Original subtitles

Goodbye, Father. Don't worry.

Alms for food.

We shall succeed next time, Mama.

You should've tried bribing the jailer.

I did, but he refused. The man is thoroughly dishonest.

No, Jeanne, your father will never be free until Napoleon takes this city.

That'll be months yet. We must try a quicker way.

# Violin solo

Pierre! Stop!

Just a minute. I have an idea.

Terrible. Look at this crack.

Nicolo Paganini, you'd make a tin whistle sound like a Stradivarius!

- Could you, Nicolo? - You be quiet, Bianchi.

How could I get anywhere with a thing like this?

Have I ever spoken to you of Signor Passini of Parma?

- I wasn't listening. - Well, you should've been.

He is offering a Stradivarius to anyone

who can play his composition at sight.

- It's as bad as that? - Be serious, Nicolo!

With a Stradivarius violin, you could conquer the world, not talk about it.

- Let's go to Parma. - Us?

- I sing, don't I? - After a fashion, yes.

I've sung at all your concerts here. Why not in Parma?

You and I go to Parma together? Certainly not!

I am very shocked, Bianchi. What would people say?

Much you've ever cared about what people say.

All the same, I admire virtue. In others.

Good day, signorina, can I help you?

Yes. Will that young man accept an engagement?

- Engagement? - To play the violin.

- He would be well paid. - He'd be delighted.

He's such a pleasant personality.

Rizzi! Give this girl her mandolin string and attend to me!

I am attending to you.

The fact that I was here first can't...

Oh... Oh, very well, I'll wait.

Forgive me, I am in a bad temper.

- Perhaps I could cure it. - I believe you could.

- Nicolo, this young lady... - Jeanne de Vermond.

- I want you to play the violin for me. - Certainly.

- Sit down. - Not now.

- Tonight. In the street. - In the street?

- Paganini play in the street? - There'd be nobody about to hear you.

No-one to hear me?

- Musicians play to be heard... - Oh, please listen.

A certain person very dear to me has been imprisoned by the Austrians.

He's in the Santa Maria. He's an ardent music lover.

- It would be a great comfort to him. - In prison?

As he cannot attend a concert, I thought you might agree to play

outside his prison window at midnight.

Very well. For you, mademoiselle.

Oh, thank you. We should be most grateful.

- Punctually, at midnight? - At midnight.

Psst! Round here!

- Ah, the fiddler. - The name is Paganini.

- Jailbird. - Oh...

My apologies. Tell me, Paganini.

- Can you play on without stopping? - For hours.

- And you have a loud tone? - When the music demands it, yes.

On this occasion, I demand it.

- Well, what shall I play for you? - Anything you happen to know.

We shall be here for months, then.

For my own amusement, I will invent a melody on the note of that bell.

Some day, you will hear it played again at a concert.

That is if they don't lock you up for the rest of your life.

Play what you like, but play!

As you wish, signor.

- Don't stop! Keep on playing! - Did you like it?

Yes, yes, yes, but go on with it.

I'm inventing, remember.

I don't care what you're doing, only go on!

- Pierre. - Mademoiselle?

- What time did the Countess leave? - Just after seven.

- She should be in Parma by now. - Yes, mademoiselle.

- You're sure the saw is strong? - The strongest money could buy.

- The ship's master said he'd wait? - Till dawn. The Count will be free before that.

- Now what's wrong? - Wrong?

That was the end. Do you expect it to last for ever?

Never mind what I expect. Start another.

Be patient. I'm an artist, not a machine.

- I have to think of the approach. - Hang the approach!

I'm paying you to play. Get on with it!

Since you talk like an ass, do you prefer me to play like one?

You can play like a whole farmyard for all I care.

No wonder you're in prison.

Leave it open, Pierre, and be ready on your box.

There, the donkey's dead. Let's mourn for him.

# Lament

Are you listening?

It's insulting to a musician to fall asleep while he's playing. Wake up!

And pay up!

- So she tricked you, Nicolo. - Tricked me?

Your lovely Mademoiselle de Vermond hasn't paid you.

Now you'll have to go to Parma, and you'll take me with you?

- Do you really think she tricked me? Why did you stop? I liked it.

Yes, go on with your concert. You can play for hours without stopping!

I'm not taking you to Parma or anywhere else.

- You must be inventing, signor! - Oh, shut up!

One noise you forgot, Nicolo.

Are you sure going to Parma is a wise thing to do, Nicolo?

Quite sure, Mother. If I stay in Genoa, I shall suffocate.

It's my chance of winning a Stradivarius.

All this is so sudden and it's only hearsay that Passini is offering it.

Rizzi may be wrong. Why not wait a little while

and lead the new opera company here?

Mother, anybody who can play in tune and wear a clean collar can do that.

I always knew this would happen someday.

And now I'm afraid.

There's no need to be, Mother. I'm not.

You've learned so much about music, Nicolo. And so little about life.

Life's simple. Charm people with music and they charm you with gold.

There are other things - things that won't touch your pocket but your heart.

I know. Women!

It's all right, Mother, I know her. I won't be a moment.

I'll finish your packing. Go to the kitchen.

- Have some food for your journey. - Thank you, Mother.

Good morning.

Would you come in here?

Would you come in here, please?

Last night you rendered a service to a gentleman who now wishes to pay his debt.

- You realise... - He didn't want music.

- He wanted noise. - And he got it.

Then why didn't you hire a blacksmith?

Because fiddlers are easier to find.

Will you count the money? If there isn't enough...

For music, it's far too much!

But for noise, it's far too little.

The gentleman asked me to thank you

for a performance of great brilliance and versatility.

And rightly.

I must admit, it's the first time my bow has scraped the bars of a prison.

- He'd liked to have thanked you. - Oh, he has, mademoiselle.

Most practically. His gratitude will help me on my journey to Parma.

You're going to Parma?

Then perhaps we shall meet again.

- You live in Parma? - Yes, I do.

If I were to arrange a recital, would you come and play for us?

Hmm. Something sentimental,

so that you and the gentleman could make love in the moonlight?

- Gentleman? - Who else?

Surely he hasn't failed to file his way back into your heart?

He was always there, ever since I was born.

You see, he's my father.

Your father!

Oh, well, I forgive him everything.

Thank you. Au revoir, Nicolo Paganini.

Au revoir.

Hello. What are you doing here?

Oh, I live in Parma too!

Wouldn't you like to kiss my lily-white hand, Nicolo Paganini?

I would not and it isn't lily-white.

- Oh, you! - Don't be stupid!

One has to be civil. I hardly know the lady.

At this rate, it won't be long before you do.

What's all this about? Has royalty been calling on me?

A visitor, eh, Nicolo?

- For me? - No, for me, Father.

Oh, she had a nice carriage and horses.

Lady of quality by the look of her.

It's about time my attempts to make a musician of you began to bear fruit.

Who was she? What did she want?

Lessons?

Or a recital! Yes, that's it. A recital!

And paid you in advance. How much?

- Nothing to do with you, Father. - That's no way to talk to your father!

- Why, but for me... - Mother would have a decent home!

Why, you ungrateful dog!

- Now, listen to me. - No, you listen to me for a change!

All you've done for me amounts to nothing!

I've seen how you rub Mother so you can go out drinking

and boasting and throwing your chest out round Genoa.

So I'm going. If I earn any money, it will be for her not for you!

Why, Nicolo!

I must go now, Mother. Have you packed my best suit?

Yes, dear. You'll take great care of it, won't you?

Yes, I will.

I hope you haven't forgotten anything.

Will it be long before I see you again, Nicolo?

No longer than I can help, Mother.

I'll pray for you, my son.

I'll try and make you proud of me, Mother.

Here. This is for you. But promise, don't give any of it to Father.

- But what will you do? - I'm all right, I have some.

- Goodbye, Mother. - Goodbye, Nicolo. Oh, Nicolo!

Food for the journey.

Goodbye, Mother.

God bless you, my son.

Well? Your father?

He's safe and on his way to the Emperor.

- He should reach Toulon by this evening. - Is he well?

Has life in that dreadful prison? Did he send me any message?

That he lives for the day when we shall all be together again.

- Thanks heavens he's safe at last. - More to the point, thank Paganini.

My dear, one doesn't thank musicians, one pays them.

- How did your father look? - Dirty.

Unshaven.

But terribly handsome!

- Can I have something to eat? - Haven't you had anything?

- I knew how anxious you'd be. - How thoughtless of me.

You must come and have something at once. Come along.

- But, signor, every gentleman... - I told you, I'm not a gentleman!

I'm a lawyer. You shall receive the full legal fare

just as though this were a regular coach plying for hire to Parma.

A prince could do no more.

All you have to do is show me your licence.

- Licence? - My good fellow...

Don't tell me that you haven't a licence!

I've never heard of such a thing, signor.

Then you are endeavouring to obtain money under false pretences.

It's unfortunate, but you'll have to spend the rest of your life in jail.

Jail? This is terrible, signor!

Not for myself, you understand,

but for my wife, my ten children.

Not to say for my poor old mother who suffers with the itch.

- What am I to do, signor? - That is your problem.

Meantime, on to Parma, you miserable rogue!

# Violin solo - Oh, no, wait.

If you stir from this spot, I'll have you thrown into jail.

And your mother.

Itch and all.

Congratulations, signor. I perceive that you are a man of talent.

And I perceive that you are a man of taste.

Allow me to present myself, Luigi Germi.

Advocate and bachelor of law.

Nicolo Paganini, fiddler.

- Setting out to conquer the world? - First I intend to conquer Parma.

With that shapely piece of wood and the intestines of a cat.

You laugh, signor. You find it so fantastic?

No, indeed. Far from it.

The exquisite stridulations of your violin

brought me to your side like a bee to a flower.

But alas, the world can only be conquered

by selling oneself at the highest price.

Of course, everything is judged by its price, be it music or macaroni.

For me, the spoken word and for you, each note of music has a cash value.

Yet your golden notes are wasted upon the air

and my silver words upon you.

- Oh, please, signor, not entirely. - I thank you.

Who knows, they may not prove to be bread upon the water.

I sincerely hope you're right but I very much doubt it.

I was thinking of the future, not the present.

Properly represented, you might well become famous.

In brief, you need a manager, signor.

And as I happen to be disengaged at the moment, I thought, I hoped...

In brief, I need a meal.

As a matter of fact, I'm infernally hungry too.

So we meet at the best possible time to form a partnership.

Nothing to lose. Everything to gain.

Come, signor, our carriage waits.

To Parma and then the world!

In Parma, we let rooms to men of substance or honest workmen

but never to musicians.

I'm fond of music but I must pay the rent.

Is it possible, signora, that you fail to realise

that this gentleman is none other than Signor Paganini?

There was a pianist here once called Razzio Bellino.

Even with that name, he starved to death.

- Do you doubt our ability to pay? - Yes, signor.

- A week's rent in advance would settle it. - For you, signora, perhaps.

But how do we know that this apartment will suit us?

What do we know of your cooking?

There's spaghetti bolognese on my stove that would tempt the saints!

- Just wait until you eat it. - An excellent suggestion, signora.

Food first. Business afterwards. Let us know when it's ready. Oh!

No wonder this is a country of great painters.

Such inspiration.

Such eyes.

Such a figure, such...

Such... Ah, signora!

Dangerous woman... Naughty... Dangerous woman.

We're in.

I'm ashamed of you, Germi. So unsubtle.

- But it worked. - The next move is yours, my friend.

- Win that Stradivarius. - Don't worry about that.

I wish I knew where Mlle de Vermond lived.

Yes, yes, you can tell Mlle de Vermond when you find her

that you'll give her the recital that she asks, future engagements permitting.

But first win Passini's Stradivarius!

Certainly, Master.

Signor Paganini.

- You are Signor Passini? - I am.

- You have a message for me? - Yes.

Rizzi of Genoa told me to tell you that I accept your challenge.

Rizzi?

Oh, yes!

I might add, I came here to win a violin, not to be laughed at.

Well, come on!

Your Eminence, may I present Signor?

- Paganini. - Paganini.

Sorry to have disturbed Your Eminence.

Young people never disturb me, my son.

Well, before attempting the impossible,

perhaps you would like to view the Promised Land?

These are my violins.

An Amati.

- Guarnerius. - Guarnerius.

Stradivarius!

Well, go on, take it out.

It's a wonderful prize for so light a task.

You'll be better able to judge the lightness of the task

after you've seen my manuscript.

Signor Passini is a master of technique.

His music is exceedingly difficult.

The finer the work, the easier it is to play.

Listen to that! The fellow might be the greatest violinist in the world!

I am.

Such self-esteem does you no credit, my son.

- I was not boasting, Your Eminence. - I hope my composition is worthy!

If it is well-constructed, I will play it.

It will be enough if you can play the arpeggio variations.

Well?

Attractively embellished but the theme is simple.

- I am flattered, maestro. - And beautifully scored.

Play it and you shall have any instrument in my collection.

Fail and I shall be glad to see the back of your impudence.

I will play it, signor.

Incredible!

Signor Paganini!

- I'm sorry. - Sorry?

I played that last phrase disgracefully.

- You brought the whole thing to life. - We were deeply moved.

- You'll agree he's won the violin. - But of course.

My friend, you've achieved the impossible.

You have a quality which invites and disarms criticism.

It is a quality of genius.

But remember, success is a heavy burden to carry.

I've known a heavier. Poverty.

Poverty is a burden which is shared by many.

Success must be carried alone.

God bless you, my son.

And now I hope you'll choose some instrument from my collection.

Try them all. Choose the one which suits you best.

If I may, I'll keep the Stradivarius.

With this violin, I could talk to the world.

By God's will.

Look at it, Germi. It's wonderful. It's beautiful.

Look at that back. See? And the scroll.

You can't imagine the mysterious, bittersweet quality of its tone.

I tell you, Germi, with this fiddle, I can't fail.

I wish you'd realise success doesn't necessarily come to those who think they deserve it.

Oh... Here I am talking about something sacred

and you start uttering your pompous banalities.

You're not in court now. And stop feeding yourself!

I tell you, I can't fail.

I tell you to wait until after your first concert.

Anyway, I enjoy feeding myself.

How due is the rent?

You answer that.

- A letter for you, signor. - Oh, thank you.

No, it's for Signor Paganini.

It was brought by a servant in livery.

I hope my house is not too humble for you.

On the contrary, your kindness to us can never be repaid...

...I'm afraid.

- Who's it from? - Listen.

"I searched Parma for my colleague in crime.

Today, Signor Passini told me you won his Stradivarius

by your incomparable playing.

"I want my friends to see and hear you. Will you play to us next Thursday

at my mother's house?"

No mention of payment. A nice, cheap way of entertaining their friends!

Germi, you're impossible. Don't you understand?

- I've found her. - I'm afraid you have.

Oh!

- Musician? - Yes.

The servants' entrance. Round at the back.

Can you read?

- Pardon me. - Take this upstairs.

Allow me.

- Whoever is this? - He's a friend of mine, Mama.

One moment.

Will you follow me, signor?

- He's not very presentable. - We owe him a great deal.

- Signor Nicolo Paganini. - It was so good of you to come.

Signor Paganini is going to play the violin to us, Mama.

Ah, now I understand. How do you do?

So it was you who made animal noises to help my husband to escape.

Signor Paganini is no ordinary violinist, Mama.

I remember there was a man in Paris who danced, sang,

and turned somersaults while he played the violin.

My mother would never allow me to witness the performance.

- He must've been very versatile. - Vicomte and Vicomtesse d'Aranche.

Please don't be angry. Mama meant nothing.

If you go out on the terrace, I'll join you as soon as I can.

- That must be the fiddler we're in for. - As well as a singer?

I thought I should never get away.

- Would you like something to eat? - No, I'm too nervous.

- I'm too excited. - Excited?

- Isn't this just another party for you? - Oh, no, it's far more than that.

I want my friends to hear your music.

- I don't like your friends. - They're powerful and influential.

- That's why you must be a success tonight. - I shall be a success, never fear.

I shall play for you, not for them.

Why are you doing all this for me?

Because...

You once rendered us a very great service.

- I was paid for that. - Only in part.

# Soprano - What's she doing here?

- Who? - The singer.

- How did you find her? - I've no idea.

- Do you know her? - Yes...

Bianchi.

Ah, there you are. We are ready now, signor.

Make it as short as possible.

# Piano

- What's this for? - The music, sir.

- Take it away. - I beg your pardon?

Take it away!

The Carnival Of Venice Variations.

Ladies and gentlemen, with the only remaining string,

I will now play my own variations on a well-known theme.

# Piano

I don't know what's the matter with the fellow. He must be off his head!

- Where are you going? - Where people know how to behave.

They were beginning to understand and admire you.

The admiration of fools is an insult!

You're throwing away the chance of a lifetime.

They can't tell the difference between a cadenza and a dish of spaghetti.

I'm not defending their conduct. My hands will be full defending yours!

- Well, start now. Good night! - Good night!

Well, how did the recital go? Did you play well?

- Were you a great success? - It was all right.

- What's wrong? - Nothing.

Here. Have a look at this. All engaged tickets being printed,

rehearsal's tomorrow.

Considering we have no money, doesn't it surprise you I have accomplished so much?

Yes, I'm surprised. How did you do it?

The manager of the concert hall has... a wife.

- I see. - Nicolo, what's the matter?

Did you find the laurels harder to gain than you imagined?

- Germi, I'm a fool. - Good.

It takes most of us a lifetime to realise that.

I turned my back on a friend. That was unforgivable.

I made a boast that was stupid.

Now I've got to make it good and that's well nigh impossible.

Well, what does your great wisdom say to that, eh?

Go out and get drunk. As a lawyer, I charge a lot for such advice.

There are times when we need to draw a line across a page of our lives

and start afresh on the morrow.

Getting drunk is one way to do it.

Go out and see the sights of the town. Here, take this.

- Buy yourself a little experience. - Where did you get this from?

- I sold tickets to the concert. - To whom?

- The manager's wife, of course. - What about the rent?

Nicolo, Nicolo, Nicolo, well, well, well.

Well, well, well.

I said I'd come to Parma, didn't I?

Yes, you did.

And incidentally, what were you doing at that concert?

Oh, I scored a triumph, which is more than I can say for your performance.

- Aren't you going to introduce me? - Germi, Bianchi. Bianchi, Germi.

Delighted. I was just telling Nicolo he should go out and enjoy himself.

He's depressed.

He always is when he makes a fool of himself.

Then I come along and cheer him up, don't I?

- Could you cheer me up tonight? - Why not?

- Germi, I'll take your advice. - What's that?

You'll find out.

Oh, Germi, look after the Stradivarius.

Take it to bed with you.

Dix-sept, noir, impair et manque.

You see, Nicolo, when you do as I tell you, you're successful.

- When you go off on your own... - I win a Stradivarius.

- Or do you think you won it? - But what happened to it?

Ping, ping, ping, three strings.

Bianchi, you're a hussy. You're a very nice hussy.

Nicer than Mademoiselle de Vermond?

Mademoiselle de Vermond doesn't happen to be a hussy.

Oh, I beg your pardon.

That's all right.

Messieurs, faites vosjeux!

I'll get some more money. Wait here.

- Where are you going? - Never you mind.

I'll meet you there later.

- Is that you, Nicolo? - No.

- Drunk? - Yes.

- How drunk? - So drunk I know what I'm doing.

Can't be trying.

Messieurs, faites vosjeux!

Trente-deux, rouge, pair et passe.

Messieurs, faites vosjeux!

Hello, Germi.

- Awake already? - Good morning.

Where's the violin?

I left it with a friend.

The concert in a few days' time and your violin in a pawn shop?

What made you do such an idiotic thing?

- Couldn't you pawn something else? - Don't nag.

- I told you... - To go out and buy some experience. I did!

I enjoyed it and I shall probably regret it for life, so shut up!

- Signor? - Is Signor Germi in?

Luigi!

Whenever he's lonely, he always comes to my kitchen.

What is it, my dear? Someone for me? Ah, you, of course!

- Come inside, won't you? - Mademoiselle wishes to speak to you.

Ah! I'd no idea.

- Thank you for the pawn ticket. - Thank you for the violin.

- You won't let him know that I? - Rest assured, mademoiselle.

- I shall take all the credit myself. - I'm sure you will.

- How is he? - I would hardly describe him as happy.

But now that he has his violin back...

If I may be permitted so great an impertinence, mademoiselle,

it was not that entirely.

Goodbye, signor.

- Hello, Germi. - Hello. Back already?

- Was your walk pleasant? - Nothing is pleasant.

Well, well, you'll feel better after your concert.

How will I play without my fiddle? Have you forgotten? I pawned it.

Oh, yes, of course. The one with the mysterious, bittersweet tone.

I remember it had a wonderful back and a beautiful scroll.

There was something sacred about it, wasn't there?

- But of course, you pawned it. - You may be my friend but shut up!

All right, my boy, you'll have to use your old fiddle, that's all.

Give my first big concert on that cracked old thing?

Oh, no, no, it's not as bad as all that.

I have had it repaired. Hmm.

That's the Stradivarius!

But I don't understand. How did you get it back?

The pawnbroker gave it back with his compliments

in return for a couple of seats at your concert.

Germi, you're a terrible liar.

- How can I ever thank you? - Stop being sentimental.

- Go and practise. - Yes, yes, of course.

Germi, I'll never forget you for this.

Never.

# Violin solo

- The French... - Sssh!

The French are in the outskirts. We must close at once.

- You can't close on Paganini. - I'm closing on Napoleon!

- I'll make an announcement. - If there's one to be made I shall make it.

You, signor? I am the manager here.

Tonight I am the manager here.

Must I remind you of the terms of our contract?

- You wouldn't take such advantage? - I would, but I'll consult Paganini.

- What is it? It's not time yet. - No, you have another five minutes.

Nicolo, Parma is being occupied by the French. They're marching in now.

- They are late for my concert. - Oh!

Well, the question to be decided is this.

Do we finish the programme or do I ask the audience to go home quietly?

- And lose all our money? - Whose idea is this?

- Oh, his. - There may be disorder.

Women may faint and men may fight.

I must prepare for these things.

Go downstairs and count the night's takings and leave Napoleon to me.

- Bravo! Bravo! - Well done.

I think his concerto is simply beautiful!

- Now what are we going to do? - You can do what you like.

I'm going back to my seat.

# Dramatic intro

I thought you were going back to your seat.

I am, Tartutti, I am.

You better go home while you're safe, Guiseppe.

- You can't do any good here. - I'm not afraid of soldiers.

- What's that? - What's what?

Sssh. Horses. Soldiers marching.

- I can't hear anything. - Are you deaf?

No.

Ssh! Gun carriages!

- Mademoiselle! - How's the concert going?

A success beyond belief, but the Emperor's troops are marching in!

So I see but I'm not the only person abroad this evening.

I begged Paganini to send the audience home but he refused.

Naturally. Have you a seat for me?

- A seat, mademoiselle? Now, suppose... - Well, have you or have you not?

Oh, follow me, mademoiselle. Not my lucky night!

Gun carriages...

Why aren't you sitting down?

I am Tartutti, the manager of the hall.

Is there anything I can do for you, monsieur?

Rondo.

Good evening. You see, Tar...

- This is coals of fire indeed. - Not at all.

- I never miss a good concert. - Last time you heard a bad one.

You found Napoleon's troops easier to silence than our guests.

- Nicolo! - Germi! May I present Signor Germi?

Mademoiselle de Vermond.

I think perhaps I'd better take charge of these.

Hm? Oh, right. Erm... Look, I must get you away from here.

There, I said everything would be all right.

Please.

I must apologise for my behaviour at your home.

I think your triumph tonight has justified that.

- Then I'm forgiven? - For your behaviour, yes.

What else?

But not for depriving me of a small share in your success.

Good night, Nicolo Paganini.

Good night...

Hey! Hey!

Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!

A great success. Where is he? Everyone's clamouring for him.

- He was taking me out to dinner. - Excellent.

First, business. Details of his next concert needs to be arranged.

There are people to see. We must get the young genius talked about.

That shouldn't be difficult. He's just gone off with Mademoiselle de Vermond.

Naturally, we...

What? Oh... Oh, dear...

- All the people. What can I say? - What can you say?

If I see him again tonight, which I very much doubt,

there'll be a great deal that I'm going to say!

Poor Nicolo...

- Why are you smiling? - Am I? I wasn't conscious of it.

I suppose I just can't control my happiness.

- Must you control it? - For the moment, yes.

- You see, Mama... - Oh, yes, Mama.

Like all mothers, she has great social plans for me.

- Yes, I see what you mean. - Darling, don't misunderstand me.

I love you and that's all that matters to me.

But Mama has family traditions to uphold.

I just wanted you to see that it's not going to be easy.

Jeanne, I'm not always going to be a penniless fiddler.

- I may not be able to offer a title. - Oh, Nicolo, don't say such things!

- You know perfectly well... - You have the most heavenly nose.

- Do you like it? - Hmm. I like everything about you.

Here.

Remember Rizzi's shop where we first met?

- I was terribly rude, wasn't I? - Yes, you were.

And bad-tempered.

Do other people who play the violin divinely have such bad tempers?

Who else do you know who plays the violin as divinely as I do?

Nobody, darling. Nobody.

May I tell you you look very beautiful in the moonlight?

- Thank you, signor. - When am I going to see you again?

- Tomorrow? - Tomorrow morning, here.

All right.

Oh, I do love you, Jeanne.

Excuse me, mademoiselle,

but the Countess is most anxiously awaiting you in the drawing room.

Thank you, François.

Jeanne, at last!

What can have persuaded you to go out on this of all nights?

- I have been to a concert, Mama. - But to choose this evening

when troops have marched into Parma.

I really think music will be the death of you.

This is Paul. Paul de la Rochelle.

You remember, my dear?

- I saw you at the concert. - Were you there?

I thought you behaved beautifully.

That fiddler behaved much better.

Doesn't seem possible that ten years

could turn a bud into so lovely a flower.

I see England hasn't robbed you of your courtly manners, Paul.

England was very kind to me but France promises to be much kinder.

Paul has brought me this letter from your father.

In it, he says we must return to Paris at once.

Everything's arranged. Paul is to escort us.

We leave the day after tomorrow.

Something else, Jeanne, that will make you very happy.

Your father has been discussing your future with the...

Of course. He'd like to tell you that himself.

But it's their mutual desire that you should become Paul's wife.

It would be a great honour for me, mademoiselle.

But I fear too great for me.

I hope we shall have an opportunity of getting to know each better

before we leave for Paris.

- May I call on you tomorrow? - Tomorrow?

I'm afraid I've another engagement tomorrow.

Couldn't you postpone it, mademoiselle?

- Of course she will. - No, Mother!

I'm afraid that's impossible.

Nicolo.

- I congratulate you. - Congratulate?

On your punctuality. In a woman, it's almost uncanny.

Usually, I find that women are only on time

if they want to make a scene or bring bad news.

I don't know which they enjoy most but obviously, as in everything, you're the exception.

- Now what have I said? - Oh, Nicolo.

- I'm so dreadfully unhappy. - What's happened?

- They're taking me to Paris. - Who are?

- Mother and Father. - Oh...

You said it wouldn't be easy but I didn't think it would happen as quickly as this.

- That's not all. - That's quite enough.

Now, look. You're not going to Paris.

They're not going to take you away from me now.

They're taking me to be married.

Married?

- To whom? - To the Vicomte de la Rochelle.

A vicomte, eh?

Do you love him?

Nicolo, are you joking?

No, I'm not. Do you love him?

No, I don't. I love you.

Then what are we worrying about?

Darling, we are leaving tomorrow.

Oh, that doesn't give us much time, then, does it?

Let me think.

- How long does it take you to pack? - Pack?

Yes, pack.

Go home and pack your things

and I'll have a carriage outside your gates this evening.

No, darling, that's too dangerous.

I'll come to you as soon as I can.

- I've forgotten something, haven't I? - What?

Will you marry me, please?

Yes, I will.

You're quite sure about this?

We haven't known each other very long.

Quite. Quite sure.

Darling.

You're talking nonsense.

We de Vermond women never kiss anyone of lower station,

whatever our menfolk may do.

But I saw her with my own eyes.

Your eyes are not the first to be distorted by jealousy.

You're obviously madly in love with this Paganini.

But to suggest that my daughter even cares for him is not merely absurd,

it's grossly impertinent.

- Impertinent? - She knows where her duty lies.

I shall be in Genoa for two days, three at the most.

- Are you sure you can be trusted? - What could happen to me?

Who knows? You're mad enough for anything.

Now, then, let me see. First I'll arrange your contracts.

Then to Palestrini to leave the money for your mother.

Till your father gets wind of it.

Then to your home to tell them about their wonderful son.

Hurry up. You'll miss the coach.

Then to Rizzi for some more strings.

That's the lot. Now, come on.

- Are you meeting Bianchi? - No!

The rent is paid. Make a note of what you spend.

- Lock up what you don't. - Anything you say.

- You're quite sure you're not meeting Bianchi? - Quite sure!

Not that I have the slightest objection to Bianchi.

Or to women in general, for that matter.

- Take our dear landlady... - Take her by all means, but hurry!

Oh, I know! One other thing. No gambling.

You can bet on that. Now, are you going?

Give my love to Bianchi, will you?

It's useless going on with this, Mother.

We've come to the stage where our lives take different turnings.

You've never cared for anything but power and position.

Can't you understand the joy of throwing away everything you possess

for the sake of being in love with somebody?

How dare you speak to your mother like that?

You talk like a woman of the people. Are you lost to all sense of shame?

Shame? I'm prouder of being in love with Nicolo Paganini

than anything before!

Very well.

Your marriage to Paul was not merely the wish of your father and myself.

It was at the command of the Emperor.

I'm afraid that for once in his life, the Emperor will not be obeyed.

Are you mad, child? Don't you realise what this means?

Lt'll be ruin for every one of us, the confiscation of our estates.

Even exile.

- I don't care, Mother! - If you've no concern for our future

you must consider the safety of the man you profess to love.

Mother, what are you saying?

I was saying those who incur the Emperor's displeasure

seldom live to reach a ripe old age.

Mother... He wouldn't!

- He couldn't. - It'll be out of our hands, Jeanne.

You're the only person who can save him.

So kind, so gentle, so good-natured, so clever.

And so handsome! I remember one day...

- This way, mademoiselle. - Thank you.

Darling.

Oh.

I must get rid of these.

Reminds me of when you visited my home in Genoa.

I had a pair of stockings in my hand then.

Oh, my darling, I thought you were never coming.

I thought Germi was never going.

Oh. Just a moment, while I remember. I have something for you.

I didn't have much time, so it may not be quite...

Compared with all your...

Anyway, I hope you like it. It comes to you with all my love.

- Nicolo. - Hm?

I can't marry you.

I've come to say goodbye.

You...

Jeanne...

- Don't make jokes like that. - I'm not joking.

I wish I were dead.

You are serious.

You do mean it.

- So you don't love me after all? - Oh, Nicolo, I do.

I do. Never doubt that for a single second.

What's happened to make you change your mind?

I've been made to realise there is only danger in this love of ours.

No real, no lasting happiness.

Danger for me? Or for you?

- Why don't you speak the truth? - I am...

Admit that because I was born in the gutter in Genoa, I'm not good enough!

Don't, Nicolo, don't!

- You're going to marry Paul de la Rochelle. - I have no choice.

Isn't it rather that you won't sacrifice the life you've been accustomed to?

- No! No! - Don't try to spare my feelings by denying it.

There's no room for people like me in your world. Go on, marry your Paul.

Fill a nursery full of pale-faced, aristocratic parasites!

Stop, Nicolo! I won't let you be so cruel.

Only an hour ago, I was saying to Mama all the things you're saying.

In spite of that, she convinced you where your duty lay.

Not she. The Emperor.

I'm to marry Paul at the Emperor's command.

- The Emperor's command? - Oh, Nicolo.

There's no need to tell you what that means.

Napoleon.

Jeanne, Jeanne.

- Why did we ever meet? - Oh, darling.

I've thought that over and over again.

I won't accept it. There must be some other way. There must!

There's no other way.

I've thought of everything.

There's... no other way.

Goodbye.

Jeanne.

You aren't going to leave me... just like that?

I can't let you go. I can't, I won't!

Nicolo.

You must.

You know you must.

Yes, I know.

Darling.

When we first met, I asked you to play for me.

Play for me again.

I'm sorry, I can't, Jeanne. Don't ask me.

Please! For me.

I...

I don't want you to see me go.

Play, darling.

I want my last memory of you... to be filled with the magic of your music.

Goodbye... darling.

Play, darling, go on, play.

Dolt! Dunderhead! Let me out of this flea trap!

One thing at a time, signor.

There! Now look what your clumsiness has done.

- I'm only human. - Human?

You're a baboon!

You ought to go on your knees and thank heaven

for having even such a miserable share in such an historic event.

These are contracts worth a king's ransom.

And yet I condescend to ride in your... smelly dustcart!

Pick them all up, man!

My Luigi!

- Back at last! - Ah...

Ulysses greets the Venus of Parma.

- Nicolo, look, it's Germi. - And high time too!

Nicolo, the world is at your feet.

You have some important engagements for us?

Morning. For Nicolo, not for you. Feast your eyes on these. What do you think of that?

- Not bad. Bianchi's coming too. - Fine. Bianchi's coming too.

No mention of her in the contracts,

nothing said about her, no arrangements made,

nobody wants her to sing, but Bianchi's coming!

Well, you fix it. From now on, Bianchi's part of the firm.

I'll open a bottle on the strength of it.

Germi, are those contracts worth a great deal of money?

Would I, Germi, have negotiated them if they weren't?

Will it mean I shall play before the great families of Europe?

- Of course. - That's all I want to know.

I'll show the world you don't have to be Napoleon to command respect!

I shan't complain so long as ten per cent of your earnings come to me.

That's the way to look at life, practically. No room for sentiment.

- Let's drink to that. - Hmm.

- Where's our first engagement? - Vienna.

Vienna, hmm?

Yes, that's far enough away.

To us!

To us!

- What's your name? - Elise.

- Charming. - Signor Paganini.

Surely you haven't forgotten me?

Madame, did I ever know you?

Is he really in league with the Devil?

They say he is the Devil.

Wouldn't it be exciting to find out?

- I wouldn't miss this concert for anything. - I do hope we can get seats.

Paganini has a wonderful tone.

They say he's the greatest violinist of all time.

He's wonderful. There has never been such an artist.

Go on. What did he say?

There you are! I have great news for you.

The famous pianist Liszt is to be at your concert tonight.

Luigi Lablache, the great singer, is to be there too.

Now, my children, the greatest news of all.

It is whispered that the Emperor himself will be present.

- There's one person I want there. - Now, Nicolo.

There's one other person I want to see there!

She's got to be there.

The Vicomte de la Rochelle is waiting in the salon, mademoiselle.

Thank you.

Jeanne. But you will have to change if we are to ride in the Bois.

I'm not in the mood for riding.

Oh, just as you wish.

Lately, it's been rather difficult to keep pace with your moods.

- We'll ride tomorrow. - Jeanne, it's always tomorrow.

Same with everything. We even keep putting off our wedding day.

Not that again, Paul?

Tomorrow we'll ride in the Bois.

Next month we'll be married in Rome. So that's settled, isn't it?

I'm sorry, Jeanne.

It's only because I want you so much.

- So very, very much. - Yes, I know.

What is it that keeps us apart? Can't you tell me?

There's really nothing to tell, Paul.

For mademoiselle, monsieur.

"I will play the Caprice tonight especially for you. Nicolo. "

I understood you'd seen the last of this wretched fiddler some time ago.

Yes.

That you neither meet him nor correspond with him again.

I assure you, I haven't done so.

So that this charming, intimate invitation comes out of the blue

from a man you've given no encouragement?

Jeanne, you can hardly expect me to believe that.

It happens to be true, Paul.

Then this is a deliberate, calculated insult to my honour I cannot ignore.

Paganini knows we are going to be married.

He has known it for some time yet he forces his attentions on you.

Very well, I fancy he will regret his impertinence.

- Paul, really! - I'm sorry but this must be settled!

I think we'd better discuss this when we're both a little calmer.

Ah, Paul de la Rochelle.

I want a word with you, fiddler.

If it's an invitation to my concert you want, I never give free seats.

The invitation is mine.

In the Bois tomorrow at dawn.

My card.

How interesting.

Why do you suppose I should waste my time fighting you?

I expected you to say that.

Under the circumstances, a gentleman wouldn't hesitate to accept.

- In that case, I shall be delighted. - Nicolo!

My seconds will call on you.

I look forward to our next meeting.

Nicolo.

Do you know anything about duelling?

No. Do you?

No.

My poor boy. Lf...

Oh!

BIANCHl: Let me in, I must speak with Mademoiselle de Vermond!

Let me in! Let me in! Get out of my way!

- Mademoiselle de Vermond! - What's the meaning of this?

- Don't talk. I beg you, get up. - She pushed past me...

Be quiet. Find a dress that doesn't take a month to get into.

What are you doing here?

- Nicolo and Paul are fighting a duel in the Bois. - No.

- No, Nicolo must be mad. - You must stop them, you must!

Marie, I'll dress myself.

Run quickly. Order my carriage and don't lose a moment.

Rather clumsy for a fiddler, wasn't it?

Well, come on.

Next time, fiddler!

Stop! Stop the fight. He's wounded.

- Here, take this. - Give me that!

Stop, Paul, stop!

- Please, Paul, if you love me... - As you wish, my dear.

Thank you.

Come on, we're going to Genoa.

There you are. That's enough for today.

Thank you.

- Nicolo. - Hm?

I don't want to keep on about this but when are you going to start practising?

- Not today. Plenty of time. - You haven't played for months.

- Don't worry, Bianchi. - I do worry, we all worry.

You're so changed. Once music was your whole life. I don't understand.

I'm sorry, I know I'm being selfish keeping you here

when you should go on with your singing.

I wasn't thinking about that. You know I love being here with you.

- Your health, signor. - Don't let him cancel more concerts.

- No, no. - It's costing us money. Money!

- Money! - "Money!" I agree.

I refuse to allow him to ruin us for so trifling a cause.

- Yes. No. - He gives up work.

And why? Because of a mere scratch.

That has nothing whatever to do with it! If you'll forgive me, signor...

Something entirely different.

But, Nicolo.

For my sake, please try.

All right.

- Slave driver. - Thank you.

The fact is, Nicolo is lazy. He must be made to work.

- I'll go and see him. - No.

Some more wine, signor?

You're still in love with her, aren't you?

No, I'm not!

- Who do you mean? - Jeanne.

You were playing to her then. That was her music.

That's from my head and my hands. I wrote it. I played it for myself!

Nicolo, it's Germi, your friend. Don't pretend to me.

- You've been hurt by Jeanne, not that scratch. - Jeanne, Jeanne.

Can't you talk of anything except Jeanne? Am I a child? Leave me alone!

I'm telling you why you can't play. You could if you forgot Jeanne.

If you could get your heart and mind back, then you'd play. Why not try?

I do try, Germi.

I try all the time but it isn't any good.

All the music reminds me of her, every note.

I try but I can't keep her out of the music.

Now, listen to me. You're behaving like a spoilt child.

You're a genius. You've been hurt but that's happened to many people before.

Are you going to be like all the others, moping about it for life?

I'm disappointed in you.

Talking? Why are you talking? You must work.

Do you hear, work? I've been patient with you, Nicolo, patient enough.

Work! There's nothing wrong with you that work won't cure.

Antonio, don't bully him.

Nicolo's arm will be well again soon, won't it, Nicolo?

It's not my arm, Mother. That's nothing.

You don't understand. I'm well enough.

I've no heart for playing, I've no faith in myself any more.

But you will have, Nicolo. You will get your faith back again.

Of course he will. He must.

It's in the hands of providence, my son.

And when the call comes, then you will play again.

- Signorina Bianchi to see you. - Show her in.

You wish to see me, signorina?

Once again, mademoiselle, I have come to ask your help.

- Won't you sit down? - Thank you, no.

What I have to say will take very little time.

I had to see you, mademoiselle,

you're the only person who can help me.

- Help you, signorina? - It's because of Nicolo...

The wound in his arm, it wasn't serious? He's not ill?

Oh, no, the wound has healed. But he's lost the desire to play.

Oh, no, I don't believe it.

Why, it's madness. Surely he could be persuaded?

His mother, his father, Germi, yourself.

We've all tried. It's no use.

- And so you want me? - Yes, mademoiselle.

There must be many ways, so very many ways, open to you.

- With your power and influence. - I've only brought him unhappiness.

If I see Nicolo now, it will mean more misery for all of us.

What does that matter if you can give a great artist back to the world?

- You love him, don't you? - In a way you would never understand.

- Are you so sure of that? - Yes.

Because I love him enough to risk losing him for ever.

I love him too and I have lost him for ever.

Will you help him?

You don't know what you're asking, signorina.

Mademoiselle, I am humbly begging you to save, to give back to the world,

the man you're supposed to love!

You may rest assured I shall do everything in my power

to make Nicolo play again.

Nicolo, we've reached the pinnacle of fame at last. Listen to this.

"I am commanded by His Holiness to summon you to an audience

and to give a violin recital at the Vatican Palace at three o'clock on 9th April. "

- Let me see. - It's happened, Nicolo.

It's the hand of divine providence, my son.

Nicolo, this is a command. You cannot, you dare not, refuse.

Play at the Vatican?

What if I fail, Germi? What if I fail?

- You'll not fail, my son. - And we shall be there, Nicolo.

All of us.

Willing the old magic back to your bow.

# Organ

With so many fiddlers to choose from, I wonder why they pick on Paganini

and then command us to be present.

Paul, in this land of music you must try and hide the fact that you were brought up in England.

All the same, I still wish that it wasn't Paganini.

The genius looks rather troubled.

I think you should be proud of the title conferred upon Nicolo Paganini.

- Title, Your Eminence? - The Pope has made him a knight.

Nicolo Paganini, a knight?

Exactly.

I must be a much better manager than I realise!

What if I fail? What if I fail?

What if I fail?

GERMl: If you'd forget Jeanne, then you could play. Forget Jeanne.

PAGANINl: But she's here, in this room. Now.

I can't do it. I can't do it. What if I break down in front of her?

Paul, I want you to know that I wouldn't hurt you for worlds.

- You do believe that? - Of course I believe it, Jeanne.

If I hadn't seen Nicolo again, things might have been different.

Surely you're not still infatuated with this fiddler?

No, Paul, I love him.

I've always loved him.

I wanted to marry him long ago but I was threatened if I did.

Napoleon would not only ruin my father but endanger Nicolo's life.

So you see, I had no choice.

I'm sorry, Jeanne. I didn't know anything about this.

But I promise you that when we're married,

I'll devote my whole life to your happiness

and try and make you forget.

No, Paul. I'm very touched.

You're very kind and gentle but... we could never make each other happy.

- Jeanne. - You wouldn't want to live with me

knowing that Nicolo's face was always before me?

His music in my heart?

No, Paul, I know what I am to do now.

Whatever happens.

I must go back to Nicolo.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Paul.

Your Holiness, with your permission, I should now like to play

a piece of music which came to me when I needed a prayer,

and which is specially near to my heart.

Play, my son. Your prayer may yet be answered.