Will Christoph have the courage today to tell him?
Not so loud, Friederike. The father gives lessons.
Yes mother. I know what it means when Johann Sebastian Bach makes music.
I love the father. But you also love Christoph Altnikol.
We have been waiting so long now. You just have to be patient, child.
Patience. Patience! I do not want to be patient anymore.
And the father does not realize it.
He lives in such a big world.
Yes, mother, but I live too! And one has to tell him.
Friedemann!
Yes, boy! So, where do you come from? Mother.
Just with the mail van from Halle. Are you on vacation?
I'll tell you later. How are you? You look wonderful, mother.
How is the father? And Friederike?
Can you celebrate engagement soon? No. Nobody tells the father.
What?
It's hard to say anything to your father that's not about music.
He hears strange sound. Then I just came right.
Now I will tell the father.
Friedemann, father gives lessons. You can not bother him.
I do not want to tell him right away. But I'm allowed to listen?
I can not stay in the room quietly when the father plays next door.
What are you doing here in Leipzig anyway? I'll tell you everything, father.
Goes home. You played well.
Even the senior organist of the Marienkirche
in Halle has not completely forgotten it yet.
Altnikol. I'm happy, Friedemann. The music is canceled out because of the music.
Friederike is next door. Emanuel, still so busy studying?
Not everyone got it as far as you did when you were young, Friedemann.
Who knows how far you can get it?
Welcome to Leipzig, my dear son, and in your father's house.
That's a pleasure and a surprise. A surprise yes.
Did you take a vacation, or what else will take you there?
I am no longer an organist in Halle. I threw the work down and left.
Did you think about that exactly?
There was nothing for me to think about! Now...
there is a lot to think about.
A post as an organist with 300 talers salary a year is not so easy.
I've always learned a lot from you, but the best part was:
One should not sacrifice art to money. But you have to live, my son.
Life there was tight and stubborn. The church council with its regulations!
I would not have progressed there. And I have to continue!
You have not stood it anywhere long. You are always arguing with your authority.
That's not up to me, but I'm not going to make any rules on the music.
Not from the church council and not from you.
I would be happy if only I had such a position as you.
I would not risk it. No not You! I know that.
It's right, Friedemann, you should uphold the music.
But one should not always be driven by his feelings.
They banned my organ concerts. The superintendent railed...
from the pulpit down against my music! And since?
In the middle of the sermon, I drew all the stops of the organ...
and played so loud that you could not understand him anymore.
I'm really worried about you now. Oh, father!
You do not have to worry about me. But have you never...
Thoughts about Friederike?
I do not believe it anymore.
You will not tell him and Friedemann will not tell him either.
It's hard, too, Friederike.
If you think about his music... You all just think about his music.
My love is just as important to me. And do you think I would be different, right?
But when Master stands in front of you, he looks at you...
Then you will be small again. It's me, Friederike.
Am it since the moment I first became a student...
sat on the piano bench next to him. We are all small in front of him.
That sounds like you're afraid of your father.
It is not fear, Ms. Kantor, it is awe.
So we celebrate the feasts as they fall, and praise the Lord who gives them to us.
We welcome our son Friedemann, who has returned to our house.
And maybe the evening will bring us another joy.
How about, Mother, if you would sing the little song to us,
what you sang to our engagement? Yes, I want to sing the song.
(Romantic song)
What do you want? Royal courier from Dresden.
From Dresden, you say? Yes but... We have nothing to do with Dresden.
I come as a courier from the royal court, with message to a certain brook.
There is no "certain brook" here. Johann Sebastian Bach lives here.
Cantor of the Thomaskirche am Ort and master of German music,
Every schoolchild in the country knows. No matter! I'm in a hurry and strict command!
We celebrate a small party. That rarely happens.
There is no need for us to visit. He will see how I wish.
I hardly believe that. Our Mr. Friedemann has come home.
And Frau Kantor is singing a song.
And do you know why the mother sang the song?
Maybe you can tell us, Friederike.
Father!
I thank you. I thank you!
You do not have to thank me. Thank you to Friedemann.
I'm such a tough musician that I only see and hear music.
But there are other things in the world than music, and that's good and nice.
If Friedemann had not come, I would not know about your engagement.
A courier from the Dresdener Hof. He wishes to speak to the Lord Cantor.
A courier from the yard. What does that mean? Let him enter, Franz.
Commissioner of his Excellency, Cabinet Minister Count von Brühl.
"My dear Mr. Kantor Bach,"
after our most gracious king and Lord has commissioned me,
to organize a series of concerts,
I invite you as the most outstanding representative of music in our country,
To bring your high art to our court to hear.
But should you be prevented, which I would very much regret,
so call me the musician whom you honor so highly after you...
and royal affinity for good.
"Your well-informed Heinrich Graf von Brühl."
That's a great honor, Sebastian. What will you do, father?
What will I do?
I will not abandon my St. Thomas choir.
And who will represent you, father?
Friedemann!
Mr. Friedemann Bach!
I welcome you in the house of Brühl and in Dresden, Mr. Bach.
Now I introduce you to the majesties.
Majesty, Mr. Friedemann Bach.
Friedemann Bach?
I was hoping to see our master Johann Sebastian Bach again.
The Great Father has sent the talented son as his representative to us.
What composition of his father does he want to play? - Majesty...
An own composition, if it is allowed. Please, count.
Your Majesties, ladies and gentlemen!
Mr Marchand from Paris, master of the game and the composition...
has Mr. Friedemann Bach,
Son of a great father and himself an organist of reputation,
challenged to musical competition.
I am glad that this unusual competition...
in my house and in the presence of the majesties.
Mr. Bach, you start.
(Music)
I congratulate. The king wants to speak to you.
He knows what he is, young man?
A rebel in art. A reverser.
But his music is good... if he is free from vanity!
He is very proud, Musikus Bach.
He always keeps to his father. There is no bigger than that.
Please, Mr. Marchand.
(Brühl) Master Marchand!
(Whispers unintelligibly)
Ladies and gentlemen, our friend Marchand...
has preferred to just leave the house.
The competition is decided in favor of Mr. Friedemann Bach.
Grdfin Kollovrat, may I introduce you to the winner?
It was a pleasure to listen to you.
My daughter Antonia is also delighted.
Thank you! That was the nicest thing I heard in my life.
Mr. Bach, an admirer of your art. Mariella Fiorini!
Our prima ballerina. A queen in the realm of dance!
Friedemann Bach. He introduced himself as a musical wonder.
Two geniuses meet each other.
I am especially pleased that you are here, Comtesse Antonia.
Did you like it? Yes, Excellency, it was beautiful.
We should stick together, we artists. Do not you agree, Mr. Bach?
Together we have a great passion: The art!
And yours is closely related to mine.
I hope you will visit me soon.
And the...
are not you worried? Anxiety?
What should scare me, Franz? All that!
The success, the farm! The fine polished ladies and gentlemen.
This whole foreign world. That's my world, Franz!
Your world, Mr. Friedemann? I can not believe that.
Once you have felt your strength and the irrepressible desire,
through his art to rule over the people...
that's like a rush. For your father,
who has given me you, the music is no intoxication,
but a prayer. Sons have to outgrow their fathers,
otherwise life is meaningless!
If you're the son of Johann Sebastian Bach,
then less is enough.
Good night, Mr. Friedemann. Sleep well.
Sleep?
Next, please. The transients from Vienna and Paris.
Done. I keep the list of police headquarters in hands.
That would be everything, Excellency.
Everything? Regarding the daily routine, yes.
Otherwise nothing new? The dancer Mariella Fiorini...
She becomes slightly negligent in her so-called side job.
We do not receive any news from France anymore.
That should be due to Mr. Marchand. Since that memorable evening...
he barely shows himself in company. It is not up to Mr Marchand.
Rather? At the Signorina Fiorini herself.
She no longer receives Mr. Marchand whenever he speaks to her.
And why this unfamiliar explosiveness?
She now wants to go her own way. It seems that she intends
to draw your beloved musician Bach into the circle of her worshipers.
So so.
How does the Maestro get involved? The musician should not be averse.
He is, however, heavily used by his piano lessons.
Oh yes. All of a sudden, the young ladies of society have the desire to
to perfect the piano playing. Who belongs to his students like that?
The Comtesse Fleming, Fräulein von Erdmannsdorf,
Sophie and Wilhelmine von Pцllnitz, Fr. Pomanarowski,
Comtesse Antonia Kollowrat... Thank you.
Enough for today.
As a reward for your diligence, I brought you something.
That's nice! Can I see it? They should even learn something else.
"For my son Friedemann". A textbook of my father.
A precious book. A useful book.
For the theoretical lessons. My father wrote it for me.
Please, play. What should I play?
Do you really love the music?
I think so. You have to know that.
I used to play the piano like my girlfriends did.
It was a good sound. I did not think much of it.
But since I heard you, it has changed.
Let us use the time. Play the work I gave you.
By heart.
Oh, the piece. I prefer to play it myself.
Yes.
A gifted musician, this Mr. Bach.
Only something too degagiert, too free.
Now he plays his own music again, and Antonia learns less than before.
Nevertheless, have you fulfilled the wish of your daughter? - Why not?
C'est la mode! Yes, yes, he has quickly become fashionable...
in the company of the court. Are not you guilty of it yourself?
Give a simple cantor son a gig!
The son of Johann Sebastian Bach. I wanted to honor the old...
and unknowingly paved the way for a young genius.
Maybe that brings me more honor than being a minister in Saxony.
So surely you are his meaning?
I am so unsure of my own. But Graf, where are you getting lost?
Do you think Antonia could ever see more in me than...
the friend of your house?
Should I say, "I'm surprised."?
I would be happy, dear Count.
And if you ask me, I think Antonia, too, was happy.
I'm not completely convinced yet.
Otherwise I would have asked her myself. Why? You do not seriously believe
that Antonia... Youth and genius mean more...
as the title of Minister of State? Yes! There can be no question of that.
Can I take this conviction with me? You can do that.
That's what you're supposed to do, Count Brühl. Thank you, dear friend.
Now I know my way and I'll go.
Alas... our musician has every chance of becoming court composer.
All the better! Then he is busy and leaves by itself.
Before I forget it, the interest of the dancer Fiorini for Mr. Bach...
I do not care. Understand.
You can help a little bit. You can give her and him...
wave with the laurel of the court composer. That's always pretty good.
And as I know our Mariella, she will attach to it.
Good day, my dear master Bach.
Thank you for your letter. Oh, flowers.
How nice. I'll catch her if you let me. Theresa, a clasp.
We have a cup of tea with each other. Thank you.
They wrote me a surprise for me.
May I know what it is? Compose a ballet for me!
- What? - A ballet.
Me a ballet? That's not serious.
But of course. You are wrong in me.
I am not a ballet composer. This is how you will become it now.
And if I refuse? You can not do that. Are you listening to:
I spoke to Minister Brühl today. He gives you the order through me.
It should be performed to the government anniversary of the king.
Do you insist on your refusal?
I'm convinced you only wanted the best.
I thank you for that. But I can not accept the order.
You have to understand me... Neither I nor Count Brühl understand you.
My art is as good as yours, even if it is not so sublime.
For that she is more understandable and resourceful.
You have to please the world if you want to get ahead in it.
And you want to come forward? Yes, but I do not let myself be dictated
on which way, by no minister and no woman.
I do the music I want. Well, that's good.
The minister wanted to give you a decree on the day of the jubilee.
Her appointment as court composer. I asked him for it.
But I will not bother you anymore. Forgive me.
I did not want to stretch you. I thought of your future.
I spoke for you. I wanted to get together with you...
fight honestly and win honestly. I believe in your talent as in mine!
Signorina, I know all that, but even if I wanted it...
I could not do it. I can not write such music!
But you can do everything in music.
You only need to want.
Do you really care so much about it? Yes.
Because you are the only one who can realize what I want.
A ballet of nymphs and fauns. Of bacchantes and forest spirits.
A whole magical world.
Does not that lure you, Friedemann Bach?
That is a good luck for our Friedemann.
Barely arrived in Dresden, he shows this French Monsieur,
what a Bach music is.
The king himself has praised him.
And now he can barely save himself hours ago.
Everyone wants to learn to play the piano from Friedemann.
If only he does not spoil everything again. God be present.
I worried about him long enough.
For that you loved him more than we did others.
Because he needed me more.
He has the restless blood.
You will always find your way in life. Yes.
We find each other wonderful. Hidden behind the stove!
And the others have the position, the successes. - Emanuel!
Forgive me, father, but it had to come out once.
Do you think I forgot about Friedemann?
I recommended you to Potsdam.
Father! I understand you very well.
But now we have to stop.
It has suddenly become so dark.
Dark? It is very bright!
So?
Then it's the eyes again. They become weak.
You should spare yourself more.
And who should finish the score? The printer is already waiting.
And I can not afford a copper engraver.
I am now going to the Thomaskirche for lessons.
I do not need my eyes there. Only the ears.
And they are still good.
Mariella! The solo dance again!
(Singing)
But mom, I do not believe a word. At court you tell a lot.
Dear child, it would be enough for you to tell it yourself.
Incidentally, I have good sources. It is true.
It is not true! Why do you always believe the bad in the world?
Because I'm older than you. It's time to think about your future.
Yes, mom, I remember that. Then you will not have forgotten:
The first man of the Sikh state stopped for your hand.
I've forgotten it! Then you will allow me
to remember you in time. Why are you torturing me?
I!
You are tormenting yourself. I just want to help you.
But you do not help me if you make a human bad,
I adore... A Kollowrat does not worship a musician.
You're right. I love him.
You have the courage to say that in my face!
And the gentleman piano player knows? Maybe he will never know.
Or he will love me someday too.
Nice to see you there! We have been waiting a long time.
We? There is a visit for you.
Our Mr. Emanuel is here.
Emanuel!
GruЯ you, Friedemann. But that is a surprise!
Come, sit down, Emanuel. How do you get here?
I'm on my way to Potsdam to play to the King Friedrich.
It will depend on whether he keeps me. Well,
PreuЯen does not have that many talents!
My congratulations, by the way. You are making a career. - Thank you.
What is it for you? You are so upset.
Has something happened? Something at home? Oh, you still remember us?
We thought you forgot us. I did not have time to write.
I had a lot to do. Yes, you had a lot to do!
In 6 weeks a whole score! I had time enough
to convince me of it. Truly a masterpiece!
So that's the job Father was so proud of: A nymph ballet!
Yes, a ballet. Do you mind? Do I have anything against it?
I am ashamed of you! A son of Johann Sebastian Bach!
The father believes in you. Yes! But that's why I can...
Go through life with your eyes open. Here I only see churches and cathedrals.
But there are other things too. There is so much beauty and temptation!
The beautiful and enticing is a prima ballerina of the court, how?
You have learned a lot in detail! The sparrows whistle it from the roofs,
that she is your lover! So. Did you also tell
that I will soon become court composer? But it's worth it
to betray the music. And the name Bach! Do not be ridiculous!
I do not want to lead such a miserable existence as the father!
The greatest musician of his time deserves just enough
to feed his family graciously. The father is satisfied and happy!
I need more! And nobody prevents me from taking what I need.
No, but you will fail! My life is mine alone!
But not your talent! At least think about it. Maybe there is still time.
Farewell. Despite everything, I wish you to be right, not me.
(Music)
(Applause)
People also seem to enjoy their indiscretions.
It seems so, Countess. After all, the musicians are just...
in the class of the KomÃ odianten.
Come on, Antonia, we do not want to miss the fireworks.
- Mariella! - Yes?
Mr. Bach! Wonderful, the music, Maestro. Very wonderful!
They liked it? Her hymn into the beauty intoxicated!
They make me happy. Beauty of the dance and the dancer.
Who would call you, the soul of our Divine Mariella...
to be revealed in the game of dancing legs? You are a magician, sir!
I did not recognize Mariella! You have it through your music...
brought to new life! Oh, that's what you mean!
You do not deprive the Baron of his enthusiasm for female charms?
No, I understand what he means. I heard your father's music the other day.
The master Johann Sebastian in honor, but to your nymph ballet...
he just does not reach! He is not enough.
You do not know how deeply you shame me.
Let it be good now, Signori, I have to change. Oh, excellency!
Please do not be disturbed. I congratulate, Signorina. - Thank you.
The king is enthusiastic about your art. By the way, also by yourself.
He would like to tell you personally. I appreciate this high honor.
Also for your shooter is taken care of. His Majesty intends
tomorrow to sign his appointment. Thank you! I want to tell him right away.
See you at the blackboard.
Friedemann! Finally!
You are besieged like me! Are you happy? Are you happy?
That was a triumph! Our triumph.
Brühl congratulated me. The king invited me to the table.
And you become a court composer.
But you do not say anything. You're not happy!
What is wrong with you? Do not you love me anymore?
Just a moment please. I can not keep the king waiting!
I'm in a terrible hurry. Come on. Come soon, I'll wait! Theresa!
Oh, Franz, there you are. I've been missing you already.
Did you listen to the stage? Well, and?
You do not say anything!
Did not you like it? Now tell me!
I was so complimented. Was not it good?
Then I know enough. Give me my coat.
Friedemann Bach?
Antonia.
Yes, it's me, Antonia Kollowrat. I have to talk to you!
After this evening? Just after this evening.
Come!
(Music)
Talk, Antonia. Yes, I want that.
It may not be right for me to tell you that.
The apprentice to the master. But... Do you despise me too?
I worshiped you like few people. They were the epitome of music to me.
But the ballet has deeply disappointed me! It is vain and empty and...
And it is... it is not pure! The way I think of a work of art.
You are the second person tonight who condemns this music.
Surely you are right with every word.
- I fear for you. - Anxiety?
Is it time?
Fireworks. All my music. Like that.
I believe in you. From the first moment I saw and heard you,
I knew that you are destined to become something big.
I am not what I was anymore. I lost myself at this farm.
Her mother forbade me her house because... I do not want to know.
That's why I do not believe it. But it is true.
You love this dancer? I owe her a lot.
Do not leave now, Antonia! What should I still here?
You can not leave me alone. You are the only one who can help me.
Everything is so difficult.
Antonia! You are wanted!
I have to go. Will I still see you again?
Maybe. Yes, we'll meet again. They hear from me.
(Music)
You wish, lady? I wanted to go to Mr. Bach.
What is there, Franz? Antonia!
That you would come to me! Did not you know that?
I wanted it. I thought so about you!
Yes, Antonia, I worked. Written music.
Real music. As in a fever! But I became healthy.
I think I have created something great and good.
Far from everything that has been. I knew you could, if you want.
It was not that easy. But something came to my aid.
Something like a miracle.
Can not you think what it was?
I?
No. How should I be able to imagine that? Then I have to explain it to you.
But for you to understand it, I'll tell you a little story.
Watch out. It begins, as all old stories begin.
- Once Upon a time... - Yes.
Once upon a time there was a sound.
He was alone and did not know what to do with himself.
Until one day, close to him, he heard an answer.
Now they were together and there... they discovered the miracle of harmony.
And out of harmony came a simple, little melody.
- Do you like it? - Very.
Someone found this tune on his way and made a song out of it.
You God of the sweetest lust on earth,
the most beautiful goddess dear son!
Come, teach me the hard art of being loved.
I already know the easy art of loving.
Antonia, I have something to tell you.
I can no longer accept the appointment as court composer.
Then we can not stay here. Not me, I know that.
But I'll come back and get you as soon as I've got it.
You do not want to take me? It's not possible, Antonia.
I have to start from scratch. Do you understand? Brand new!
How long will you stay away?
I do not know, Antonia. But I know now what I work for.
And then my dad is still there. He will not leave his son.
(Music)
Antonia, what is he writing? He plays in Braunschweig.
I have to go. Everything is decided there. But Antonia, that's not possible!
But! You will drive to your estate in Braunschweig tomorrow. Please invite me!
Is it that serious? Yes. It's about our whole life.
(Music)
(Invisibly)
It is enough. The Lord Consistorial Council would like to thank.
Well, did I promise you too much? He is an ingenious gift.
Maybe. But we are not looking for a genius, but an organist.
And for that he lacks the piety. That's what I think as well.
A renewal of the church music would only be desirable. - Renovation?
That's a revolution! No, Altnikol.
I do not have any illusions. Look how they put the pieces together!
Do not always let people know how you feel about them!
It does not make sense! Next time... Oh! There is no next time
I know that alone!
Dear Mr. Bach!
Thank you on behalf of our College for your game.
But unfortunately, your music seems to me, by all means,
not suitable for our community. What did you expect from me?
We had hoped to hear music in the style of your late father.
Then it probably has no purpose to talk about it. - Moment.
Maybe you will be given the opportunity to present another composition tomorrow.
To fetch me a new rejection? No!
I can not peddle my music!
Friedemann!
Mr. Lemme, please. I am at your service.
Gentlemen, excuse me, but I think that's the
way to know Johann Sebastian Bach's son...
do not let go. He has omitted himself.
So the thing is done for us. I know all his works.
Give him one more chance and he will play you a music
which will satisfy you all.
There you are finally, Mr. Bach! You have been waiting a long time.
Me, expected? From whom? A lady from Erdmanndorf's estate.
She sits next door in the dining room.
Miss Charlotte? No, a stranger lady.
Antonia!
Friedemann!
But how do you get here? Did not I think that was wonderful?
Charlotte invited me to her estate. I asked her for it.
I could not leave you alone! Antonia...
I do not know yet how it goes on. Oh, now you are not looking forward to it?
You reproach me? And I was so looking forward to you!
But I am also happy! Natьrlich! Of course I am happy!
Only, it is all still so unclear. We'll find out if we love each other.
And we do.
I just had to come! You know that Brühl wants to marry me.
I could not avoid it any longer. I should say "yes" - Then do it!
Then at least you have a secure and honorable life.
How can you say something like that? Your mother is against us.
Maybe she's right. I've suffered so much lately,
that I already doubt myself. But if you become an organist here,
then everything is fine, right? Then I can talk to Mama in a different way!
And if they reject me? We can not think of that.
Or have you already played?
For the time being, I am waiting for a reply. Friedemann.
- You played? - Yes.
And they rejected you. Natьrlich.
Friedemann? Excuse me if I disturb. My friend Altnikol.
Friedemann, I once again spoke with the gentlemen of Kircherat.
You have to play again tomorrow. Something new. In the style of your father!
I can not do this! I do not want it! I already said it. I...
You do not want to try it? I can not do it!
For our sake.
Friedemann!
For our sake!
I'll try it.
(Music)
Now they're sitting in judgment over him. It can not be bad.
I have to ask you something. Do you answer me honestly? - Yes.
Would it be better for him if he did not have to think of me now, too?
No, Comtesse. I know him well.
The fact that you are there first gave him the strength to finish this composition.
Then it is good.
My God, there he is! Friedemann!
It is so far. I got the job, Antonia.
Tomorrow I'll kick her. I'm so happy for you and me.
I'm still here too, Friedemann. I congratulate you. And you too.
Yes, I think I deserve it, too. Mr. Bach!
They should come in again. Once again? Why?
Everything is alright I do not know. It's none of my business.
What happened there? I can not explain it either.
We have to ask for a round, clear answer from you, Mr. Bach.
I do not know what to answer. Mr. Lemme, please.
I have it in black and white and can prove it at any time.
The just-heard organ concert is not composed by Friedemann Bach.
Well, how is it now? What do you have to tell us?
I have nothing to say. So? Nothing?
Then I ask the councils of the consistory. How are you, gentlemen?
Because of Mr Lemme's statement: We are, she is right.
Is rightly true. As I said. You know what that means, Bach.
You attribute your offense? I admit it.
So you give in, a preparation of your father Johann Sebastian Bach...
to have given falsely as yours? Yes!
You wanted to hear Bach's music, I played it!
Because you know nothing else and do not want to know anything else!
Only recently did I have the honor to write off the original for the publisher.
You lose the organist position in favor of Mr. Lemme.
And if we refrain from further, just in memory of your father.
We worship so much. As if you worshiped him alone!
I am his son. And I go to him...
and his big name! Do not you understand that? - No.
Please, Mr. Lemme. The gentlemen of the council.
Did you do that? Yes, I did.
That's scam! Yes, that's scam.
I can not understand you anymore. Neither do I! That's amazing!
Into the madness you have driven me! To sneak in with a fake!
Fдlschung! You asked me to mislead my music.
I was more honest than you! I could not do it.
These are excuses. You want from me what father could do.
I can not do it and I can not do it! I can not think his thoughts.
And I do not want to do his music. I would have worn everything with you!
But I can not get over this. How could I expect that!
I am sorry to have expected the Comtesse Antonia too much.
I just thought I was loved. It was a mistake anymore.
For God's sake! - It's enough now! Yes, enough! Enough with your morality!
My injustice you see! But the wrong that fate does to me,
not that one! You do not want to see that! Do you know what that means
to be the son of a great father? Never forget it!
And to want to live and create oneself. I always fought...
with the giant Johann Sebastian Bach! But now I do not want to fight anymore.
I do not want to be a son anymore. I want to be Friedemann Bach.
Then nothing! The other is over!
Friedemann! Do not go after him now.
Spдter.
We did not understand him. Yes.
He did it for you. And for his art.
We could not forget that.
(Music)
(Friederike) Cornflowers.
Cornflowers liked Father so much. But who knows that today?
Maybe a former student. They are scattered in all directions.
Maybe Friedemann. Friedemann... mother!
For years we heard nothing from him. If he were in Leipzig, we would know it.
Do you know our Friedemann so little?
You're right, mother.
He would not come back to us if he is in a bad way.
Ask the gardener, Christoph. Maybe he heard something.
Unbelievably proud. Like his father.
Good that father has not experienced this terrible. - Yes.
With the flowers, sir. I also noticed that.
Most devoted servant, the ladies. Yes, yesterday a young man came to the grave.
And that was his grave to Mr. Kantor. And as he went away,
the flowers were there. It was just a cheap bouquet.
For more it has probably not arrived. That was him.
I think so, mother.
We have to look for him. It will be very difficult, gentlemen.
With good faith, the guard at the entrance says he was one of the traveling people,
who passed by here yesterday. God knows where they are now.
(Music)
Here we are sitting with our talents.
Carrots, and nothing.
That's why our gala performance in Leipzig had to be canceled.
You know him, and my husband too. But that's a crazy one!
Did not you notice that yet? But his train number is something!
(Music)
In Leipzig, where his father is buried, he did not want to perform. I understand.
But in Dresden! This will be an attraction of the first order!
Royal court composer a. D. As a solo number with bacon Komtsdianten!
It's raining chunks. If only we do not sit dry.
Have you already received golden rain, my beautiful Elvira?
(Speaks Latin)
I do not understand your sayings. But I do not need money, you know that.
I live that way too. Oh, right!
The wife court composer a. D. Live of love and air.
Someone is coming! If it's the police, I'm not going to talk.
But it's exceptionally all paid!
Pardon, is this a Friedemann Bach?
Friedemann Bach? You hear him yourself. There he plays.
Thank you.
What do you want here? I did not call you.
I was looking for you, Friedemann.
It was not easy to find you.
Do you know how we got on it? Through the cornflower bouquet.
Goes home. I want to be alone.
What do you want from me? To get you back. We are waiting for you.
I do not need you. I'm happy. Happier than I ever was.
In this environment?
This is my world.
I do not have to deny my music. Here I play as I want.
And whistle on Дmter and walls. Here are people who need me.
They understand me. I'm loved here.
You can not be serious! Do you need to go around with comedians?
Do not bother, Christoph! I will not be back.
Braunschweig has long been forgotten. I'm not begging for positions anymore!
Not true, Elvira, we are not begging! We are our own free lords!
As long as it takes, Friedemann! The next time we are seized,
I also go begging or stealing with you. If you are only with me!
She has a small mind to think but a big heart to love.
The women out there, they know too much. This one does not even know
who Johann Sebastian Bach is! And lives too. Come on. I belong to you.
Not like the proud countesses from the court, who leave a man in danger!
Farewell, Christoph! You are unfair! Very unfair!
Did not Antonia let me down? Back then in Braunschweig?
She sat in Braunschweig for weeks and waited for you, Friedemann!
Antonia? She risked her reputation for you.
It was you who let her down!
Go somewhere else, Elvira. I'll come then.
Antonia was waiting for me? Desperately.
I have to see her. We go to Dresden.
I will go to her. I will see her again.
I will talk to her. You can not go to Dresden now.
There is no more Antonia Kollowrat.
She is Countess Brühl.
No... It is impossible for you to see each other!
It is impossible.
Natьrlich! It is impossible!
I understand. I wrote Brühl. A year ago, when I was desperate.
His Excellency did not consider it necessary to answer me. Understandable.
The wife was uncomfortable with the memory. So you drop the canaille.
The deeper, the better! You do not rise in vain...
from musician to excellence.
You were not worthy of her love! There is only one worth in our family
to be loved! - You're nasty! You'll wonder how mean I am.
I'm going to Dresden. Now all the more! And I tell you, there is a scandal,
as you have not experienced it yet! That will not happen!
Can you stop me?
(Music)
A theater group arrived in Dresden yesterday. - Not important.
The project of the experts should be interested in excellence.
They distribute these notes to the people.
What is written on the floor? "Attention, tomorrow, attention."
Great performance on the Elbe meadows. In the break personal appearance...
the famous Friedemann Bach, formerly royal court composer,
"well known for his concert at the Palais Brühl. Admission: 2 groschen."
Former Royal Court Component is underlined twice.
An occurrence of the stream is of course to prevent. If necessary, by force.
Do your Excellency have special orders? No stir, Siepmann.
Oh, where is the Musikus Bach?
In the inn "An den Elbwiesen", where the showmen always live. - Good.
(Door is opened)
Antonia!
Did you have a good day? Oh yeah.
And you worked too much again. But no.
That does not take much longer. In two days we drive to the countryside.
Then I'm just there for you. I'm looking forward to the holidays with you.
You should not hang so much on your memories. - Why?
I do not know. I have the feeling that you are the past...
never completely overcome. That's all been so long ago.
As if it had never really been. That could be it again.
Very hard reality even.
I want to protect you from that. What do you mean by that? I do not understand.
Antonia, please stay calm. Friedemann Bach is in town.
Friedemann Bach? In Dresden?
How do you know that? The way I found out
is so unpleasant that I have to conclude from it
he is very run down. You probably would not recognize him anymore.
I would recognize him.
Antonia! It does not help, you have to know.
He travels the country with a low-level comedy troop.
And still bragging about the concert he was allowed to give in Brühl's palace.
How bad must he go! That is his own fault.
I'm complicit in his misfortune. We have to help him.
I see no reason to. Especially because he still has the nerve
posing as a former royal court composer.
I will know how to prevent this unworthy comedy. For your sake.
For my sake?
I ask you for everything in the world, be sensible, Antonia!
I have only one wish. See and speak him!
Do you really want to risk our marriage for a comic?
He is not a comedian! He is a great musician!
You know that as well as I do. Our marriage remains what she is.
But I can not watch a person perish,
who once was close to me. And I can not watch
like the woman who is closest to me forever,
uselessly compromised. He once told me.
I am the only one who can help him. He can no longer be helped.
I have to try it! I would always blame myself
to have let him down a second time! I beg you!
Not only for my sake! For the sake of our marriage!
You should do what you think is right. I thank you!
But I stop it at all costs,
that you are wasting your estate to an unworthy one.
The Countess wishes to speak to Mr. Bach on an urgent mission.
He will accompany the Countess. Take with him two Grenadiers of the Guard.
And he waits for the rest in the inn. He will know when to intervene.
Or not intervene.
Excellence?
May I ask myself a question? Why are you allowing this?
The countess does not know what to expect. That must be everything.
If it did not happen, then the picture of the musician Bach,
as it once was,
live on in the memory of the countess. And always stand between her and me.
But so...
is she given one last chance to get rid of a human,
which no longer resembles his own image.
I understand.
Where is this guy, the host? He puts his money on the safe side.
Go on! So that I lose the last Heller?
Better lost than stolen! We play the hair off the host!
How long should we wait? Always with Tranquillity.
What is our music doing? What can a musician do a lot?
He composes. (Gelдchter)
Prank it out, brother. What is deleted, can not fail!
No, this music will not fail! She can not fail.
It carries an immortal name! Court composer a. D.
Friedemann. The Immortal, Rejected.
Johann Sebastian. The immortal!
All attention!
A clever animal.
Still beats his old man in the grave.
Sir! You should come outside. Someone is asking for you!
Hey, sir! A lady! Oh, not what you think!
A fine lady, sir. A very fine lady even.
Sir. One understands it nevertheless. With equipage and lackey,
and with a crown of crests on the blow, sir.
Friedemann Bach?
I came here because I have to talk to you.
Antonia! You were waiting for me in
Braunschweig? - What is this supposed to do?
And they said that you are married. Do not talk to me like that.
Say it is not true! Yes, it is true, but...
Come away from here! This is not an environment for you!
Did you forget what you were? What you owe to your father's name?
Otherwise you have nothing to say to me? I can not speak here.
Oh, but very good! I know why Your Excellency honors me.
I should go away! People could remember a great love.
They will tell you a story. For that people always have money left over.
We can do that here. In Leipzig, the idea was
because I remembered who I was. This is not necessary here.
Everything can be done here! I owe it to my comrades!
Antonia!
Siepmann!
I welcome you here once before. I whistle for your welcome.
Let me free! Who gives you the right to treat me like this?
You give that right to me. They have the power
to hold on to me. But not the right! But you, Mr. Bach, have the right
to insult a lady who has risked her reputation and more,
to help you. You have not passed a test.
Also not the last one that has put fate to you.
Too weak son of too strong a father.
He has already left the city.
He also knows that he must not return to Saxony.
I thank you.
It was so awful.
(Music)
Friedemann!
Stop! Hey, there! Where does He want to go?
Friedemann!
Too late. I could not stop him. We have to find him!
That's my brother! That was the brother of Mr. Bach?
Oh, right! You have to inform the police. That's the only thing that can be done.
Friedemann is alive! I would not have believed it anymore!
But the worst thing is that I almost did not recognize him!
Are you sure he was? Otherwise he would not have fled from me!
Maybe I can help you. Do you know him?
Not the name, but he is no stranger to Berlin. He is an original.
He lives in Berlin? He appeared there a few years ago.
You often see him. - What does he live on? Nobody knows. He plays in the street.
And he goes peddling his works.
(Kaufmann) Today is nothing.
I have clientele, as you can see. I do not disturb.
No, no, no, no. That's not the right thing.
Can not I need everything. I'm just looking for the extraordinary.
After a rarity. Here I have something from abroad.
Let's see. May I ask you to help yourself?
What is he still pushing around here? I do not need anything today! - One moment.
Let me satisfy you with your pieces! Nobody buys me that off.
My benevolence also has limits. I offer you something special.
All I need is big names, you know that.
There is no greater in music.
Well, well!
I would not give it, but it has to be.
That's the last thing I own. But I only pay what it's worth.
What's that? How do you come into possession of such a valuable piece?
That's an original manuscript by Johann Sebastian Bach!
From the music book for his... Or no. That is real! Really!
That's exactly what you are looking for! A rarity. Quite unusual!
A secular song by our great master of sacred music,
Johann Sebastian Bach! Does he want to fool me?
No! It is so. Here! Only the text: "Are you with me, I go with joy."
The text may be approaching if only the music were not from the old Bach.
What are you saying? What do you mean?
Bach! What does that mean a lot! I do not understand the people.
Pedantry! Frцmmelei! Schoolmaster in music!
Take it back immediately! Immediately!
An old, dusty wig, I say! Take that back!
For heaven's sake! For heaven's sake! Go Back!
There you have done something! There you have done something!
So get at least a doctor!
Do you need something, Friedemann?
I will play something from you.
Game from father.