think before he plays.

Sometimes, he shows off like a child.

He's simply not strong enough yet

to communicate with an audience.

You mean he's not good enough?

No, I didn't say that.

I said he's not ready.

We'll just have to wait and see.

And in the meantime, what am I supposed to do,

with all the debts I have to pay?

Are you saying that this boy should give his talent--

his God-given talent-- to pay your debts?!

My debts? Are they just my debts?

Come on, just shut it.

No, really. Are they just my debts?

No, they're mine, too!

I'll see you tomorrow at the usual time.

Please don't forget to put the flowers into water.

( engine starts )

Did you really mean that, Madame S.?

Did you?

I'm glad I said it, yes, I am.

And my God, it's true.

It's high time you gave a concert.

I just can't keep waiting till the day I die,

and of course, it's too much to expect you to help clean up this mess.

Stop doing that!

( speaks Hindi )

As if I had ten servants.

Does she own you?

And who does she think I am?

Just nobody, nothing.

I'm not even allowed to speak.

And why do you have to stay every Friday?

You can jolly well stay and practice at home.

I have to use a concert grand. This one's no good.

Oh, I'm so terribly sorry.

I have no more jewelry to sell for you.

It's all gone... It's all gone... yomusic,yourpiano

and for you.

Oh, no. Wait.

Here's your grandmother's wedding necklace.

Maybe I should sell that, as well.

I'm sick of it.

Baboo, don't go. Please.

I can't stand all this. I'm sorry.

It's only because I love you so much.

You've got a funny way of showing it.

Come back. Please.

I brought you a present.

You look beautiful.

You are beautiful...

just like your father.

That's something I can't take away from that bastard.

Oh, don't start.

I'm not starting again.

( rings )

Blum Associates.

Man:Ronnie Blum, please.

I'm sorry. He's on the other line.

And he can be in Glasgow at 7:00, go to the hotel and change

and still be on at 8:00.

Anyway, he's not 80. Who told you he was?

He's 75.

If you say so.

Let me know.

We still need something special for the final night.

Who have you got?

At the moment, I'm trying for the London Symphony.

It's not fixed; it's looking good.

That'd be terrific. We got a great room for them.

The acoustics are crystal clear.

If you can book them, I'm sure there's a broadcast in it.

( ring ) Your wife's on the line.

Tell her I'll ring her later at home.

The sponsors are coming through well.

I've got one or two slots up my sleeve.

I've got a young pianist up mine.

I'd really like him to play.

Who is he? What's he done?

He's only 15, charismatic, intensely musical,

and look at him.

His mother's a caterer; does Indian food.

You mean she's part of the package?

( laughs ) No!

Well, listen, might be worth a thought.

Pull in Air India as a sponsor.

He's never played in public before.

I'm following my instincts on this one.

( phone rings ) Yep?

No, no, it's not gonna work.

No, he's playing in Paris on the night of the 29th.

Hi. You said 1:00.

Then he has to travel to Chicago?

It's a bad time.

Yeah, it's always a bad time.

It'll be 3:00 in the morning for him.

Yeah, okay. All right. Let me know.

Thanks. Bye.

What do you think?

Hmm.

I meant the boy.

Oh.

Well, I'd have to hear him.

Yeah, sure. Fine.

She's a pop singer. Any good?

Ah.

She's a woman of many talents.

( phone rings )

Yeah?

Raymond Sharp for you. Yeah, put him on.

They can't manage the third.

You'll just have to give the poor old boy

a good night's sleep. Fly him in on Concorde.

Coffee? No, thanks.

I had some earlier. It was ghastly.

I'm Vincent Pick.

Hi. I'm Jenny.

Ronnie tells me you're a singer.

Said some nice things about you.

Oh, really? That makes a change.

He says I ought to hear you. Do you have some tapes?

Only some demos.

I don't sound too good.

I'm sure you sound much better in the flesh.

Why don't I hear you?

Perhaps we could go to my office,

have some lunch on the way.

Now?

...cover his expenses.

Why not?

( dialing phone )

Crystal, two for lunch.

( playing boogie-woogie style )

Get that tape over to me, and I'll hear it.

Yeah. Pull the other one.

Jenny?

Who is it?

It's me. I brought the single.

Oh, just put it on the table.

Very flash car, that.

Jesus, can't do a thing in this bloody house

without everybody talking about it.

Sorry. You just can't miss a car like that.

Or the flash bastard driving it.

( sniffling )

( sobbing ) Oh, this stupid thing.

Oh, shit!

( sobbing )

Sorry.

Do you want to know something, Manek?

Forget about the music business.

Just do your school stuff and get yourself a proper job.

This is lovely. Is it silk?

It's so soft.

You better go or Madame will be after me.

Oh, it's all right. She's in the bath.

Can I come and talk to you some more?

I mean, I can come on Friday for tea or something.

( laughs ) I don't have to eat anything.

You know, just...

Saturdays... Out!

By the way, the single's brilliant.

I've told everyone I know to buy it.

( laughing ) Go!

( door closes )

( footsteps on stairs )

What are you wearing?

Jenny is a good-hearted girl, I'm sure.

But I'm afraid she has no talent.

Poor girl. It can't be easy for her.

Do you know how old she is?

Oh. Never mind.

Play.

( plays fast melody )

Remember the talk we had about the wholeness of music?

Whatever you do matters.

Well, it also includes the friends you make--

friends at school,

girls, women.

Whatever.

You need to discriminate.

It also includes what you wear.

Someone gave it to me.

( playing harshly )

Ah, no.

Beethoven was not angry when he wrote this.

( plays gently )

Who gave it to you?

My mother.

( plays song gently )

Mm-hmm.

It plays.

It's playing.

I'mplaying.

( continues playing )

( crunching sound )

( music continues )

( music continues; hits wrong key )

Aha! You see! What did I tell you?

So there is still something left for you to learn, Mr. Know-it-all.

No, no. Like this.

And you need a haircut.

Elephant, elephant!

And do you think you're ready to play in public?

This is all you're good for.

And have you read any of the books I've given you?

Have you ever even opened one of them?

Well, what do you expect?

How can you play without some basic culture?

Fuck your culture! ( gasps in shock )

It's all these dead creeps lookin' at me when I play.

You will never belong there.

You'll never be like them.

You are ignorant and uneducated.

At least I'm not dead.

Go on, run.

That's the easiest way for cowards and failures. Run!

You see you're a failure.

You're a coward, and cowards always run!

Run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run!

( jackhammering )

Man: Where you going?

Manek: Shut up!

Man: Up your end.

Man #2: I've got it.

Lady Emily: Careful with that now.

Bought that 40 years ago.

Imagine what it's worth now.

Careful, careful.

( jackhammering )

( scrubbing sound )

Lady Emily? ( whistling )

( electric drill buzzing )

So they got her out finally, did they?

Yes.

Well, surely you're not staying.

Of course I'm staying.

My students will just have to learn to play louder.

( laughs ) They'll become inured to all the people

having coughing fits in the auditorium.

( chuckles )

You'll come for tea?

Well, I wouldn't mind one of your mother's biscuits.

Come on.

Sousatzka: Anyhow, the law's on my side.

They can't get me out of this house.

( teaspoon clinking )

I want to ask you something.

A favor.

To take on a new student.

No. No, I can't.

Now listen.

You'll like him.

I think he's very talented.

No, I can't.

Too much, especially now,

just as Manek is about to make his breakthrough.

You know how that is when you go from here to there.

No. How old is he?

The same age as you were when you left me.

Oh!

I never left you.

You know that.

Even now, today, when I'm playing in a concert,

you're somehow with me.

When things get tough

or the piano behaves like a monster,

and the audience is another monster,

then I hear you

yelling at me,

telling me to get on with it.

And I listen.

And I know.

I know that all those hours with you

have formed a little core of strength in me,

and that gets me through it.

You know what they say about me.

They say that I made terrible scenes

when you left me for Leo.

That I went mad like a jealous mistress.

That I, uh...

that I was in love with you... a 16-year-old boy.

Uh...

Well, of course I was in love with you.

Isn't every mother in love with the son she creates?

So why shouldn't I love in the same way?

( sobbing )

( barking )

( barking )

( cries out )

( barking )

Oh.

Is that macaroni cheese?

Yes.

And sago pudding.

Don't you adore being English? ( chuckles )

Does it remind you of your nursery?

Deliciously horrid.

Please. I really can't manage it.

And their feelings will be so hurt.

But I can't eat your dinner.

They're doing their best, but...

...they're not doing my hip any good.

What I need...

is a really good osteopath.

You'll find a good man locally.

I'll look in the directory.

There's only one good osteopath,

and he lives in London.

I can't think of any good reason why.

Can you?

Not really, no,

now you mention it.

No, please, just a little more

before Nurse comes. For my sake.

Well, just for you.

Thank you, dear friend.

You know, one person living in London...

and another in a lovely place by the river

with two bedrooms, doesn't make sense, does it?

( cart noise )

Finished all your nice dinner?

Delicious.

There's a good girl.

Oi, come on, get out!

( barking )

Where is she?

She's very upset.

I've told her, who needs this job?

I'm here.

Does she take one spoon or two?

Not enough milk.

Come on.

You know how you hate cold tea.

( sniffles )

They said I didn't meet their standards.

What do they know about samosas and stuff?

I like them...

hair and all.

( speaks in Hindi )

What are we going to do?

I'll worry about that.

( chattering )

You see, Manek, this festival is a great opportunity for you,

and then after this,

we'll make sure you play in competitions, build your repertoire.

Thank you. We're thinking long-term here.

You do want to be a concert pianist?

Sure, I do.

I just don't wanna jump in there before I'm ready.

But Manek, you are ready.

My God, I wouldn't normally touch a kid of your age.

But from the moment I first--here, let me.

From the moment I first heard you play,

I was interested, I was excited.

You're very advanced, you know that.

That's not what Madame Sousatzka says.

I know this is difficult for you to understand,

but she's a good teacher.

A great teacher.

But she suffers from mixed motives.

It's an old story.

And she's limited in her experience.

She doesn't seem to know the world.

I could take you to places--

I could take you to places where they queue all night

to hear someone as good as you.

Come on.

You've got the opportunity to make a lot of money

doing what you enjoy most.

What do you think then?

About the festival?

( sighs )

I don't know what I think.

One person says you're great, another...

I don't know.

Is Jenny your girlfriend?

It's funny you should ask me that.

You see, Jenny and I have a very special relationship.

Now I've got a little surprise for you.

This should sort out what you think.

( horn honking )

Man: Egg, bacon.

Beans, sausages.

Tomatoes.

Engineer: That's all right. That's fine there.

Is that it? Not yet.

Move round to the piano, now, mate.

Joanna. Yep.

Hold on a second.

Minestrone.

Irish stew.

One, two, one, two.

Give us a minute, Mr. Blum.

Spaghetti. Lasagna. Okay, fine. Thank you.

Okay. Can you go to the drums now?

All right.

( feedback sound ) You're not famous, eh?

Cold pizza.

( echoing ) Soggy chips.

Go on then.

Doner kabobs.

The piano, Manek.

Shish kabob.

Go on. It's all right.

( echoing ) Kitty cat, kitty cat.

Caviar.

Schnitzel.

That's fine, mate. Let's take a break.

And shut the light out.

( imitating Spinal Tap ) Rock and roll! Rock and roll!

( playing classical music )

( music continues )

Yeah. I'll put these on top.

Okay, then.

They're very precious.

I'll do that.

What are you gonna do now the house has been sold?

You're here to play for me, not to gossip about this house.

What's that?

Uh...

I was just looking at it.

You're not tired of the Beethoven, are you?

You're tired of me? Hmm?

Look at me. Why so shy? Oh, my goodness.

Come here.

Come here.

( electric saw buzzing )

Ah...

You know that when you hate me--

no, I know sometimes you do--

that I do it all for you.

( jackhammer noise )

He hasn't been calling you, has he?

That agent?

( piano plays )

People haven't been trying to get to you, have they?

What people, Madame S.?

It is impossible to have a serious conversation with you.

( plays upbeat music )

( birds singing )

Sousatzka: Can you manage?

Yes, thank you.

It's very easy, really, once you get used to it.

I think he's going to be quite a tall young man.

Sousatzka: Yes.

Not just physically, either.

I cannot tell you, Lady Emily,

how he's developing.

His talent, mmm.

His talent.

Of course, I give him hell, you know.

I don't make life easy for him, I can tell you.

Well,

young people are so very sensitive.

One has to be a little circumspect, don't you find?

Mm, no, an artist has no right to be sensitive.

He has to be tough.

Do you know what I think?

I think he's going to be better than anyone I've ever had.

Yes.

Cordle: "Even the weariest river winds somewhere safe to sea."

That's Algernon Swinburne.

You're far away.

You're thinking of something entirely different.

I'm gonna play for Ronnie Blum's festival.

That's wonderful!

I take it you haven't told her yet.

You have to tell her.

She'll go out of her mind.

She'll tear me to bits.

Possibly.

She has a very excessive nature.

But you just have to put up with it.

As one grows older,

there are many things one has to put up with...

or do without.

I miss you and our little sessions together.

Me, too.

Really?

Well, it would be charming to believe

that you think of me sometimes,

when I think of you quite often.

( rhythmic beating )

( humming )

What is it?

Carmen. Yes. Okay.

( humming )

Emperor.

All right.

Ronnie Blum's asked me to play at a festival,

and I'm gonna do it.

( tires skid )

( emergency brakes creak )

( honks horn )

Come on!

( continues honking )

I think it's self-service.

( car door shuts )

Here. Let me.

If it's only money, why don't you play in a cocktail bar?

( gas pump buzzing ) Geez.

It's your mother.

That's all she ever thinks about--money.

That's because she never has any.

I've heard her go on and on and on at you

about how much she's done for you,

all the sacrifices she's made. No, she doesn't.

Don't lie to me! I've heard it myself.

It was she who went to Ronnie Blum.

She had nothing to do with it.

It was me.

I don't believe you.

You wouldn't sell yourself to that man.

( click )

Well, thanks for driving.

I'll see you tomorrow.

( sighs )

If this is really how it is...

....that it's what you want to do...

...then I can't teach you anymore.

I see.

Sorry, but I can't.

It would be completely against my principles.

( classical music playing )

That's better, that's better.

That's lovely, lovely.

Let's hear the murmurs of the forest...

the wind whispering.

( music continues )

Watch your left hand. Caress it, caress it.

Less vibrato.

Less vibrato still.

That's lovely, lovely.

Surge ahead towards the climax.

Now breathe between the phrases

just as you talk.

That's fine. Enjoy it, enjoy it.

Caress it now, caress it.

Lovely.

Manek, I believe you have good potential,

and she's been teaching you well.

But I don't think it will be right for me to take you

until after your concert is over.

What do you intend to play?

A Schumann concerto.

I wish you well.

Thank you.

And Manek, if afterwards, after your performance,

you still want to come, we can talk again.

(Piano Concerto in A Minor by Schumann playing )

( music continues )

( music continues )

( horn honking )

Woman: I think I've been here before.

Man: No, it's a lovely spot.

Have you seen around the back of the house?

Man #2: Day like this lulls you into the false belief

that this country has a nice climate, doesn't it?

( playing upbeat music )

( raucous laughter )

( scattered conversation ) ( glasses clinking )

The sponsor signs-- where are they?!

Man: According to the rumor,

he's got a whole cellar full of beautiful burgundies...

Woman: The Gates Company has 20 seats.

Sorry. Sorry. My fault.

There's been a slight hiccup

in the kitchen arrangements, but I'm sure we can--hello.

Just a minute.

I tell you what, let's skip the main course.

( all talking )

Oh, good, I haven't missed dinner yet.

I'm absolutely starving.

Hello.

Excuse me.

Man: I'm dying of starvation!

Excuse me for a moment. Jenny.

Do you know who those people are?

They represent one of the largest merchant banks

in the world.

Really? Well, thanks for the introduction.

Look, Vincent has to play it very carefully.

I'm sure he'll do just fine.

Oh, look, I could've been a Pierrot.

They've got such lovely costumes.

You don't want to do that, Jenny. It's demeaning.

Being with you is demeaning, Ronnie Blum.

Man on P.A.: Ladies and gentlemen,

the main concert of the evening

with the London Symphony Orchestra

is about to begin.

Will you please take your seats?

Take your seats, please, ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you.

( scattered conversation )

(Overture from The Marriage of Figaroby Mozart playing )

( knuckles cracking )

( music continues )

( knuckles cracking ) ( knock on door )

There you are.

Just came to wish you good luck.

Gonna be great.

Thanks.

( music continues )

( speaking Hindi )

Sunil, don't do that.

I'm only tasting.

( music continues )

( applause )

That was the overture from The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart.

The London Symphony Orchestra was conducted by Christopher Adey.

Now, this concert from the Heaton Park Music Festival,

which is being broadcast live on Radio 3,

continues with a performance of the piano concerto in A minor

by Robert Schumann,

which he dedicated to his wife,

the concert pianist Clara Wieck.

Tonight's soloist, Manek Sen,

is actually making his debut at this festival concert.

He's only 15 years old.

He was born in England of Indian...

Deep breath.

...and is a pupil at the Ebury Bridge comprehensive school in London.

He is studying the piano with Irina Sousatzka.

( applause )

( man coughs )

( orchestra continues )

( music continues )

( orchestra continues )

( piano continues )

( orchestra continues )

( music continues )

( concert playing on radio )

( piano continues )

( orchestra continues )

( music continues )

( misplays )

That's okay.

( music continues )

( thunderous applause )

Manek, what do you think you're doing?

You must come back.

I can't do that. Youmustcome back.

Hardly anybody would've even heard the mistake.

( applause, cheering continues )

( cheering continues )

I thought his playing was a little too temperamental,

but that's human.

( Indian music plays in background )

Oh, thank you. Thank you so much.

I hope your cooking's as good as your son's piano playing.

He was wonderful.

Very successful debut.

Boy, do I need a lager.

So do I.

I cut eight bars.

It doesn't matter.

It simply doesn't matter at all.

What do they know? We know.

Tonight was a bad dream, and now we go on.

You and I, yes, my dear.

Tomorrow evening, you come to my studio.

We'll make a celebration--

just the two of us, huh?

And then we begin again.

And we work. Oh!

We will work!

I will kill you yet, my poor darling boy.

( laughing )

( music playing )

Hi.

Where's all your stuff?

Got rid of most of it.

Load of old junk, really.

Let me stay with you tonight.

Manek, I don't even have a bed.

( sighs )

( jackhammer noise )

( construction workers shouting )

( wrecking ball crashes )

( floorboards creaking )

Have you had your breakfast? You missed dinner.

Thanks.

I...came to say good-bye to you...

and to Jenny.

To all of you.

And to thank you for everything, Madame S.

( men shouting, construction sounds )

Manek:Dear Madame S.:

Please don't be angry,

but I've decided to study with Leo Milev.

I shall never forget what you have taught me,

and I will always be grateful.

I hope you understand and will forgive me.

With love, Manek.

P.S.: I hope it plays as well for him

as it did for you.

Edward: Oh, there's no need to be nervous. Don't worry.

When I first came here--

that was over ten years ago--

I was more nervous than you are now, I'm sure.

( metallic noise )

( piano plays )

( metallic noise )

( piano continues )