All language subtitles for A.Song.to.Remember.1945.1080p.WEBRip.x265-RARBG 2_English

Good day, Madame Chopin.

- Good day, Monsieur Chopin.
- Good day, Professor.

- Good day, Isabelle.
- Good day.

Here's a pupil for
you this morning,
he's superb...he's superb.

- And how is Madame?
- The same thank you.

And how is little
Isabelle this fine day?

Very well, thank you.
But it isn't a fine day,
it's raining.

And what are you doing in
this straw hat and slippers?

Hmm?

But only yesterday
the sun was shining.

Who can keep track of all
these changes in the weather?

From Paris...this morning.

Who sent it?

Louis Pleyel.

Who's he?

Let me ask.

Who owns the finest concert
hall, the greatest
publishing house in Paris?

Monsieur Pleyel.

Who was it when he was
travelling through
Germany 15 years ago

heard me play in the trio
and shook my
hand warmly and said

"My dear friend,
you were magnificent

"I shall never forget you."

Monsieur Pleyel.

And now, who takes
the time in far away Paris

to send an important letter
to Professor Elsner of Poland?

Who?

Monsieur Pleyel.

Monsieur Ple...

Yes.

Listen.

Uh...

Listen.

My dear Professor Elsner,
thank you for your letter

concerning
the exceptional talent
of your pupil Frederic Chopin.

If the young
pianist should ever
find himself in Paris,

we shall be pleased
to give him a hearing.

Respectfully, Henri Dupont.
Secretary to Louis Pleyel.

Well...

Frederic in Paris?

Naturally.

For the past year
I said to myself

Joseph I said "This gifted boy
must be shown to the world"

The world is Paris,

Paris is Pleyel.

And Pleyel is your friend.

Well, here's the answer.

My dear Professor,
Frederic's a little boy.
How could he...

My dear Madame,
in Paris last month

a young pianist by
the name of Franz Liszt
made his debut.

And he is 13 years old.

Frederic is only 11.

Well...

What about that
little question
of money, Professor?

- Money?
- For his trip to Paris. Yes.

From my teaching of French,
we're scarcely alive as it is.

Oh, yes. Money.

In fact, when did we
last pay you for a lesson,
Professor?

I refuse to fill my
head with trifles, Madame.

And that is final.

I didn't say go to
Paris tomorrow or next week

but I do say let us plan
for it and save for it.

There's a boy
waiting to be heard.

And here is Paris,
waiting to hear him.

Someday, those two facts
must come together, Madame.

I insist upon it.

Such tones form a piano.

Mozart, as it should be played.

The brilliance,
the ease, the tech...

Isabelle.

Frederic!

Frederic!

More Polish prisoners.

The Tsar's taking
them to Siberia.

Let's hope, Freddie.

And what about our lesson today?

Come now.

You don't understand, Professor.

I don't understand. What?

You are not a Pole.
You are German.

So?

I cannot understand
Siberia and freedom?

My dear boy, music and
freedom are like one.

They both belong to the world.

A real artist wants
freedom in every country.

Poland too?

Who'll listen to him?

Of course Poland.

You mean you would even help?

Help. What do you mean help?

Well, I've been
talking to Jan and Titus.

When we grow up,
all the boys are gonna help.

Then put down the name,
Joseph Elsner.

He's with you.

- Thank you.
- Uh, Professor Joseph Elsner.

We have secret meetings.
Will you come?

- A pleasure my boy.
- But don't tell father.
He'd worry.

I know.

I know very well.

All right boy, let's start.
One more time please.

Is that Mozart?

No. That's Frederic Chopin.
I wrote it.

Oh, you're composing now.

- Mozart isn't good enough.
- It's a waltz.

I'm glad you told me.

I would never know.

- Don't you like it?
- Off hand, not at all.

But how can I
tell...until I hear it.

Go ahead.

I think it's very nice.

I'll decide that please.

For a little boy, it's not bad.

It's feeling rather, mmm.

In fact, a fair
talent for composition.

A distinct gift.

In fact...

That phrase was wrong.

Very ugly.

I like it that way.

Oh, you do?

You will please never say you
like it, when you're
Professor says it is wrong.

Here, I'll show you.

Such a stubborn little boy.

Here.

All right, all right.
If you want to be stubborn,
go ahead.

Beautiful.

Frederic.

Do you know what
a wonderful city Paris is?

Where all the great musicians
and artists and writers are.

Yes, Professor.

Imagine playing there.

And a 1000 people are shouting
"Bravo, Frederic!"

Do you know what
they would say then?

What?

They would say
"This Frederic
Chopin is Polish"

His people ought to be free.

Why don't we see to it?

Do you understand
what I mean, Frederic?

What a way that
would be to help.

What a way?

Good afternoon!

Good afternoon, Professor.

Lovely day.

- And you're
wearing over-shoes.
- Hmm?

Oh, you never know.
It may start to rain.

A new dress?

Tonight,
for Frederic's concert
at Count Wyszynka's

Don't tell me
you've forgotten that?

No, no, no, certainly not.

Frederic is honoured.

He would play for the Count
and his guests while they
platter with knives and forks

and stuff their stomachs.

And you my dear friends will
be allowed to stand

in the pantry and
peek through a crack.

And for such privileges,
Madame,
you go to this trouble.

People will see us
coming and going Professor.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

- Ah, Monsieur.
- Good day, Professor.

Will he play well tonight,
you think?

Too well for Count Wyszynka.

Professor,
if the count is pleased,
he may decide tonight.

Frederic will
be named to teach
at the conservatory.

Mmm-mmm.
Fine place to bury a genius.

It would mean everything to us.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

It doesn't help matters to
talk that way to
Frederic about it.

Me?

Well, then Tsar is
thinking about revolution.

- You actually mean...
- Calm,
Professor, I know very well.

He's been seen with that crowd
of young firebrands,
Jan and Titus...

And that girl Constantia.
All of them.

He's been going
to secret meeting.

You don't say.

You didn't know of course.

Me?

I merely teach music.

Hands like Frederic's were not
meant to carry guns.

I agree, Monsieur.

The best way to serve his
people would be to become
great in his own profession.

My very words.
My very words, Madame.

If uh, if Frederic could
find himself in places like...

Paris again?

Again?

When did I last mention Paris?

A week ago.

There you are,

Seven days.

By the way, Monsieur,
my small savings
would be sufficient.

Excuse me. I have no
time today for Paris.

Uh, Monsieur, one moment.

Uh, I think Frederic
should practise on my piano

for an hour or two
before the concert.

It's slightly different,
slightly better.

It would make him
more relaxed, more confident.

I suggest he come with me now
and stay through dinner.

We can meet with all of us at
the Counts in the pantry at
the correct time.

- If you think so, very well.
- Thank you. Thank you.

Well, lovely dress.

Lovely day.

What's this you're playing?

When did you do that?

- I am the idiot.
- I see.

Well then. Let's listen a bit.

It's actually not bad.
It's distinguished.

And its scene is magnificent.

What am I but
the reflection of my teacher.

Of course. Naturally.

Liar.

Well, did you see Titus and Jan?

They're meeting us tonight.

- The Russian arrived?
Is he going to speak?
- Yes. Yes.

- What am I going to do?
- You'll be there.

With this concert to give?

They'll start the meeting
earlier, just for you.

Then if we leave punctually
at 9.00 we'll be just in
time at the Counts.

Father and mother
won't let me out of this.

Also arranged.

- You're coming
to my house, now.
- But...

To relax.

Professor,
you are a remarkable man.

What have I been telling you?

- Come, get dressed.
- Yes.

- Oh, mama! How elegant!
- Not too far, Isabelle.

Look at the time.

Not here yet?

- I'm sorry.
- You're sorry?

Maestro Paganini
plays next, then your son.

Where are they?
Where are they!

Life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness.

You want those rights too.
So do my people.

We have that one hope in common.

Yet they tell us that the
Polish people and the Russian
people are enemies.

Not the tyrants of
both people, however,

the little army of
leeches under the Tsar.

They aren't enemies at all.
In fact, they get
along quite well together.

Strange, isn't it?

Tyrants must have
something in common,
too,

to teach our peoples
to hate each other.

Giving us less time to think
about life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness.

'Cos if we should
ever seize those rights,
how awkward for the leeches?

The weapons in this
fight are printing presses
and fiery guts.

And they need
money to buy them both.

You promise to be
very troublesome to the Tsar.

In fact, in
the interest of added safety

he has thought it wise
to send you a new
governor of Poland.

A man with a bloody record.

The most efficient
hangman he could find.

This hangman is on
his way to Poland now.

His purpose is to
hunt down
meetings such as this.

He will set spies among you.

He will lay traps.

We're late.

I'm sorry, we must go.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you.

What
would've happened
if I didn't remember things?

- Where have you been?
- I'm sorry, Father.

Frederic.

Well?

You simply cannot
get that boy
away from the piano.

Look at him.
How can he possibly
play at such a state?

Frederic, it's Paganini playing.

Well, at last.

Be ready please.

Chopin.

Bravo Frederic! Bravo!

Bravo!

Encore. Encore.

Your Excellency, we thought
the roads would prevent you
arriving tonight.

May I present to you,
his Excellency. The Governor
General Of Poland.

Newly appointed by
his majesty, the Tsar!

A place for his Excellency.

- Please continue.
- Yes, yes. Continue.

You young man, continue.

Well, we are waiting.

I do not play
before Tsarist butchers.

What did you gain by it?

Tell me.

What could you have
hoped to gain by it?

Frederic will never teach
at the conservatory now.

That is certain.

And I hope that
is all, Professor.

I hope
the punishment stops there.

Frederic.

Why did you do it?

Well, what are you waiting for?

There'll be an order
for you arrest by morning.

- Get out of this house,
Frederic.
- Out of the country?

Out of the country?

Where?

Where would he go?

Why not Paris?

- I hate to leave like this.
- You must Frederic.

Perhaps, the professor is
right. Perhaps, he's always
been right about Paris.

- I have no heart for it.
- Try Frederic, try.
And don't forget us.

Constantia.

Frederic.

This is Polish earth,
Frederic,
and don't ever forget it.

Frederic.

Pleyel.

Pleyel.

We should have
stopped to clean up first.

Waste time to clean up?
My boy, we're here!

Yes, Monsieur.

Yes, Monsieur.

Uh, Monsieur Pleyel, please.

Monsieur Pleyel?

None other, sir.
We wish to see him.

- Tell him Professor Els...
- One moment please.

What's the matter with him?
He doesn't let me finish.

- Professor,
don't you think...
- Quickly, your manuscripts.

Take them out. Where are they?

For immediate publication.

We should be ready with
half a dozen of the best.

What is it you wish to see
Monsieur Pleyel about?

What is it. I wish to...

- You...
You are not Monsieur Pleyel?
- No.

Of course, huh.
I know Monsieur Pleyel.

- Who are you?
- Henri Dupont

- Dupont.
- Yeah.

Ah, Dupont. His secretary.

Delighted, delighted.
Frederic, Monsieur Dupont.

- Is Monsieur Pleyel in?
- Yes...

Well, then tell him... No.

No. Don't say a word.
We'll surprise him.

Come Freddie.

Monsieur, he's extremely busy.

- Ah,
but when he knows we're here.
- Could you please wait?

Monsieur, I ask you please.

Pleyel.

How are you, my dear friend?

Why, you look wonderful.
Simply wonderful.

How glad I am to see you.

Well, I brought in Frederic.

Frederic!

Come in, come in.
What's the matter with you?

There. There he is.
As good as my word.

This is Monsieur Pleyel.
Shake his hand, Frederic.

How do you do Monsieur?

- Frederic...
- Chopin.

Chopin. Chopin.

You must excuse our appearance.

We rushed out from the coach
to you. You can understand
that, my dear Louis.

Yes. Yes. Uh...

Must be quite a journey.

Indeed. Warsaw to
Paris is no stones throw.

You're surprised.
You gave us up, I imagine.

Gave you up?

Well, then, to be frank...

My dear friend, when
Joseph Elsner writes he's
coming, you can count on it.

What? Wrote?

Your letter must've been lost.

No. No. You answered me here.
Let me show you.

You see.

You remember.

I'm... I'm afraid it
was some time ago...

Well, I'm aware it wasn't
yesterday. But after all,
how long was it?

- Just 11 years, Monsieur.
- Really?

Well, how time flies.

Well, let us not waste any
more time. You'd like to
hear him of course.

I know it's just a formality.

Sit down, Frederic.

Monsieur,
I'm an extremely busy man.

Naturally, so don't keep
Monsieur Pleyel waiting.

- Especially after 11 years.
- That's what I mean.

Go ahead.
Sit down. One moment, please.

- Perhaps another time,
Professor.
- Now!

- Professor Elsner.
- Yes.

I must inform you regretfully

that a concert for this
young man under my auspices is
out of the question.

Why?

Because...
Because for one thing

Pleyel Hall is taken solidly
for
indefinitely in the future.

I expected that.

But when
an exceptional artist appears

you merely move
everybody down one
and you make a place.

Oh, you do eh?

If you were only a pianist.

But you would want to
publish his music too.

Now where is he?

Believe me, his
compositions are geniuses.

My dear, Sir. Genius sells
three for a franc for every
street corner in Paris.

What?

I... I don't understand.

I speak very plainly, Monsieur.

- Come Professor.
- But...

But your letter.

He was then what they
call an infant prodigy.

There might have been interest
if you had
brought him to me then.

But infants have
a tendency to grow up.

And the prodigy
becomes more prodigious.

Out of the question.
Out of the question.

Professor, there are
other auspices in Paris.

The best is Louis Pleyel.

I insist on Louis Pleyel.

I will accept nothing less.

Monsieur Pleyel, Franz Liszt.

My music.

Monsieur Liszt.

- Maestro.
- Ah, Pleyel.

Who wrote this?

This?

Dupont, who wrote this?

Monsieur...

I don't know.

Excellent!

Ah, the composer.

You do me a great honour,
Monsieur Liszt.

What do you call this?

Polonaise. It isn't finished.

Polonaise.

Spirit of Pole.

Magnificent!

Thank you, Monsieur.

And you play it with spirit too.

As I am a patriot,

I should like to
shake your hand.

I don't want to stop.

If I play the melody and you
play the bass, we shall each
have a free hand.

I'm in.

Monsieur Elsner,
could he be ready
in two weeks time?

Pardon me?

I said, could Monsieur Chopin,
get a concert
ready in two weeks?

You'll actually give him a...

A concert. Yes.
Isn't that what you
came to Paris for?

What a city.

People not only look good,
they smell good.

Let's go back to our rooms.

Eight hours practising
for one day is enough.

Relax.

You know where
we're having dinner?

The most distinguished
restaurant in Paris.

Celebrities at every table.

So, I reserved the table
for another celebrity. Look.

On the walls, Frederic.

Victor Hugo.

Alexandre Dumas.

Liszt.

Balzac.

Balzac.

Pardon me.

Look!

The table reserved
for Frederic Chopin.

Chopin!

Chopin!
The great Polish pianist.

This way, Monsieur.

Chopin.

- Ah, you know, Chopin?
- Never heard of him.

Never... Never heard of the
foremost figure in music?

Well, that's a confession
of ignorance, sir.

- Indeed.
- Indeed!

Why in Warsaw the public
went mad about him.

On one occasion
the famous critic
Kalkbrenner heard him,

- and simply raved.
- I don't believe it.

An ignoramus wouldn't.

If you would
aspire to culture, Sir,

go quickly and
get your tickets
for tomorrow night's concert.

It will be a positive sell out.

How do you do, Mr Kalkbrenner?

Now, Professor,
what's the matter with you?

Little advertising never hurt.

Balzac.

What a world.

Believe me, those fellows knew
a thing or two
about advertising.

Come on, smile for a change.
Relax.

What you...
What are you doing?

Something on the Polonaise.

This is not the way to relax.

Not the time
for Polish themes.
I said "Relax."

You know who else comes here?

The great newspaper critics.

That fellow there
is from Le Figaro.

And there's Le National.

Back there is Le Temps.
Le Temps!

Oh! You made the rounds
of the newspapers today.

Soup!

- Very... Very hot.
- Yes, Monsieur.

You said you wouldn't.

I just dropped
in for a moment.
Where's the harm?

Haven't you said that,

"A real artist would get to
the top, sooner or later,
by his own efforts."

But, why later?
It can be sooner.

- What am I
going to do with you?
- Or without me.

One critic I missed.

The most important one.
Kalkbrenner.

They say he's
a dyspeptic rascal.

- But I'll know
how to handle him.
- Hmm.

I'll be very charming.

You know, I can be charming.

Ah! Chopin!

And the Professor.

George, let me
introduce Frederic Chopin.

I told you about him
and Professor Elsner.

Joseph Elsner.

George Sand and Alfred DeMusset.

I hope you like Paris,
Monsieur Chopin.
I'm sure Paris will like you.

Tomorrow night. I'll be there.

George Sand.

And uh... The one
with his nose in the air?

Alfred DeMusset. Great poet.

Yeah, he's sure of it.

Sand.

Sand?

Novelist,
one of the finest in France.

Hmm.

Remarkable city, Paris.

His voice was peculiar.

Uh, he is a woman, Professor.

- What?
- A woman.

The man is the woman.

- Little unusual, isn't it?
- Hmm.

How do you know?

Ah, well...

Uh, I read just one of her
books, it's the story
of her own life.

And does she say why...
I mean, does he say why she...

Why does she wear pants?

Well, she was afraid...

They wouldn't take a
woman writer seriously, so she
decided to take a man's name.

Mmm-hmm.

And from there
drifted into pants.-

Remarkable city, Paris.
Eat, Frederic.

And what will you
have next, Monsieur?

Ah, let's see... The menu.

It's gone. The one with your
music cords. Where's
the menu that was here?

I'm sorry, Monsieur.
I took it away.

- Away! Where?
- I'll get you another one.

It doesn't matter, Professor,
I remember the notes.

That's not the point.

This is a room full of artists
and they are thieves.

Oh.

That's it!

Of all people.

That bilious dog gave
me such an argument.

- This will be a play.
- Professor.

What kind of
musical goulash is this?

If you please!

Man of your type
should have
nothing to do with music.

Goes without saying
that your was absolutely flat!

You say that to me with my ear?

A donkey has ears,
but does he know music?

And for your information,

this was written by that
same Frederic Chopin.

I am Joseph Elsner, his teacher.

Professor Joseph Elsner.

You'll be reading about us, sir.

On the contrary, sir,
I'll be writing about you.

My name is Kalkbrenner.

Oh, my goodness.

Frederic!

What's the matter now?

Now, it's this collar,
this...this button.

How do you get into this,
without choking to death?

Help, I'm going crazy.
Help me...

I'll fix it. I'll fix it.

You call this civilised?
I would tie up
lunatics in a suit like this.

Look at you, not half dressed,
we'll be late.

I've been dressing both of us.

All right, all right. Take...
take your time,
take your time.

Be calm, be calm.

- How do you feel?
- Calm.

Well, don't worry.
It'll pass over.

Imagine you're playing
in your own room at home.

Pay no attention
to the audience.

- There.
- There.

Well, why are you
standing like this?
Have we got all night?

Mind me,
Frederic, don't be nervous.
Don't be nervous.

Come in.

It's the post man, Professor.

This time of night?
What's the matter?

A letter with four seals.

Four seals?

- From Warsaw.
- Sign, please.

Frederic! A letter from
Warsaw with four seals.

Well, open it.

- Well, well.
- All right, just a minute.

"My dear, Professor Elsner."

- From Isabelle to you?
Why to you?
- I don't know.

"All of us are in good health
and we send our most
affectionate greetings.

"I'm writing
this to you so that
you can use your own judgement

"as to telling Frederic..."

Perhaps, I'd better not.

Go, on.

"This very painful news.

"The night of
Frederic's departure...

"Jan and our Russian friends
were caught and imprisoned.

"for aiding in
Frederic's escape."

Frederic.

Late as time.

They are both dead.

They beat them to death.

Frederic.

We're not dressed yet.

We'll be late.

Jan.

Frederic, you have work tonight!

Important work.

Frederic.

Frederic.

- I'm sorry, Professor.
- Frederic.

Outrageous.

Please, he...
He was terribly troubled.
This would not happen again.

I assure you it will not.

- You mean...you
would not consider...
- Certainly not!

I'm afraid you
strongly overrated you pupil.

No, I...
I've strongly overrated you!

Good Morning.

Uh, up all ready?

Now the truth you didn't sleep?

Not very much.

How are
the reviews of the concert?

Reviews? Oh, the concert!

Uh-huh, I don't know,
I haven't seen them.

That's the Polish theme.
Beautiful,
Frederic, very strong.

Come on, Professor,
you have every
morning newspaper there.

- Oh, yes, I have...
- How are they?

Well...not bad.

Not enthusiastic...

In fact...

In fact they are
the most abominable things
I've ever seen!

You think they would admit

that up to the time
you stopped playing
it was magnificent.

But, no, wait! I'll read
you the prize of the lot.

By Kalkbrenner.

May his dyspepsia grow worse.

One passage here.
Listen, to this.

"Apart from the fact
that the young man
has no musical memory

"and exhibited
the emotion of a school boy,

"I would say about his playing,

"that he needs at least
three more years of schooling,

"and a change of teachers."

The last dig, that's...
That was for
my behaviour.

And, and, and the...

Your Polonaise you played,
you know...

You know what
some idiot called that?
"Barbaric!"

It's a long walk back
to Warsaw, Professor.
We'd better start.

Never!

You think we come to
Paris after 15 years
and go home after one attempt?

Never!

I refuse to walk back to Warsaw.

In fact, uh, I couldn't.

My shoes need resoling.

This one I won't even dignify
with a read.

What's this?

"A genius such as
this Frederic Chopin...

"appears only once
in a hundred years."

You hear that?

"A star has risen among us.

"Brighter than
we've ever seen."

George Sand.

The man who's a woman.

What's the difference,
let him be half-goat!

Here's a talking point
for Pleyel.

Here's a second
concert in our pockets.

Come in!

Yes.

By a messenger.

By a messenger?

I... I don't have to sign?

- No, Monsieur.
- Thank you, Madame Mercier.

Frederic Chopin, for you.

Yes. Well...

Well, what is it? What is it?

"My dear, Chopin,

"it would please
the Duchess of Orleans
if you and your teacher

"Would attend a reception
at her home tonight."

"George Sand."

The Duchess of Orleans...

How does George
Sand know that uh...

It would please the Duchess?

Oh...

This is Frederic Chopin.

This is Joseph Elsner.

Professor Joseph Elsner.

Professor Joseph Elsner.

Oh, Frederic, I think I
brought two left gloves.

Put the other
one in your pocket.

- How are you my dear, Chopin?
- Monsieur Liszt.

Good evening, Professor.

This is all quite dazzling,
Monsieur Liszt.

Yes, I don't know what's
underneath, but the surface is
very highly polished.

May I, steal your prodigy
for a few minutes, Professor.

Certainly, certainly.

I'll get acquainted with a cup.

Madame,
I bring you Monsieur Chopin.

Madame Sand.

If you'll excuse me.

I...

I wanted to thank you
for everything
you've done for me

and for this invitation.

Not at all, Monsieur Chopin,
you belong here

among all the other
distinguished
artists of Paris.

That's very gracious of you.

Might I ask a favour of you?

Of course, Madame.

I want you to promise me for
this evening, you'll execute
all my orders, completely.

And without any questions.

First order is...
Sit down, Monsieur Chopin.

My dear, Monsieur Kalkbrenner,

I promised you I
would play this evening.

I deliver myself up to you.

Splendid! Splendid!

The Duke, the Duke,
where is the Duke?

With your greatest permission.

Ladies and gentlemen,
I present...

Ladies and gentlemen.

I have persuaded
the greatest artist
of our day to honour us.

If you would appear to the
music room, you will hear
Maestro Franz Liszt.

Your grace.

I have a request to make.

To create a proper atmosphere
for the music
I'm about to play.

I ask that the room be darkened.

What's going on here?
The reception over?

For some people, yes.
For others, just beginning.

Oh, yes.

Well, thank you.

Hmm, beginning?

Shh. Liszt.

Shh. Liszt is playing.

But whose is it?
I've never heard of him.

That my dear friend,
is by my pupil Chopin.

Rather warm in here,
don't you think?

Uh...

Anything would sound good,
played by Liszt.

Bravo!

Bravo!

Your grace.

Ladies and gentlemen, permit me.

One of the greatest
artist of our time,
Frederic Chopin.

And who are you
to disagree with Franz Liszt?

Oh, Professor Elsner.

Could I discuss
a little business
matter with you?

Business? Now?

Isn't that rather vulgar?

And I want to publish
Frederic's music
as soon as possible.

Indeed, you better,

because mark my words,
sooner or later they're gonna
steal those melodies.

Exactly! Now you and Frederic
will be at my office
tomorrow morning at 10:00.

- We can draw up
the contract...
- Tomorrow at 10:00?

Well, have to see
what's on the calendar,
besides...

I should like to
consider this a little.

Oh, surely you're not thinking
of asking for
any better terms?

My dear, Louis,
I can guarantee nothing.
Where's Frederic?

Leaving with Liszt
and Sand, I believe.

- Oh, well.
- Gone, Joseph.

In fact, I'm afraid,
Paris has claimed him.

The more honour to Paris.

Can I drop you at
your home in my carriage?

Oh, yes, I don't mind.

Arrived barefoot and
leave in a fancy carriage.

- Pleyel, I would like to...
- I'm busy, please.

Eh, what's that, Joseph?

Why I was saying,
uh, remarkable city Paris.
Remarkable!

To Frederic Chopin's future.

Whatever demands to, Madame.

I owe it to you
and to Franz Liszt.

Oh, it was a pleasure,
my friend. Though it was
foolish of me to help.

You're a little too talented.

Tell me my dear, Chopin,
what are your plans?

Well, to give concerts, I hope,

as soon as possible.

Hmm, why so soon?

Artists must live, George.

And certain
causes must live too.

I'm thinking of my
people back home.

You see, there was a purpose
in coming to Paris...

Ah, I thought so.

But I'm rather
concerned about this, Franz.

Look at him, pale and drawn.

Now that's what
purpose can do to a man.

No, I...
I don't like this at all.

I suggest we take him
to Nohant for a few days.

Very good idea.

And where is Nohant?

It is George's
place in the country.

An entirely different world,
where there are no purposes.

Will you be ready to take
the early coach
in the morning?

I'm afraid that is impossible.

- Wouldn't you care to go?
- Oh, yes, I would.

Well, then, why not?

Well, I feel that I should
discuss a matter like this...

With the Professor?

- Yes.
- Of course.

Specially,
such an important matter
as a three day holiday.

I shouldn't make up my
own mind about such
things if I were you.

That wouldn't do at all.

It's a pity, Franz,
but Monsieur
Chopin won't be with us.

- I fell asleep.
- It's 5:00.

And what are you doing?

Now, don't be alarmed,
Professor. I was going to wake
you before I left.

Before you left?

I'm taking the early
coach this morning.

Into the country to Madame
Sand's place at Nohant with
her and Franz Liszt.

I must still be asleep.

Just a short holiday.
For a week, that's all.

But, wait, wait,
we sign contracts with Pleyel
this morning at 10:00.

Well, a few days won't matter.

They do, Frederic.

When Monsieur Pleyel is ready,
we should be there.

- I know, but...
- And no, but.

Please, will you listen?

All right,
Frederic, I'll listen.

But you can understand...

After all she's done for us,
I couldn't very well refuse.

I see.

So, without even
discussing it with me?

Certainly in a matter
like this, Professor,

I ought to be able to make
one decision for myself.

I can't be tied to
your apron strings forever
and treated like a boy of ten.

Certainly, not.

Point is, you want to go.

- Yes.
- Mmm-hmm.

Because you're grateful,

and, uh, you find it
rather fascinating besides,

I'm no connoisseur of woman
with my weak eyes,

but I can see that much,
I can understand anything.

But when it's a matter
as important as
Monsieur Pleyel...

Because you say it must be
this very morning at 10:00.

I simply say
that when Monsieur
Pleyel is ready...

He'll be ready in
a week from now.

And you can tell Madame Sand,

since you must have holidays
that she can wait another day.

- She's decided to
leave this morning.
- I see.

And every selfish desire
of the interesting
Madame Sand is law.

- Why do you say that?
- Am I a child?

I have eyes.

I see trousers on a woman.

I know that the woman
has a will of her
own and I have ears.

I hear about her reputation,
"Books that
shocked the world!"

And laws of conduct
designed for herself,

which is her own
business except,

when she interferes with
business of Frederic
Chopin and Joseph...

Bye, Professor.

Frederic!

Take care of yourself,
the dampness is bad for you.

And...

Have a good time.

Do you hear?

This melody is for you, George.

Thank you, Frederic.

It wants to say
that I'm grateful.

I'll never forget
these three days in Nohant.

You mean...

It was delightful.
So pleased to have known you.

George.

So pleased to know you,
as long as I live.

Really?

We'll be in Paris together?

Oh,
no, I'm afraid not, Frederic.

Franz and you will go
back to Paris tomorrow.

I have some writing to do.

Here in Nohant?

For work, Nohant is much
too close to the world.

There's
an island off the coast
to Spain, Majorca.

That's where I am going.

But that's too far away.

I wish you could
see it, Frederic.

Filled with sunlight
and the moon
there is incredible.

Such peace and beauty,
you've never dreamt of.

I wish you could work there.

For a while.

Just a little while.

You could write
miracles of music
in Majorca.

Majorca.

This is where I work.

How can an artist serve a
cause, Frederic unless first
he serves himself.

First you must find
the best road for your talent.

And follow it in
the face of anything.

What's your road, Frederic?

Playing music, concerts?

Many men can do that.

Your genius is creating music
for smaller men to play.

Follow that genius, Frederic.

Or you are lost.

So is everything with it.

Work. Shut the world out.

This is what
artists have been crying
for down through the ages.

A place apart, away from the
petty struggles of men
who have no talent.

Be selfish with
your genius, Frederic.

Stay here. Write music.

Send it back to Paris.

And I shall prove to you, how
a billion rabble will send you
BACK everlasting glory.

- Bravo.
- Beautiful, isn't it?

Yes, yes indeed.

Nocturne.

Look at the others.
Every one magnificent.

Waltz. Mazurka

Nocture. Another nocturne.

Waltz Brillante.

Joseph, run through them.

That was all he sent?

All? Isn't this enough?

I was... I was looking
for a particular work.

Oh, these must be charming.
Don't misunderstand but,

this was a bigger work.

The unfinished Polonaise.

The one he and Liszt played.
Here. Together.

I don't know about that,
but these are magnificent.

And how they will sell!

Yes, I have no doubt.

Go on.
Go through them, Joseph.

I'll take them with me.

Meanwhile, you are arranging
for Frederic's concerts.

Concerts. Let him write works
like these and there won't be
concert halls big enough.

When he returns.

He told you he
was not returning?

I... No.

Well, eh...
Why do you think so?

Well, I, merely...
Didn't he tell you?

Why, yes...

He'll return very soon.

Very soon.

Good day, Monsieur.

Come in.

Ah, Madame Mercier.

- The matter we
discussed a few days ago.
- Yes, Professor.

All right.

Had no word yet?

I would have noticed
a letter from Majorca.

So you would.

I'm afraid, I can't
wait any longer, Professor.
I'll have to have these rooms.

I understand, Madame.

Tomorrow. Thank you very much.

Does it occur to you,
that you may
never hear from him?

It does not.

Only a simple old
man like you would sit
and wait for that young...

Be quiet.

You are addressing
Joseph Elsner, Madame.

A great teacher of music.

As Franz Liszt will tell you.

And Frederic will be back when
he is ready for a lesson.

Wherever I happen to be.
Even in the garrett!

And as for your rent,
I can still teach.

And you will receive every
cent of it, with a bonus for
your incivility to

Frederic Chopin,
the great artist.

George!
Where have you been?

- Walking.
- In this rain?

You might have told
me you were going.

I didn't think it mattered.

You have your own
private world at
the piano lately.

For example, this so called
Polonaise jumble you have been
playing for days.

It's merely a mood.

I thought I knew them all.

This mood is
something else again.

Something that
shuts me out completely.

I didn't mean to.

For all my attempts
at frankness, I get...

half expressed
feelings and evasions.

George...

Isn't it apparent,
that since these...

endless rains began,
that I haven't been well.

Is that all it is, Frederic?

And naturally...

I'm not in
the mood for waltzes
and graceful studies.

Your sure you are
not aching for Paris?

For Professor Elsner and causes?

No!

In that case, you've only to
make a simple decision.

George.

I only want to get
out of this place.

We could go back to Nohant.

We can take
Majorca back with us.

- Living in the same
way I taught you to live?
- Yes.

No intruders, with the same
contempt for what
the world thinks or says.

Back in Nohant with me?
Is that what you choose?

Yes.

You certain, Frederic?

One and two and three and four.

Slow and deep and

every note must dance and sing

One, two, three, four.

Every note must dance and sing.

No, no, no, no, wait, my boy.

It's very uneven.

Maybe you sit too low, uh...
Wait here!

Try this.

How is that, uh?

I always used to do that with
little boys. I got wonderful
results that way.

Now, again, uh?

One and two and three and four.

Come in.

- Monsieur Pleyel.
- Joseph, how are you?

My dear friend.

Come in.
This does me great honour.

I had enormous
difficulty in
finding you, Joseph.

- Oh, am very sorry.
- Oh,
I don't want to interrupt.

Albert is very glad you did.

That will be all my boy.
Friday, same hour.

- And practise. You hear?
- Yes, Professor.

Very nice talent.
Here sit down.

Thank you,
I can only stay a minute.

You might have
told me you moved.

Actually, I was going to.

In another day or so.
First I wanted to
establish myself.

How about a glass of wine,
my dear Louis.

No, thank you.
I have only a moment.

Establish yourself
in a neighbourhood like this?

What is the matter
with this neighbourhood?

I could recommend
important pupils.

Important neighbourhood.

My dear friend.

Musical talent doesn't look
for the correct neighbourhood.

A cup of tea, may be, eh?

Joseph,
I came to tell you that
Chopin is back.

Frederic?

When? Where...where is he?

He came back two days ago.

He is at Nohant.

Why didn't he tell me?

Oh, Elsner, you are stupid.
Where would he find me?

Still if he went
to Madame Mercier,
she would tell him.

But back only two days after a
long journey. Why?
What's the matter with me?

What are you doing?

I'm going to Nohant,
what do you think am doing?

Perhaps you ought to
write a note first.

Note.
Who has time to write notes?

But you, Louis. You
better see to the concert.

It's high time
Frederic went to work.
Did you hear me?

- Yeah, yeah.
- And please have some wine.

No thank you.

Perhaps, I better be going.

Yes, you are right.
I better be going.

Good day,
my friend and thank you.

This way, Monsieur.

Come in, Monsieur.

How do you do, Madame?

You had
a pleasant journey, I hope?

Yes, thank you.

You do remember me?

Professor Elsner.

I wondered.

Well. How is Frederic?

We were quite certain you
had gone back to Poland,
Professor.

To Poland?

No, no I assure you.

I'm right here in France.

Frederic?

You have no idea,

after all this time,
how this sounds to me, Madame.

Could you tell
him am here, please?

I never interrupt
him when he works.

Very good rule.

I can wait.

But believe me,
this is one interuption
Frederic would not mind.

It is quite
possible that he might.

Or let me put it this way.

He might be much happier to
know you had gone back
to Poland, Professor.

Pardon me, Madame.
I find that a very
extraordinary idea.

It's very simple.

Frederic despises scenes.

In fact, he is quite
cowardly about them.

And what he has to say to you,
Professor, you will no doubt
find unpleasant.

I would?

I would have to say that much
has happened
since he last saw you.

His outlook has greatly changed.

He has found his work
in these surroundings.

He would like to go on living
as he is living now.

If you don't mind, I would
like Frederic to
tell me that himself.

As you wish.

Excuse me.

- Professor Elsner.
- Yes.

What would you
say about the music,
Frederic wrote in Majorca.

Why, very charming.

Is that all?

Beautiful.

I know Frederic's
abilities quite well.

What is it that you
want me to say exactly?

Has it made
him the most talked
of composer in Europe?

Yes, and also talked about.

In a way I never
thought to hear
about Frederic.

In any case, there are
other things to do now.

Things a little more serious.

In his music writing.

- And his concert work.
- Concerts are
out of the question.

- Yes.
- He is too ill for that.

- Frederic?
- That is,
he was ill in Majorca.

He couldn't stand
the strain of concerts now.

- Well, maybe not now.
- Or any time in the future.

He hasn't
the temperament for it.

Oh, how regrettable.

What with a little effort on
Frederic's part,

I'm sure a suitable
temperament can be found.

Especially,
since these concerts
have a purpose, Madame.

His purpose is to
serve his own work.

And that
purpose is best served
by what he is doing now.

And your own,
not too highly commendable
purposes,

they are also served, Madame.

Oh, naturally
that's how you desire it.

And how Frederic desires it.

Yes, of course.

Example of your own life is...

very persuasive no doubt,
to one so young as Frederic.

The artist living quite apart.

Serving himself for
his own greater glory

and the world bringing gifts.

But, it will please not enter.

Merely set them
down outside the door.

I'm sorry, Madame.

You are a lady of
very strong will.

Used to having her
way in all things.

But, I will not see you
have this way with, Frederic.

- You've decided that,
Professor?
- His whole life decided it.

And I shall have my way
in this matter, Madame.

- As you are used to having?
- Where Frederic is concerned?
Yes.

For twenty years,

since he played his
first lesson for me,

since I listened to
his first composition.

Since, I encouraged him take
his place as the first
musician of our time

for a reason

we both believed in.

Yes, I have had my way.

Frederic!

Frederic!

It's Joseph Elsner, Frederic.

Professor Elsner.

- How have you been?
- Fine.

- Fine, thank you.
Oh, excellent.
- And the teaching?

Excellent,
I have a pupil or two.

In ten more years,
serious competition
for you, Monsieur Liszt.

Ha ha, I don't doubt it.

Something of Frederic's?

Oh, yes...yes.

I happened to be passing and...

- Well, I enjoyed our meeting,
Monsieur Liszt.
- Professor.

We haven't seen
you for a long time.

Monsieur Pleyel
keeps me informed.

Did you know that
Frederic is not well?

But, there is no danger.

- You agree
there is no danger.
- Yes.

Well then, what can be wrong?

I'm very busy and
Frederic is too, so...

- Well, Monsieur.
- Well, he plays occasionally.

I mean, in some salon.

- Wouldn't you
care to hear him?
- No, thank you.

Salons are not my circles.

- I shall see
that you are invited.
- Thank you just the same.

- Good day, Monsieur.
- Nevertheless, each
time you shall be invited.

The news will
undoubtedly disturb, Frederic.

This military upheavel?
A thousand miles from Paris?

I doubt it very much.

Ah, good morning, Frederic.

I'm late for my appointment,
Louis.
Please forgive me.

How do you feel today, Frederic?

Just in the mood for
business talk, Louis.

I haven't been sleeping well.

Find some relief
from this tightness.

And I have a great
deal of work to do.

Several things I have been
trying to put on paper.

So, if it's
nothing too important...

He brings the same
old story, Frederic.

Every city in Europe will pay
you a fortune for
one concert appearance.

People are clamouring for you.

- You have the same
old answer, Louis.
- Of course.

I realise, however, I still
dream about just one
concert in Paris.

Give up, Monsieur Pleyel.

Frederic is heard to advantage
only in the salon.

You want me to pound the piano.

Greet a lot of
idiots in the gallery.

You will excuse me.
I'm anxious to work.

Thank you for coming.

No, I don't believe news of
Poland will upset him
very much, my dear Pleyel.

Come in.

Yes?

Well?

Constantia!

Sit down!

Where did you come from?

- Monsieur Jollet,
if you don't mind.
- A letter for you.

Thank you very much.
You have been so good to help.

Here, let me look at you.

When did you leave home?

You have been
travelling for weeks.
What are you doing here?

Did you run away?

- No.
- No. No what?

No, I didn't run away.

You mean they sent you here.

I went to Pleyel

to find out where you live.

I... Well.

That was
the natural thing to do.

- What do you need?
- Nothing.

I knew I wouldn't
find you with Frederic.

No, no,
naturally not, I've been...

The city would be bad for him.
He needs the country.

You know he is ill.
I wrote it a thousand times.

Your letters may
fool his family,
Professor Elsner.

- But not us.
- Oh, I see.

I was trying to fool somebody.

Let me understand this.

"The country air he
needs is at Nohant,
with Madame George Sand."

All right at Nohant.

What is the different where?

Professor, this last uprising,
I can tell you it was pitiful.

Clubs and knives against
and cannons.

And our best people
not there to led them.
They are in jail.

Every man who can
speak or think or write
or paint.

Titus, Carl all of them.

With money we can
bribe many of them free.

If anything of the past,
just a small spark
is still alive in Frederic.

If anything is
alive in Frederic.
What a preposterous statement!

He is the same boy you knew.

And I shall prove it
to you, you'll see.

And I will not
have him slandered.

You suppose that he could,

but the man is seriously ill.

Money from the sale
of music, he can live
that's all.

Concerts where money is made
has been out of the question.

What...what would
you have him do?

Beg or steal as we would.

Use his reputation.

Gather his friends
the great people of France
that he lives with.

And bludgeon them for help
without shame or pride.

Yes.

He could do that.

And should.

I will have a talk
with him, Constantia.

Do you ever see him, Professor?

Do I ever see him?

Amazing question.

You have made up your
minds to everything.
All of you.

See him. Constantly.
Here.

Tonight. At the salon
of the Duchess of Orleans.

Frederic will play and
I am asked to attend.

Where ever Frederic plays
will I please be there.

- From Franz Liszt?
- Yes, yes.

Frederic's friend. My friend.

Don't you see.

Your questions are absurd.

And of course,
you'll go, Professor.

And when you see him.

Will you give him this?

Well, I...

I...

I hadn't intended to go.

But...

Under the circumstances,

I will.

Bravo! Bravo.

Your Grace will pardon me.
I shall continue in a moment.

You wish to see Frederic.

That is why I came, Madame.

Please.

Monsieur Elsner came to see you.

Good evening, Frederic.

You are more ill
than I imagined.

Why did you come
here tonight, Professor?

We've both been
busy for quite awhile,
Frederic, but...

One day it was
bound to be necessary,
that we had a talk.

This is not
the time or the place.

If it's important
to Monsieur Elsner,
as it seems to be,

why should you avoid it?

At any time or any place.

To save time Monsieur,
since the guest are waiting.

There have been uprisings
recently in Poland, Frederic.

I believe that is
what the good professor
came here to tell you.

I'm sorry to hear it.

Naturally.

And so is every
decent thinking person.

These are
the sorrows of this planet
which we all regret.

They must be healed,
or burnt out,
with time.

I beg your pardon, but
the struggles of people...

People who's struggle it is,
Not Frederic.

Nor any man who has
any obligations to his genius.

Peculiar.

How differently we once felt?

That genius is a rare gift.

So many ordinary
people seem to robbed,

to make one such man.

And the man worthy of the gift,

should go closer
to those people
as it becomes more great.

Fight harder for them
with that same genius

But, what a waste of that gift.

And a man who loses
all decency and honour

who flowers into a selfish,
isolated fop!

- Companion of a beast...
- Frederic!

We can't keep
the guests waiting any longer.

One thing, Freddie...

it will just take a minute.

Constantia.

You remember her.

Constantia has come to
Paris to ask for help.

For such men as Carl and Titus

who are in prison back home.

I promised to
bring her an answer.

The answer has been given.

I would help if I could.

Money.

Just money could
break them free.

Isn't it clear there
is nothing I can do.

Unless it's
Frederic's life they want.

In my opinion, Madame,

he is not living now.

Frederic.

Frederic.

This is where you live,
Professor?

Yes, I... I know.

Well, how was the evening?

Well, charming, quite wonderful.

I think I'll walk a little.

A young lady's up
there waiting for you.

Yes... I know.

Frederic, what's happened?

Forgive me for sending for you
at this hour, Louis.

What is it?

Do they still ask me to appear
in London, Rome, Vienna?

Of course.

Then arrange such a tour
in every city that wants me.

And make it pay, Louis.
Squeeze every last
franc out of them.

An art you know so well.

But Frederic...

Are you sure of this?

The money is to go
to Professor Elsner.

He will know what to do with it.

But perhaps we should
discuss this further.

You must consider your health.

I want to start immediately.
Would you see to it, please?

I...

I'm deeply
obliged to you, Louis.

Isn't this rather foolish,
Frederic?

You're evidently
disturbed about this, but...

It's childish to
rush to extremes.

You can't do what is
humanly impossible.

You realise that?

You realise that to make this
tour is literally and
actually suicide?

We'll send off to Pleyel
and tell him that
you've changed your mind.

Uh...

It... It's late, isn't it?

It is very hard to
tear myself away.
You see, we were talking...

Until now?

Yes. Er, no.
Uh...
Eh, I walked a little...

He was terribly moved.
Uh, I can't quite tell you.

Of course,
goes without saying,
he'll do something. Anything.

Concerts would, of course be
the answer, but we have
an idea how it looks.

I doubt that
the concerts will be possible.

Still, he'll consider it.

- Really?
- I said he would!

If it's humanly possible!

You... You don't believe me?

You've made up your mind, eh?
I'm a... I'm a liar.

Go back and
slander Frederic at home!

Don't listen to me.
I'm going to swear to you,
Frederic is Frederic!

He's forgotten nothing.
If he had an ounce of
strength to give, he...

He...

Come in.

Joseph, I've just come from
Frederic. He's asked me to
arrange a tour.

Did you hear what I said?

Frederic, on concert tour!

What's so amazing,
my dear Louis,

I was just telling
this young lady...

I was certain he would.

You think this is strength,
Frederic,
and high purpose?

I call it pueling weakness.

You give your life
into other people's hands,

and the character you have
left is what those people
graciously let you have.

No one knows this
human jungle better than I.

No one ever fought
more bitterly
to survive in it.

To have had some
talent and ambition,
and to be a woman,

in masculine eyes,
something slightly better
than a herd of cattle.

I buried the woman,

wrote behind a man's name,
wore trousers to remind them I
was their equal.

Yes! And was fully
as moral as they were.
No more, no less!

Maybe you think it
didn't cost a woman
something to do it.

Year after year, in the face
of contempt and slander.

But there was
the reward to remember.

I ruled my own life,
and what I set
out to do, I did!

You took that example,
and became great!

And now, if a thousand
weaklings came to me

to draw me into
their hopeless causes,

to ask me to lift
their misbegotten lives
with the wisdom I own,

I'd see every last one
of them rotting, first!

That would be
strength and dignity!

Frederic!

This is Polish earth,
and don't ever forget it.

A man worthy of
the gift should grow closer

to those people as
he becomes more great.

Fight harder for them
with that same genius.

Do you realise that to make
this tour is literally and
actually suicide?

Encore, encore!

Bravo, bravo!

Professor...

Constantia.

The Professor?

He'll be here soon.

Franz?

He's in the next room, Frederic.

I would like to hear the piano.

Would Franz play for me?

Sorry to intrude, Monsieur,

but this was quite necessary.

Shall we pause for a moment?

No, Mr Delacroix.
Let us go on.

Yes, Monsieur?

Frederic, uh...

Has been asking for you, Madame.

He's dying.

Are you satisfied, Monsieur?

Do you know anything
that could replace
a life as great as his?

Yes.

The spirit that
he leaves behind
in a million hearts, Madame.

Will you come to see him?

I think not.

Frederic is mistaken to want me.

I was always a mistake.

I certainly do not
belong there now.

Good day, Monsieur.

Continue, Mr Delacroix.

Sleep.

She was too ill to come.

I understand.

You're always right.

It's better this way.

It's like coming home.

That's right, Frederic.

We're home.

The trip to Paris was wonderful.

Well...

Didn't I tell you?