Nicolo Paganini (1982): Season 1, Episode 2 - Episode #1.2 - full transcript
Commissioned by the State television and
radio Committee of the USSR and Bulgaria
LENFILM Creative Film Union
and Bulgarian Television
NICCOLO PAGANINI
Part Two
Paganini's music is played by
LEONID KOGAN
While waiting for the Maestro I spent the
evening in the company of Senora Antonia
She was quiet and seemed unhappy to me
It seems I have taken
on an impossible task - the
life story of Paganini is
slipping away from me
Maestro's stories of his life are
much like his musical improvisation:
They are as unique and impossible
to capture as the Maestro himself
Senora Antonia
Tell me about his habits and inclinations
A little detail of character is sometimes
more important than a whole narrative
Habits... he likes coffee
Sniffs tobacco
I noticed that
Yes
Inclinations... he plays roulette, cards
Maestro worships his son, you
are a happy married couple... Yes?
Yes, a happy one
- I love you.
- Oh no, Senor Paganini.
Let us go to the Taverna
Why?
I want wine
Let us go
My Darling
What would Senor like?
Two glasses of florentine wine,
and a bottle to take with us
- Yes, sir.
- Yes.
Senora, spare a soldo for a poor man
Just one soldo, Senora
Thank you
Senor, help a poor man
Give me that piece of wood, son
Join in, my Mistress
Bravo, Senora!
Be generous, Gentlemen,
help the poor artists
I thank you on my own behalf
and on behalf of my lady
Bravo, bravissimo!
Buy some food and clothing
Learn a trade of sorts
And never play for others
Thank you, Senora
I am full of you... I love you
- And I love you too, Senora.
- You are my happiness.
-I am yours
-I love you
Bravo, Senora
Can you see the sea from your balcony?
Yes, Senor
You want to take me
like a port prostitute?
Like a Countess
The port girls are all countesses
You are a big sinner
My passionate Maestro
It was all yesterday
I hate... I would destroy them all
I hate
They were the women of yesterday.
My joy
You do not wish to help me.
A pity.
The role of the biographer of a
contemporary is incredibly hard
Paganini... genious, fame, love!
Hatred
Yes, all of that is on the surface.
A portrait is formed from nuances,
intimate details.
You are his wife, a woman
I am a great companion, that is what
he calls me. We are not wedded.
Forgive me
But why?
Ask him
He does not need a real live woman,
he needs a dream.
There is a nuance for you.
Bring the candles in.
Yes...
But there must be someone who at
least gets a glimpse of his true self.
There is someone.
Djerme, the lawyer
Maestro mentioned a
certain Dino Ciarelli in our
discussions, does the
name mean anything to you?
Ciaorelli, Senor Professor
Yes, they studied together
Ferdinand Paer was their teacher in Parma
Paer... Parma
Then their ways parted
Senor Ciarelli is a
deeply religious person
He devoted his life to the Church
At one time I was friendly with him
And... what then?
Nothing at all
Senor Ciarelli
Show him in
I am glad to see you, my little one
Come on in
Urbino, bring some cofee
I do not drink coffee
Forgive me, I forgot
Then some peasant wine,
it is in the basket over there
Sit down, little one
Thank you
Forgive the mess
Artists
We live like gypsies
- Where is Maestro?
- I do not know. It is a mystery
I saw you yesterday - a beautiful couple
You haven't changed
Still as handsome
Little one
Do not call me little one
Little one
I ask you not to
Why are you not hurt when the Maestro
calls you that?
Because he is the Maestro
We have had a son
I heard
What did you call him?
Ahill
Who does he look like?
I don't know
A little white angel
Tell me Antonia, do you remain
a faithful daughter of the Church?
Naturally
Excellent
Do you know what takes place
at Maestro's concerts?
Success, collections
Yes?
Have you seen this crowd at his concerts?
Have you seen?
It is a devilish orgy.
In Bologna a student ran out of the Hall
and shot a bullet through his heart.
Why are you living in sin?
Why are you not married?
Why is he never in Church?
What can I do? I am a woman.
Cursed be the day when I
introduced you to each other
I bless that day, do you hear me?
You came to see me
No, I came on business
Think about my words
The post, Senora
- Dino came to visit us.
- Little one? What does he want?
He said you are a Godless heathen
The little one is original as always
This is rather fresh news
He said your Godlessness needs treatment
Who is planning to treat me?
Me
Then start, I beg you
Does that upset you?
No, something else upsets me
This
I have no secrets from you
Again
Swear by the name of our son, Ahill
That you will never leave me or cheat
Holy Madonna hears us
That's it
As always, the ways of
Maestro cannot be explained
I must apologise
Time for the theatre
Yes, I will be on time
You started to speak of Ciarelli,
they studied together in Parma.
Yes, they were friends, and studied
together. They parted for good in Naples
Oh yes, in Naples
Then Rossini was there
How splendid the names sound
together - Rossini, Paganini
Goodbye
Forgive me, did they meet?
Who?
Rossini and Paganini
Oh yes, they met, Senor Professor
They met
Brilliant
There
My young friend, art is as
changeable as women.
So much misfortune!
Stupidity, black melancholy -
and as a reward...
Just a brief moment
Rossini speaks as he writes music -
without thinking.
Do not believe him
Senor Djoakimo - they say you
are the most cheerful man in Italy
They lie!
Maestro Paganini is a
much more cheerful man
Everyone simply dies of laughter
listening to his violin
Now we will have some fun
You are Maestro Paganini?
You are Maestro Paganini?
- Alas, yes.
- And you are from Germany?
I am a Nurenberg student
I am writing a piece on Romanticism.
How could you fail to recognise
the king of romantics at first glance?
Look carefully
Mysterious pale face
A fiery gaze
A veil of crimes which chill the blood
How many women have you
destroyed in your time?
Five... or four to be
more precise, I think
Not counting your wife?
She was a lovely poor little girl
Because of her I was nearly executed,
but the judges took mercy on me
They replaced death with life sentence
Cells, prisons
That is where the Devil
presented himself to you?
Shh... he turned out
to be an agreeable lad
We got on well quickly
Strange how much he is attracted
to violins and totally indifferent to
let's say, pianos?
Well, pianos are heavy after all
What do you think about this,
my young friend?
- Me?
- Yes?
Forgive me, it is time for me to go.
Goodbye, gentlemen
Now he will spread this nonsense
all over the world
- Does that frighten you?
- Yes.
That is how you become intertwined
with legends and false stories.
A false story is the truth mistold
I beg you, stop torturing our
ears with these revolting sounds
God gave you a priceless gift
You do not make people think
I patiently bear the company
of this scoundrel.
The place of critics is on a street lamp?
On a streetlamp, yes
Mother of God, save us!
Bravo, Dzhoakino! Niccolo!
A song for singing and dancing!
That's right friends! Let us be merry!
Antonia! Senora Antonia!
Wretched times
That's the kind of business
the "little one" came on.
Why did the little one come?
He wanted to warn you.
Your music distrurbs souls.
And now this
The boys
He wanted to... this is atrocious,
Niccolo.
I know from my childhood what
your priests want from me!
To play tearfully in Churches,
to promote obedience,
Conformity!
I know, I know
So there! There!
Niko
Did you see what being taken
to execution is like?
Rebels do not please God
What does please your God?
Blood, suffering
Oh, Lord!
If only I could hear that last note
which these unfortunate souls
will give out...
So I write down the order of events
Without waiting for Maestro,
Senora Antonia and I went to the theatre
The large Vienna opera-house was full.
All the aristocracy was present -
Metternih himself, the Russian ambassador
Count Razumovsky...
For some reason the beginning
was much delayed
- Count! Join us for some Russian tea.
- Thank you.
Other than the samovar,
what other news have
you brought from
Russia, sir Ambassador?
Thank God, all is quiet.
The Czar takes care of his people,
they respond with hard work and prayers.
And with secret societies,
my dear count Alexei Kirillovich.
Dangerous liberalism was
brought to Russia from Europe.
How are things in Italy, Count?
In Italy things are
as always... not quiet
Your compatriot is making us wait!
I was lucky enough to
be in Naples, the town
of music and dance,
and as for the women
I would have
preferred if Italians sang
more and to shoot my
Austrian soldiers less.
Why are they not starting?
I've heard his Holiness awarded Paganini
the medal of the Golden Stirrup.
Is it true?
It is true. The Roman Church
always encouraged great artists.
In the description of the Golden stirrup
medal it is stated:
In reward for skillfull hands and
for helping promote faith
There are rumours
that he is... an atheist
I haven't heard
Let us hope that the golden stirrup
tames the virtuoso.
Sir Director, I do not remember
concerts being delayed in Vienna.
Your highness, gentlemen,
I beg you to listen to
me. There has been an
unfortunate turn of events
There is no orchestra!
Well, Gentlemen, let us go look?
After you
Respected Ladies and Gentlemen
Forgive me for my lateness
The musicians have not come
I will change the programme
He is unbeatable
Orpheus!
Bravo! Bravo!
Instead of a scandalous failure,
you have created a triumph.
Go and find out who is at fault,
whatever it takes.
Maestro... Maestro!
Rats with metal teeth wander here?
The Lord is my witness,
I do not know!
I do not know who did this!
Enough... enough. Tell them
to announce the next piece.
Just a moment
A love scene on two strings
This italian virtuoso knows
how to touch souls.
As you know, my own
soul is not easy to reach.
Really?
Your Highness, Sir Paganini
is asking to be admitted.
Now?
- Yes, your Highness.
- Yes, he demands to be seen.
Show him in
Your Highness, I am leaving Vienna today.
Take a seat, I am
listening to you, Sir Paganini
I am sure the musicians failed
to come against their will.
They were forced!
Some bastard cut my strings.
We will investigate everything carefully
We will find and punish those at fault
You have enemies?
Count Bargese is your old fan, Maestro.
Everyone has enemies - talent
is not loved, and genious is hated.
Your words, sir Paganini
Alas, they are my words
Why don't you ask
the Holy Church for protection?
I will write in my
will, that a hundred
masses are to be served
for my departed soul.
Why take things as far as
post-mortal masses?
Sir Paganini, accept my heartfelt
invitation to visit Russia.
St Petersburg will greet you
with admiration!
My home is at your service
You know, Russians know
how to appreciate music.
Yes, Fieldmarshal Suvorov used to say: I
consider music useful, especially drums.
Suvorov was a soldier, not a musician.
But he did not fight badly in
the Alps - he would have fought
even better had it not been
for the help of our ally Austria.
Good-bye, Gentlemen
Why don't you stay with us permanently?
Bring it in, my friend
Vienna is the city of Beethoven,
Haydn, the great Mozart
That's the one who was buried
in a communal grave like a tramp?
That is not something you need to fear
Yes, if I ask the Church for protection
His Majesty Emperor Franz awards you
with the title of a court soloist
and a medal: "the strings will be
silent one day, but not your fame"
How was the concert?
Wonderful
The orchestra did not come,
some scoundrel cut my strings
You hit them too hard with your bow -
the strings cannot bear it
You are looking for enemies everywhere
I do not look for them, I feel them
The emperor has given me
the title of a court soloist
Here
So what?
You've decided to live in Vienna?
No, I do not love cities
in which strings are cut
Enough, I am tired of traveling,
I am not a gipsy
What happened to your throat?
My throat is sore.
Have you caught the
"French disease"?
What do you mean by that?
I do not know in whose arms you
quench your passion these recent days.
Not in mine, in any case.
You want to destroy everything?
I do not know or understand
what you mean by everything.
You have destroyed me already.
Quiet, you will wake Ahill.
I sang, I was the great Antonia Bianca
What stops you remaining as such?
You! The people only came to look at you
Only pitiful crumbs remained for me
The great Nikkolo
Paganini! You used to
accompany me as though
giving money to a beggar
Really?
I am tired, I have no permanent
corner to stay in, no roof
A tent
Very well I do not count.
But think of your son
The court soloist of the Emperor
will bring you admiration and respect
Nikkolo, I could sing in the Vienna opera
We would have our home at last,
do you hear me?
A permanent circle of friends
Church on Sundays, then the park
Lots of wine, cards
Yes, concerts in the
capella, supper with friends
A china pipe, night-hat, hot-water bottle
It would be a disaster
God, who am I?
A wife wedded by the Church,
or a courtisanne, a toy
A sinner
You need a Church registration
We have been wedded by our love
Who are you? Nikkolo Paganini
What drives you from city to city
What tortures you?
Tell me
The bells
Again? The bells again?
There are no bells,
people go mad at your concerts
What force brings them to extasy?
My force
You are lying!
Then why did you refuse
point-blank in Bologna
to dip this cursed
violin into holy water?
Why?
Woman! Did the great
Guarnerio create this
for your priests to
drown her like a rat?
Enemy of the Church, you are the devil!
God is your judge, Nikkolo
Antonia!
Niko are you awake? You haven't died
Niko! Mummy has gone
Antonia! Antonia!
Where is senora?
She has gone
Time to go home, Niko
No sunshine, no songs.
Just Austrians here
Thank God. You have come to your senses
Home, Niko, home
Julious, I do not remember anything
You were in a state
of catalepsy for a week.
At times I thought it was all over
In your fever you mentioned
Sir Jeremy, from Genoa
I have asked for him
Thank you
There is someone from the count here
A colonel
Call him in
Bring my dressing-gown, Urbino!
dressing-gown, Urbino!
Please.
Thank you
Sir Kanz asks after the
health of Senor Paganini
His Highness invites you to stay
at one of his country houses
Rest and fresh air will
help build your strength
Maestro accepts the invitation of
his Highness with great gratitude
You did the right thing, Julious - it
would have been hard for me here
The soldiers have guns!
Here. Stand to attention, troops!
Well, soon my work
will be over, and then...
Maestro, I would be so happy
if you let me stay with you
I am prepared to take
care of your finances,
make arrangements
with the theatres...
Yes, by the way, have you
received the money for the concert?
All the takings, down to the last
gulden have been received by me in full
Thank you, Julious, you are a real friend
I am a devoted man, Maestro
You need a devoted man.
Hurrray! Forward, Austrians!
We have beaten the Italians!
Never speak like that, my boy
Italy is your unfortunate homeland
Another carriage. My whole life is a
carriage journey, between birth and death
- Maybe
- Julious, where are you going?
Sleep, my little boy
Perhaps we could continue, Maestro?
Stop calling me Maetro, Nikkolo is fine
No, it is Maestro only. So,
Palma, Paer, your studies with him?
Yes, I owe a lot to him
I remember my last day with Paer,
I came to him with my co-student
Dino Ciarelli?
Yes, Ciarelli
Senor Paer, we have come
to say goodbye to you
Farewell, then
Yes, but we would
like to hear your wishes
for our future, and
receive your blessing
Wishes and blessings?
Well, there is no need
to bless you, Paganini
Do not be lazy, do
not drink and play cards
Do not chase after beautiful women,
and fame awaits you
I will try, Teacher, although
it will be hard - I replied
A girl was waiting for me downstairs
My young sir Ciarelli
Maestro Gaetti and I have made
a bearable musician out of you
But being a bearable violinist is
unbearable for the audience
Military uniform will suit you more,
young man
Senor, I would like
to continue my studies
The litlle one!
I will train you, you will be the first
violin in the army orchestra
Those sorts of jokes earn us enemies
Maestro!
Julious! remember, during these hours
none has a right to distrurb me! No-one!
I will remember
Count Barghesi
Ask him in
Devil take him
I decided to ask after
your health in person
Touched my your attention,
your Highness. Please sit down
I am sorry for appearing in such a state
I must apologise for distracting you
Sounds, sounds. Where do
you draw your inspiration from?
Oh, what a darling
Lovely creature
A creature?
Yours? What is his name?
I would have liked to meet a
man who knows what his name is
I see
According to the
rumours, is this the one you
met while in prison?
Although that was was black
He is angry
He orders
He does not want me to change patrons.
A great actor you are... Bravissimo!
Well, Maestro, keep
listening to his advice
Goodbye
Joker
Get lost
Urbino is in the garden.
What does Maestro wish?
Maestro would like some coffee
Julious, do not be angry
The third coffee-pot this morning
What would you say, Julious,
if I was untrue to myself?
You would no longer be yourself
-They write...
- Ah these Catholic newspapers
- Read it!
- It is all nonsense
- Read it!
Nikkolo Paganini, an
anarchist and atheist
Threw out of his home the singer
Antonia Biance, with whom he lived in sin
Yesterday at midnight
in Tiergarten, unable to
bear the public knowledge
of his many crimes
The violinist Paganini
died of a broken heart
We must finish work on your biography
and publish it as soon as possible
Your enemies have serious intentions
Patrons...
Master, Master!
He has come
Who? You were told not
to admit anyone, Urbino!
Senor Dzermi is here
Niko! Oh, Lord!
Nikoo, Niko
Coffee a la Paganini!
Come in, Senor
Take this off
Quickly, quickly
Julious, this is the lawyer Luidi
Dzhermi, my protector and friend
Master of Philosphy, Julious Schmidt
Dzhermi
Goodbye
Julious!
Who is this Julious?
I got used to him. It
seems you can rely on him
Coffee, coffee, coffee
Come on
Niko, are you sure someone other
than you will dare play this?
What do I care about others?
Oh Luigi, if only it was possible
to play without strings at all
It would be the real
manifestation of soul
You have parted with Antonia?
Luigi. I would like you
to put together my will
Thoughts of death do not leave Maestro
But, alas, I have understood.
Niccolo Paganini is an atheist
He does not believe the holy scriptures,
or a life after death
Maestro hungers for immortality
only in this world
Starring:
Nikkolo Paganini VLADIMIR MSRYAN
Antonia ALLA CHERNOVA
Shmidt ALBERT FILOZOV
Ciarelli ARMEN DZHIGARHANYAN
Rossini VSEVOLOD SHILOVSKI
Dzhermi DONATAS BANIONIS
Borgese VLADIMIR SAMOILOV
Metternih OLGERT KRODERS
Urbino YURI KATIN-YARTSEV
In other roles
Georgi Popov, I. Dmitriev,
Lyuben Petrov, V. Pipek
Script OLEG
STUKALOVA-POGODINA with LEONID
MENAKER Subtitles
Maria Matyushina-New
Direction by LEONID MENAKER
Director of Photography VLADIMIR KOVZEL
Photography: VALERI YURKEVICH
DIMITR ZHELEV
Composer SERGEI BANEVICH
Sound OKSANA STRUGINA
Conductors
ROBERT LYUTER
LEO KORHIN
Editors
A. TUBENSHLYAK
Y. GEORGIEVA
Operators
A. GORKOV
Yu. PlESHKIN
Editing I. RUDENKO Make-up V.
HALAIMOVA K. MALISH Y. BOBEVOI
Costumes: D. MANE A. DENEVA Decorators:
V. BALGARANOVA E. ISAEV Z. RAKITYANSKAYA
and others
End of Part 2
radio Committee of the USSR and Bulgaria
LENFILM Creative Film Union
and Bulgarian Television
NICCOLO PAGANINI
Part Two
Paganini's music is played by
LEONID KOGAN
While waiting for the Maestro I spent the
evening in the company of Senora Antonia
She was quiet and seemed unhappy to me
It seems I have taken
on an impossible task - the
life story of Paganini is
slipping away from me
Maestro's stories of his life are
much like his musical improvisation:
They are as unique and impossible
to capture as the Maestro himself
Senora Antonia
Tell me about his habits and inclinations
A little detail of character is sometimes
more important than a whole narrative
Habits... he likes coffee
Sniffs tobacco
I noticed that
Yes
Inclinations... he plays roulette, cards
Maestro worships his son, you
are a happy married couple... Yes?
Yes, a happy one
- I love you.
- Oh no, Senor Paganini.
Let us go to the Taverna
Why?
I want wine
Let us go
My Darling
What would Senor like?
Two glasses of florentine wine,
and a bottle to take with us
- Yes, sir.
- Yes.
Senora, spare a soldo for a poor man
Just one soldo, Senora
Thank you
Senor, help a poor man
Give me that piece of wood, son
Join in, my Mistress
Bravo, Senora!
Be generous, Gentlemen,
help the poor artists
I thank you on my own behalf
and on behalf of my lady
Bravo, bravissimo!
Buy some food and clothing
Learn a trade of sorts
And never play for others
Thank you, Senora
I am full of you... I love you
- And I love you too, Senora.
- You are my happiness.
-I am yours
-I love you
Bravo, Senora
Can you see the sea from your balcony?
Yes, Senor
You want to take me
like a port prostitute?
Like a Countess
The port girls are all countesses
You are a big sinner
My passionate Maestro
It was all yesterday
I hate... I would destroy them all
I hate
They were the women of yesterday.
My joy
You do not wish to help me.
A pity.
The role of the biographer of a
contemporary is incredibly hard
Paganini... genious, fame, love!
Hatred
Yes, all of that is on the surface.
A portrait is formed from nuances,
intimate details.
You are his wife, a woman
I am a great companion, that is what
he calls me. We are not wedded.
Forgive me
But why?
Ask him
He does not need a real live woman,
he needs a dream.
There is a nuance for you.
Bring the candles in.
Yes...
But there must be someone who at
least gets a glimpse of his true self.
There is someone.
Djerme, the lawyer
Maestro mentioned a
certain Dino Ciarelli in our
discussions, does the
name mean anything to you?
Ciaorelli, Senor Professor
Yes, they studied together
Ferdinand Paer was their teacher in Parma
Paer... Parma
Then their ways parted
Senor Ciarelli is a
deeply religious person
He devoted his life to the Church
At one time I was friendly with him
And... what then?
Nothing at all
Senor Ciarelli
Show him in
I am glad to see you, my little one
Come on in
Urbino, bring some cofee
I do not drink coffee
Forgive me, I forgot
Then some peasant wine,
it is in the basket over there
Sit down, little one
Thank you
Forgive the mess
Artists
We live like gypsies
- Where is Maestro?
- I do not know. It is a mystery
I saw you yesterday - a beautiful couple
You haven't changed
Still as handsome
Little one
Do not call me little one
Little one
I ask you not to
Why are you not hurt when the Maestro
calls you that?
Because he is the Maestro
We have had a son
I heard
What did you call him?
Ahill
Who does he look like?
I don't know
A little white angel
Tell me Antonia, do you remain
a faithful daughter of the Church?
Naturally
Excellent
Do you know what takes place
at Maestro's concerts?
Success, collections
Yes?
Have you seen this crowd at his concerts?
Have you seen?
It is a devilish orgy.
In Bologna a student ran out of the Hall
and shot a bullet through his heart.
Why are you living in sin?
Why are you not married?
Why is he never in Church?
What can I do? I am a woman.
Cursed be the day when I
introduced you to each other
I bless that day, do you hear me?
You came to see me
No, I came on business
Think about my words
The post, Senora
- Dino came to visit us.
- Little one? What does he want?
He said you are a Godless heathen
The little one is original as always
This is rather fresh news
He said your Godlessness needs treatment
Who is planning to treat me?
Me
Then start, I beg you
Does that upset you?
No, something else upsets me
This
I have no secrets from you
Again
Swear by the name of our son, Ahill
That you will never leave me or cheat
Holy Madonna hears us
That's it
As always, the ways of
Maestro cannot be explained
I must apologise
Time for the theatre
Yes, I will be on time
You started to speak of Ciarelli,
they studied together in Parma.
Yes, they were friends, and studied
together. They parted for good in Naples
Oh yes, in Naples
Then Rossini was there
How splendid the names sound
together - Rossini, Paganini
Goodbye
Forgive me, did they meet?
Who?
Rossini and Paganini
Oh yes, they met, Senor Professor
They met
Brilliant
There
My young friend, art is as
changeable as women.
So much misfortune!
Stupidity, black melancholy -
and as a reward...
Just a brief moment
Rossini speaks as he writes music -
without thinking.
Do not believe him
Senor Djoakimo - they say you
are the most cheerful man in Italy
They lie!
Maestro Paganini is a
much more cheerful man
Everyone simply dies of laughter
listening to his violin
Now we will have some fun
You are Maestro Paganini?
You are Maestro Paganini?
- Alas, yes.
- And you are from Germany?
I am a Nurenberg student
I am writing a piece on Romanticism.
How could you fail to recognise
the king of romantics at first glance?
Look carefully
Mysterious pale face
A fiery gaze
A veil of crimes which chill the blood
How many women have you
destroyed in your time?
Five... or four to be
more precise, I think
Not counting your wife?
She was a lovely poor little girl
Because of her I was nearly executed,
but the judges took mercy on me
They replaced death with life sentence
Cells, prisons
That is where the Devil
presented himself to you?
Shh... he turned out
to be an agreeable lad
We got on well quickly
Strange how much he is attracted
to violins and totally indifferent to
let's say, pianos?
Well, pianos are heavy after all
What do you think about this,
my young friend?
- Me?
- Yes?
Forgive me, it is time for me to go.
Goodbye, gentlemen
Now he will spread this nonsense
all over the world
- Does that frighten you?
- Yes.
That is how you become intertwined
with legends and false stories.
A false story is the truth mistold
I beg you, stop torturing our
ears with these revolting sounds
God gave you a priceless gift
You do not make people think
I patiently bear the company
of this scoundrel.
The place of critics is on a street lamp?
On a streetlamp, yes
Mother of God, save us!
Bravo, Dzhoakino! Niccolo!
A song for singing and dancing!
That's right friends! Let us be merry!
Antonia! Senora Antonia!
Wretched times
That's the kind of business
the "little one" came on.
Why did the little one come?
He wanted to warn you.
Your music distrurbs souls.
And now this
The boys
He wanted to... this is atrocious,
Niccolo.
I know from my childhood what
your priests want from me!
To play tearfully in Churches,
to promote obedience,
Conformity!
I know, I know
So there! There!
Niko
Did you see what being taken
to execution is like?
Rebels do not please God
What does please your God?
Blood, suffering
Oh, Lord!
If only I could hear that last note
which these unfortunate souls
will give out...
So I write down the order of events
Without waiting for Maestro,
Senora Antonia and I went to the theatre
The large Vienna opera-house was full.
All the aristocracy was present -
Metternih himself, the Russian ambassador
Count Razumovsky...
For some reason the beginning
was much delayed
- Count! Join us for some Russian tea.
- Thank you.
Other than the samovar,
what other news have
you brought from
Russia, sir Ambassador?
Thank God, all is quiet.
The Czar takes care of his people,
they respond with hard work and prayers.
And with secret societies,
my dear count Alexei Kirillovich.
Dangerous liberalism was
brought to Russia from Europe.
How are things in Italy, Count?
In Italy things are
as always... not quiet
Your compatriot is making us wait!
I was lucky enough to
be in Naples, the town
of music and dance,
and as for the women
I would have
preferred if Italians sang
more and to shoot my
Austrian soldiers less.
Why are they not starting?
I've heard his Holiness awarded Paganini
the medal of the Golden Stirrup.
Is it true?
It is true. The Roman Church
always encouraged great artists.
In the description of the Golden stirrup
medal it is stated:
In reward for skillfull hands and
for helping promote faith
There are rumours
that he is... an atheist
I haven't heard
Let us hope that the golden stirrup
tames the virtuoso.
Sir Director, I do not remember
concerts being delayed in Vienna.
Your highness, gentlemen,
I beg you to listen to
me. There has been an
unfortunate turn of events
There is no orchestra!
Well, Gentlemen, let us go look?
After you
Respected Ladies and Gentlemen
Forgive me for my lateness
The musicians have not come
I will change the programme
He is unbeatable
Orpheus!
Bravo! Bravo!
Instead of a scandalous failure,
you have created a triumph.
Go and find out who is at fault,
whatever it takes.
Maestro... Maestro!
Rats with metal teeth wander here?
The Lord is my witness,
I do not know!
I do not know who did this!
Enough... enough. Tell them
to announce the next piece.
Just a moment
A love scene on two strings
This italian virtuoso knows
how to touch souls.
As you know, my own
soul is not easy to reach.
Really?
Your Highness, Sir Paganini
is asking to be admitted.
Now?
- Yes, your Highness.
- Yes, he demands to be seen.
Show him in
Your Highness, I am leaving Vienna today.
Take a seat, I am
listening to you, Sir Paganini
I am sure the musicians failed
to come against their will.
They were forced!
Some bastard cut my strings.
We will investigate everything carefully
We will find and punish those at fault
You have enemies?
Count Bargese is your old fan, Maestro.
Everyone has enemies - talent
is not loved, and genious is hated.
Your words, sir Paganini
Alas, they are my words
Why don't you ask
the Holy Church for protection?
I will write in my
will, that a hundred
masses are to be served
for my departed soul.
Why take things as far as
post-mortal masses?
Sir Paganini, accept my heartfelt
invitation to visit Russia.
St Petersburg will greet you
with admiration!
My home is at your service
You know, Russians know
how to appreciate music.
Yes, Fieldmarshal Suvorov used to say: I
consider music useful, especially drums.
Suvorov was a soldier, not a musician.
But he did not fight badly in
the Alps - he would have fought
even better had it not been
for the help of our ally Austria.
Good-bye, Gentlemen
Why don't you stay with us permanently?
Bring it in, my friend
Vienna is the city of Beethoven,
Haydn, the great Mozart
That's the one who was buried
in a communal grave like a tramp?
That is not something you need to fear
Yes, if I ask the Church for protection
His Majesty Emperor Franz awards you
with the title of a court soloist
and a medal: "the strings will be
silent one day, but not your fame"
How was the concert?
Wonderful
The orchestra did not come,
some scoundrel cut my strings
You hit them too hard with your bow -
the strings cannot bear it
You are looking for enemies everywhere
I do not look for them, I feel them
The emperor has given me
the title of a court soloist
Here
So what?
You've decided to live in Vienna?
No, I do not love cities
in which strings are cut
Enough, I am tired of traveling,
I am not a gipsy
What happened to your throat?
My throat is sore.
Have you caught the
"French disease"?
What do you mean by that?
I do not know in whose arms you
quench your passion these recent days.
Not in mine, in any case.
You want to destroy everything?
I do not know or understand
what you mean by everything.
You have destroyed me already.
Quiet, you will wake Ahill.
I sang, I was the great Antonia Bianca
What stops you remaining as such?
You! The people only came to look at you
Only pitiful crumbs remained for me
The great Nikkolo
Paganini! You used to
accompany me as though
giving money to a beggar
Really?
I am tired, I have no permanent
corner to stay in, no roof
A tent
Very well I do not count.
But think of your son
The court soloist of the Emperor
will bring you admiration and respect
Nikkolo, I could sing in the Vienna opera
We would have our home at last,
do you hear me?
A permanent circle of friends
Church on Sundays, then the park
Lots of wine, cards
Yes, concerts in the
capella, supper with friends
A china pipe, night-hat, hot-water bottle
It would be a disaster
God, who am I?
A wife wedded by the Church,
or a courtisanne, a toy
A sinner
You need a Church registration
We have been wedded by our love
Who are you? Nikkolo Paganini
What drives you from city to city
What tortures you?
Tell me
The bells
Again? The bells again?
There are no bells,
people go mad at your concerts
What force brings them to extasy?
My force
You are lying!
Then why did you refuse
point-blank in Bologna
to dip this cursed
violin into holy water?
Why?
Woman! Did the great
Guarnerio create this
for your priests to
drown her like a rat?
Enemy of the Church, you are the devil!
God is your judge, Nikkolo
Antonia!
Niko are you awake? You haven't died
Niko! Mummy has gone
Antonia! Antonia!
Where is senora?
She has gone
Time to go home, Niko
No sunshine, no songs.
Just Austrians here
Thank God. You have come to your senses
Home, Niko, home
Julious, I do not remember anything
You were in a state
of catalepsy for a week.
At times I thought it was all over
In your fever you mentioned
Sir Jeremy, from Genoa
I have asked for him
Thank you
There is someone from the count here
A colonel
Call him in
Bring my dressing-gown, Urbino!
dressing-gown, Urbino!
Please.
Thank you
Sir Kanz asks after the
health of Senor Paganini
His Highness invites you to stay
at one of his country houses
Rest and fresh air will
help build your strength
Maestro accepts the invitation of
his Highness with great gratitude
You did the right thing, Julious - it
would have been hard for me here
The soldiers have guns!
Here. Stand to attention, troops!
Well, soon my work
will be over, and then...
Maestro, I would be so happy
if you let me stay with you
I am prepared to take
care of your finances,
make arrangements
with the theatres...
Yes, by the way, have you
received the money for the concert?
All the takings, down to the last
gulden have been received by me in full
Thank you, Julious, you are a real friend
I am a devoted man, Maestro
You need a devoted man.
Hurrray! Forward, Austrians!
We have beaten the Italians!
Never speak like that, my boy
Italy is your unfortunate homeland
Another carriage. My whole life is a
carriage journey, between birth and death
- Maybe
- Julious, where are you going?
Sleep, my little boy
Perhaps we could continue, Maestro?
Stop calling me Maetro, Nikkolo is fine
No, it is Maestro only. So,
Palma, Paer, your studies with him?
Yes, I owe a lot to him
I remember my last day with Paer,
I came to him with my co-student
Dino Ciarelli?
Yes, Ciarelli
Senor Paer, we have come
to say goodbye to you
Farewell, then
Yes, but we would
like to hear your wishes
for our future, and
receive your blessing
Wishes and blessings?
Well, there is no need
to bless you, Paganini
Do not be lazy, do
not drink and play cards
Do not chase after beautiful women,
and fame awaits you
I will try, Teacher, although
it will be hard - I replied
A girl was waiting for me downstairs
My young sir Ciarelli
Maestro Gaetti and I have made
a bearable musician out of you
But being a bearable violinist is
unbearable for the audience
Military uniform will suit you more,
young man
Senor, I would like
to continue my studies
The litlle one!
I will train you, you will be the first
violin in the army orchestra
Those sorts of jokes earn us enemies
Maestro!
Julious! remember, during these hours
none has a right to distrurb me! No-one!
I will remember
Count Barghesi
Ask him in
Devil take him
I decided to ask after
your health in person
Touched my your attention,
your Highness. Please sit down
I am sorry for appearing in such a state
I must apologise for distracting you
Sounds, sounds. Where do
you draw your inspiration from?
Oh, what a darling
Lovely creature
A creature?
Yours? What is his name?
I would have liked to meet a
man who knows what his name is
I see
According to the
rumours, is this the one you
met while in prison?
Although that was was black
He is angry
He orders
He does not want me to change patrons.
A great actor you are... Bravissimo!
Well, Maestro, keep
listening to his advice
Goodbye
Joker
Get lost
Urbino is in the garden.
What does Maestro wish?
Maestro would like some coffee
Julious, do not be angry
The third coffee-pot this morning
What would you say, Julious,
if I was untrue to myself?
You would no longer be yourself
-They write...
- Ah these Catholic newspapers
- Read it!
- It is all nonsense
- Read it!
Nikkolo Paganini, an
anarchist and atheist
Threw out of his home the singer
Antonia Biance, with whom he lived in sin
Yesterday at midnight
in Tiergarten, unable to
bear the public knowledge
of his many crimes
The violinist Paganini
died of a broken heart
We must finish work on your biography
and publish it as soon as possible
Your enemies have serious intentions
Patrons...
Master, Master!
He has come
Who? You were told not
to admit anyone, Urbino!
Senor Dzermi is here
Niko! Oh, Lord!
Nikoo, Niko
Coffee a la Paganini!
Come in, Senor
Take this off
Quickly, quickly
Julious, this is the lawyer Luidi
Dzhermi, my protector and friend
Master of Philosphy, Julious Schmidt
Dzhermi
Goodbye
Julious!
Who is this Julious?
I got used to him. It
seems you can rely on him
Coffee, coffee, coffee
Come on
Niko, are you sure someone other
than you will dare play this?
What do I care about others?
Oh Luigi, if only it was possible
to play without strings at all
It would be the real
manifestation of soul
You have parted with Antonia?
Luigi. I would like you
to put together my will
Thoughts of death do not leave Maestro
But, alas, I have understood.
Niccolo Paganini is an atheist
He does not believe the holy scriptures,
or a life after death
Maestro hungers for immortality
only in this world
Starring:
Nikkolo Paganini VLADIMIR MSRYAN
Antonia ALLA CHERNOVA
Shmidt ALBERT FILOZOV
Ciarelli ARMEN DZHIGARHANYAN
Rossini VSEVOLOD SHILOVSKI
Dzhermi DONATAS BANIONIS
Borgese VLADIMIR SAMOILOV
Metternih OLGERT KRODERS
Urbino YURI KATIN-YARTSEV
In other roles
Georgi Popov, I. Dmitriev,
Lyuben Petrov, V. Pipek
Script OLEG
STUKALOVA-POGODINA with LEONID
MENAKER Subtitles
Maria Matyushina-New
Direction by LEONID MENAKER
Director of Photography VLADIMIR KOVZEL
Photography: VALERI YURKEVICH
DIMITR ZHELEV
Composer SERGEI BANEVICH
Sound OKSANA STRUGINA
Conductors
ROBERT LYUTER
LEO KORHIN
Editors
A. TUBENSHLYAK
Y. GEORGIEVA
Operators
A. GORKOV
Yu. PlESHKIN
Editing I. RUDENKO Make-up V.
HALAIMOVA K. MALISH Y. BOBEVOI
Costumes: D. MANE A. DENEVA Decorators:
V. BALGARANOVA E. ISAEV Z. RAKITYANSKAYA
and others
End of Part 2