Don't you recognize me, Madame ?
I'm the Duke of Weimar.
I wanted to see him one last time.
I was wrong about him, like many others,
and I ask your forgiveness
for all the harm I've caused him unconsciously.
with the voice of Mike Marshall
You'll come with me to Ohrdruf, where I play the organ.
You'll have a room and you'll study.
I'll be your teacher.
If all goes well, I'll help you find a position to succeed me.
Father told me you were talented.
If you work hard, I'm convinced You'll succeed.
This will be your room, with this table.
Put down your suitcase.
It's not the best of rooms,
but it's sufficient for your music lessons,
which I will pay close attention to.
You'll have to study all of this.
All of this.
I'll determine if you can pass on to a higher level in three months.
The slightest detail will tell me if you've studied everything
and if you've assimilated these volumes to perfection.
The works for clavichord are by masters You'll never match:
Forberger, Kern, Pachelbel. That's for later.
I'll be leaving now.
I'm stepping back and I entrust you to your new mentors.
Work hard.
I'll be expecting you for supper.
We'll eat here.
All I want, is for you to clean up afterwards.
We can't afford a servant. - Brother,
the volumes in the Library are of great importance to me.
I'd like to copy certain fragments, especially Pachelbel's,
whom father often talked about.
I'd Like to study this composer's harmony.
I've told you before that you're here to study.
You're too young to decipher those volumes.
You lack the knowledge for analysing those scores.
You'll never have access to the volumes. I'll hide the key.
If necessary, I'll put you in the attic, where the rain seeps in.
Where rats make horrible noises at night.
Don't forget, soon we'll be having a party
at which our whole family will be present.
They'll be coming from Thüringen, Niedersachsen and Franconia.
You'll have to join them, without attracting any attention.
I'm excited, brother.
I'm sure I'll be able to improvise. - certainly not !
I've brought you here to study.
Leave the improvising to real musicians,
to composers, people who master music.
You still have a long way to go.
Improvising is for acknowledged masters, who are praised.
I hope You'll get better soon.
I can't feed and accommodate you if you don't study.
I Lack the means to support a fragile and sickly pupil.
And tell me, why did you take these scores without asking me ?
I wanted to improve my knowledge to perfection.
I know the other volumes by heart.
I don't want to be an organist Like you.
I want to compose and write my own music,
which fills my heart with joy and helps me exist.
You'll never see these roils again. You've lied to me.
I'll destroy your copies.
You're a pitiful and pretentious musician.
You've betrayed me and I'll punish you severely.
Ohrdruf School
Bad news. The School doesn't want you anymore.
This doesn't imply that you're a bad pupil.
I simply can't pay your tuition fee anymore.
Without money, music lessons are out of the question.
It's a pity, but it can't be helped.
We have one Last resort.
A scholarship at St. Michael's in Lüneburg.
Your teacher has recommended you.
We'll wait as Long as we can and hope for a miracle.
Brother, I want to thank you.
I'll go to Lüneburg and prove
that I can live up to the reputation of my name.
I'll do my utmost to succeed
and to give you the satisfaction you deserve.
Welcome, Mr. Bach.
This will be your own personal realm.
All these volumes are at your disposal.
But You'll have to be careful.
They are rare and represent the wealth of our institution.
They have been preserved to this day
because people have treated this Library with care and respect.
Master, I won't damage any of these prestigious works.
They alone can help me improve. That I know very well.
I want to learn everything.
How to play the organ, the clavichord,
but also the violin, the violoncello, the hobo, the flute.
Everything, master.
I wish you the best of luck.
I knew your father, Johann Ambrosius Bach.
He was a remarkable man.
You owe him greatly, as you do your uncle,
who has taken such good care of you.
A remarkable organ.
It must have taken thousands of hours to achieve this perfection.
Hundreds of craftsmen must have been called in
to create this instrument, unique in our duchy.
I envy the inhabitants of Arnstadt,
who will be so lucky to hear such a refined sound.
As town official, I am flattered by your compliments.
You should directly accept becoming titular of this organ.
You're the musician we've been waiting for.
I'll gladly accept this offer.
It's an honour for a young instrumentalist.
I'll do everything within my power
to render the organ the glory it deserves.
This is your new teacher, Mr. Johann Sebastian Bach.
He's an organist. He'll teach music and musical notation.
You'll be graded.
You'll move on to higher education if it's within your capacities.
He's the town's organist.
You should feel honoured to have a renowned Master.
This is a great moment for this School and for you.
You'll soon admire the extent of this Master's skills.
Many duchies will envy us for having him.
I'll leave you to your teacher.
This instrument is too loud. - That's our fault.
We shouldn't have bought it. The town is struggling financially.
Our tax money is being wasted.
It's an extra cost for the town.
This 'musician' doesn't work for free. He receives fees.
You're ungrateful. This organist is talented.
You're all ignorant.
Last week, I asked you to copy Luther's famous choral:
Jesu, meine Freude.
We'll see if you've done your homework correctly.
Heinz, bring me your score, if you will.
You forgot the second strophe.
That's a grave mistake for a bassoonist.
You're a goat.
A bad instrumentalist...
and, what's more, a coward.
I'm dissatisfied, Mr. Bach.
You've had a row with one of our pupils.
Our devotees dislike your improvisations
on our magnificent instrument.
I regret this situation. I never thought this would happen.
You're wrong, Pastor.
I defended myself against a pupil who wanted to beat me.
Moreover, my contract doesn't stipulate
that I should teach a class that excels in musical barbarism.
And I can't understand your devotees.
I think our ways should part here.
Goodbye, Pastor.
Dear brother, my stay in Arnstadt is horrible.
My pupils, who play in church on Sundays, are depressingly poor
and my compositions disturb the devotees,
who show their annoyance.
The Pastor is embarrassed with the situation.
I'm going to Lübeck, to Master Buxtehude,
whom you told me about.
I don't want to return to Arnstadt, where I'm unwanted.
This situation pains me as much as it disappoints you.
In conclusion, brother,
I send you my sincerest gratitude and warmest affection.
Mr. Bach.
I'm leaving tomorrow for several weeks.
Forget our disagreements and come back as soon as you can.
I'll be waiting for you.
I got carried away due to my devotees' criticism,
but you know how much I appreciate your work.
I regret having lectured you yesterday.
I felt so guilty that I didn't get a wink of sleep.
I'll contemplate the matter before making a decision.
I want to thank you for your warm Welcome. I won't forget it.
Even though your devotees show little appreciation. Goodbye.
I'd like to present a brilliant composer:
Johann Sebastian Bach.
Please give him a warm Welcome.
You've done well to come to Lübeck.
It's more open than Arnstadt.
We'll be working together. I'm looking for a successor. I'm old.
I've wasted too much time in Arnstadt.
I'm flattered by your compliments.
My only desire is to work and to serve music.
I'm honoured that a famed Master Like you should appreciate me.
This is Johann Schmidt, our music teacher in Lübeck.
Mr. Bach, I...
Miss Alexandra, I'd like to finish this improvisation.
Alone.
Thank you.
Miss Alexandra, ever since my arrival in Lübeck,
you've been very kind to me and it confuses me.
My one and only passion is music, which I master,
besides improvisation of course.
I'll never forget how you and your father welcomed me.
I have the purest of feelings for you
and your beauty moves me,
but I'm only beginning to master my desires.
Music is my kingdom, it's my one and only passion,
and I'm prepared to devote my life and all of my energy to it.
I... I can't find the words to express my thoughts.
I'm sorry.
The Pastor in Arnstadt asked me not to stay away for too Long.
This visit has been most exceptional.
I used a row with my pupils as an excuse to get away for a while.
Your music disturbs the devotees.
Your days in Arnstadt are numbered.
You're sowing discord between Lutherans and Pietists,
who hate each other.
Make the wisest decision. Stay in Lübeck.
We'll do our utmost to help you succeed.
I'll keep a watchful eye on it myself.
Master, believing in the Lord as a confirmed Lutheran,
I can't imagine my music troubling or offending a devotee
who shares my faith.
You're right, but we're not the ones to decide.
We're at the mercy of the town councils. They collect the taxes.
Our task is to satisfy those whom we consider devotees,
but in fact, they're free spirits.
This climate won't keep me from abandoning it all.
creation requires the appreciation of an audience
that's rigid, conservative and, moreover, ignorant.
Should you have any troubles in Arnstadt,
come back, my position will soon be vacant.
And... You'll be pampered here.
You know it all too well.
This is the most painful day of my life.
I've never had such strong feelings for a man.
Your departure feels Like a brutal separation.
I won't stop thinking of you for the rest of my life. I promise.
You will let us pray to the Lord
and refrain from leading us astray with your deafening improvisations.
I'm a Pietist and I admire your music.
Please continue. Don't mind these philistines,
who attend services merely to show their face.
Mr. Bach, it has to stop.
Your music disturbs us.
You have to listen to us.
I'm the daughter of Johann Michael Bach,
the town musician of Eisenach, and a famed organist, Like yourself.
I admire you boundlessly,
but we're distant cousins.
I had forgotten that detail,
but our kinship will strengthen our bond.
Providence has caused us to meet today.
It's a sign of God.
It was time to leave. They were going to lapidate us.
The Pastor will be surprised by my absence.
Let's go to my place so they may forget us.
This incident won't improve my relation with Arnstadt.
I'm muddled for having caused this disturbance.
I'm profoundly sorry.
I'm surprised to find a genius living in such modest quarters.
I sleep here, compose, prepare the lessons for my poor pupils
and adorn the service on Sundays.
I'm attracted by the organ, which I can play as often as I wish.
I'm shocked by the defamation directed at you.
It's slander and sheer injustice.
It doesn't matter. I hardly pay any attention to it.
Dear friends,
I want to thank you for attending the magnificent ceremony.
This is an important day for me.
I'll never forget you. I love you all.
I propose a toast to my love for Johann Sebastian Bach.
May God grant us a Long life, blessed with many children.
Hall to his music and to this man who enchants us all.
I'll never forget this day.
I must be the happiest woman in this Land.
I'll be faithful to you till death do us part
and I'll love you with all my heart.
I see your emotions reflected in your eyes.
I want you to know that I will always be near you.
Tomorrow We'll leave for Mühlhausen.
We have to postpone our honeymoon,
but We'll be going to a cordial city.
I have complete faith in you.
What's that scenery doing there ?
The Duke of Weimar no Longer Likes opera. It's immoral.
Apparently, our plays are offensive to our citizens.
We're the agitators who disturb the public order.
That's why he has decided to cancel this opera.
Mr. Bach has arrived.
Enter, Master.
This is a great day. I've heard your wife has given birth
and I appoint you as official organist of Weimar.
Duke, would you enlighten me on my function in this city ?
I've closed down our theatre because of the libertine pieces,
which shocked some of our citizens very deeply.
I want you to remain inconspicuous as organist
so as to offend as few people as possible.
I'm aware of your temperament.
You're said to wreak havoc once you've taken up a position.
We want sober musicians and attentive teachers. That's all.
You'll be remunerated amply, but don't cause a revolution.
Our devotees are calm and don't wish sudden changes.
You're a gifted organist.
Dozens of organs need mending in this region.
They're waiting for you to repair them.
Take care of these instruments,
rather than the souls of our citizens who wish to be left in peace.
We'll name her Katharina Dorothea, in memory of my aunt.
She'll be a gifted chorister, I'm sure of it.
I went to see the Duke.
I doubt We'll be staying here very Long.
My first audience... wasn't very cordial.
We're not moving already, are we ?
It's no longer just the two of us.
No, first I have to mend organs.
But that's not my only reason for coming here.
I have to compose. The Duke hasn't heard me play yet.
If necessary, I won't play my compositions in church anymore.
Don't worry.
I'll find a position where They'll let me be,
where I can compose in complete freedom.
I'm going to Arnheim tomorrow, to examine a defective organ.
Send for the Silbermann company in Hamburg.
I'll tell you which defective parts you should order.
In a few months, this instrument will regain its glorious sound.
Please inform me when the work is finished.
I'll come and tune it myself.
Provided that I'm still in Weimar.
Who let you... ?
Follow us to the Duke.
Why such an early audience ?
Follow us. That's an order.
What do I do ? - Don't worry.
The Duke is pretentious. I'll be back soon.
I've granted you this position in Weimar
provided that you'd restore organs and teach my pupils.
I feel that you don't understand the reason for your being here.
I'm not your Lackey. Music is my passion.
My only wish is to teach what I've learned myself
to students who need my instruction.
You're too pretentious, Mr. Bach.
You're said to have signed a contract in Kothen
and to be preparing to move out.
A couple of weeks rest will do you good.
I'll make it clear to you that you're here for a specific reason.
Mr. Bach remains in custody until further notice,
as has been ordered by the Duke.
You've wanted to leave, but now I'm chasing you off.
You'll go to Kothen. You're not worthy of staying in Weimar.
I should have known better.
Duke, I want to thank you for your indulgence
and I look forward to your letting me leave this uncomfortable cell.
This injustice severely grieves my wife.
Your accusations, however you may interpret the facts,
do not justify this sanction.
Did you notice ? The Duke of Kothen didn't come.
Yes, I noticed. And the countess wasn't there either.
My intuition tells me
I'll have the chance to play this piece for you at other occasions.
Therefore, I insist that you should stay here and rest.
You know I'll be going to Berlin soon.
Something terrible has happened in your absence.
My absence is unreasonable, but I had to go to Prince Leopold.
He wouldn't have appreciated my rejecting his invitation.
I can't wait to see her and ask her forgiveness for my absence.
Master... - Yes ?
My sister...
What ? - ...has passed away.
Your wife was very dignified.
She didn't suffer much.
She called for you several times.
I did my utmost to relieve her pain.
What about my children ?
They are clueless.
I told them that she had left to join you.
come.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
I hardly know you, but you're an excellent chorister.
My name is Anna Magdalena Wilcken.
I need what's left of the scores for my next concerts.
If you Like, I could take you on for transcribing my scores.
I Lack all sense of organisation.
I'd be honoured, Mr. Bach.
I'll devote the required time to this task.
It's an honour for a modest musician Like myself.
My children as well as my music
are all that I've created to this day.
They give a meaning to my life.
But I can't work and take care of them as well.
You know how difficult my task is.
I need a woman by my side.
A woman Like you.
You transcribe my music with accuracy, compassion
and a great deal of emotion.
You've helped me give direction to my life.
I'll devote myself to you and your music with all my heart.
First there were three candidates. Then two.
Mr. Handel has decided to move to England to my surprise.
Now I'm competing with Mr. Telemann,
the Baroque Master.
He has never taught Like me and he doesn't play any instruments.
Of course They'll choose you. You're praised by everyone.
My intuition tells me We'll be in Leipzig soon.
I've already told the children and they're over the moon.
That'd be wonderful.
Leipzig has four churches and there are many pupils.
Each choir has its own organ.
That'd be magnificent.
A gift of God.
Anna, I'm afraid to have faith in it. God will decide.
You've been appointed in Leipzig, Mr. Bach.
children, we're going to Leipzig.
Who will I pack first ?
You, I think. Here we go, the first to leave to Leipzig.
And you're number two.
Mr. Bach.
Your contract is important. We'll go through it meticulously.
You'll be responsible for the four churches,
provide quality music in at least two of them
and teach at the college, Latin as well.
Lastly...
we've appointed you as cantor of the St. Thomas' church.
This position is highly valued, as you will know.
I'd be honoured to perform all these tasks
and will apply myself to them,
even though it seems a difficult assignment.
You'll be paid modestly, but you won't have to pay any rent
since You'll be living in my apartments.
I'll also let you grace funerals and marriages when you can.
Those sums will complement your pay.
I don't know if I'll have the time for it, Mr. Rector.
I have many pieces to compose
and I count on bringing all my projects to a good end in Leipzig.
Thank you. Thank you.
In all sincerity,
your will to succeed pleasantly surprises me.
I know this is a difficult cantata. I know it all too well.
But We'll make progress.
I think I've done well to encourage the musicians,
even though I didn't mean all the things I said.
Their will to succeed is real.
That I notice all too well.
There's a world of difference between your talents
and those of the musicians who are consigned to you.
Even your own sons can't follow the rhythm you impose on them.
I know I'm very demanding, but I won't change my demeanour.
Not even towards my own sons.
Mr. Bach, we have to talk.
Your contract stipulates that you will compose 52 cantatas
in the course of a year.
I've already composed 20 pieces.
If I keep up this pace, I'll have 52 cantatas in a month.
I'm considering composing 12 more pieces
for days Like Pentecost or Ascension Day.
This task doesn't frighten my, on the contrary,
it fills me with joy.
Which, of course, I won't show.
God, may this joy Last forever.
Indeed, now more than ever.
Mr. Bach, our beloved brother has passed away.
He appreciated your work.
We implore you to grace his funeral.
Go home and have dinner, and kiss the children for me.
We're very grateful.
We're apart far too often.
I'm here to relieve the pain of those who suffer,
those who are tried by the Lord.
Thanks to you, our brother has received a worthy funeral.
We have no money to pay you.
That doesn't matter.
Your brother has been buried with love.
That's all that counted today.
We're not accustomed to the music that you've played.
You've moved us, and almost helped us forget our pain.
We're poor farmers. Take this.
That's all we can offer you today.
But I'll bring you more after the market on Thursday.
I'm eternally grateful. - Thank you.
The days are Long and work is hard.
I have to divide 35 choristers over 4 churches.
That's not enough. My assignment is hard.
I Lack the means to accomplish what is expected of me.
Strangely enough...
it's the simplest of souls who appreciate my compositions.
I've seen it once more this afternoon.
That's what counts.
You're inspired by the creator,
and that troubles those who wish to cause you to doubt.
You're right.
He is my one and only guide.
But still I end up in conflict with everyone.
Many people must doubt Him and, in the end, fear Him.
I'm more than a Pastor.
I don't preach or deliver sermons.
My music proves the existence of the creator.
It's... it's the extension of God's Word.
I'll testify to my belief for the rest of my life
and I'll introduce Him to those who open their hearts for Him.
It wasn't good.
You're wrong. They played with great emotion.
You didn't even notice.
I don't know if my music will be played again in my lifetime.
I don't want to ask myself that question.
Perhaps I'm too conceited. - No, you're not.
Your fastidiousness flatters you.
No one but me can understand you.
I love you with all my heart and soul. You know that very well.
Listen to my observations and trust my intuitions.
I'm here to guide you. I won't conceal the truth from you.
Father, I have a pleasant announcement.
cafe Zimmermann invites us to play a public concert.
We're not a company.
I wouldn't know where else we could play except in churches.
Our music is very suitable for a public place.
We would reach a profane audience.
My brother's right. Your music is restricted to the rich.
I'll have to think about it.
I'll have to inspect the structure of the cafe.
There's also the contract and the musicians to take care of.
And We'll have to wait for the Rector's decision.
How could he stop us ?
My contract doesn't mention if I can play outside of churches.
Nevertheless...
I'll do all that's within my power to convince him.
Why are women not allowed to play an instrument ?
It's an injustice that I can only confirm but cannot explain.
Your occupations on weekdays are none of my concern.
As Long as you attend the Masses on Sundays,
I cannot prohibit your entertainment during the week.
We don't provide entertainment, Mr. Rector.
We introduce religious music to profane people,
who don't meet the Lord on Sundays.
We don't care about them.
Leave them be and let them get drunk.
Your music should uplift souls. The rest is of no importance.
Of course.
We've never been this wealthy.
cafe Zimmermann has tripled my pay.
Furthermore, our sons are happy.
They're cheerful, serious and don't chase girls.
That's a pity.
That's why I reproach them.
I wish that they'd marry women who'd make them happy.
Why are you so worried ?
I can sense that I'm weakening.
I can hardly read.
I've kept it a secret. My eyesight has gravely deteriorated.
I'm well aware of it.
I can only accept this irreversible evolution.
You're too tired. That's it for today.
Your condition is getting worse.
Dr. Fisher recommended a renowned surgeon in England.
He will help you regain your eyesight very quickly,
or at least improve it.
I don't believe in it.
My eyes are abandoning me. They've had enough of me.
I'll soon become an old man
and all that matters to me are my sons and you, my dear.
Don't worry.
Even when I go blind I'll be able to repair organs or clavichords.
I'll never be a burden to you.
This is Dr. Taylor.
He's a famed oculist and has come all the way from England.
Doctor, this is my husband, Mr. Johann Sebastian Bach.
You appear to be suffering from cataract.
It's a common disease in musicians.
Unfortunately, there's only one remedy:
an immediate operation, Mr. Bach.
Do whatever my wife tells you to.
I'm too exhausted to make any kind of decision.
I'll come back on Monday, at 7 o'clock.
Make sure he remains sober until then.
Thank you, doctor.
Leave the compresses for at least 24 hours.
He might get a fever. I'll come around this evening.
Don't worry. Everything went fine.
I'm reassured, doctor.
Mr. Bach is dead.