Amadeus Page #24

MOZART:

I'm afraid I am.

SCHLUMBERG:

Of course, it's him. Who do you think

it is?

FRAU SCHLUMBERG:

I've heard about you for ages! I

thought you must be an old man.

SCHLUMBERG:

Gertrude!

FRAU SCHLUMBERG:

It's such an honour for us to have

you here, Herr Mozart. And for

Gertrude.

SCHLUMBERG:

People who know say the girl's got

talent. You must judge for yourself.

If you think she stinks, say so.

FRAU SCHLUMBERG:

Michael, please! I'm sure you will

find her most willing, Herr Mozart.

She's really very excited. She's

been preparing all morning.

MOZART:

Really?

FRAU SCHLUMBERG:

Ah, now! Here she comes.

GERTRUDE SCHLUMBERG appears in the doorway: an awkward girl

of fifteen in her best dress, her hair primped and curled.

She is exceedingly nervous.

MOZART:

Good morning, Fraulein Schlumberg.

SCHLUMBERG:

Strudel, this is Herr Mozart. Say

good morning.

Gertrude giggles instead.

FRAU SCHLUMBERG:

(to Mozart)

Perhaps a little refreshment first?

A little coffee, or a little

chocolate?

MOZART:

I'd like a little wine, if you have

it.

FRAU SCHLUMBERG:

Wine?

SCHLUMBERG:

Quite right. He's going to need it.

(calling and clapping

his hands)

Klaus! A bottle of wine. Prestissimo!

Now let's go to it. I've been waiting

all day for this.

He leads the way into:

INT. MUSIC ROOM - DAY - 1780'S

A forte-piano is open and waiting. All the dogs follow him.

After them come Mozart Frau and Fraulein Schlumberg. To

Mozart's dismay, husband and wife seat themselves quite

formally on a little narrow sofa, side by side.

SCHLUMBERG:

(To the dogs)

Now sit down all of you and behave.

Zeman, Mandi, absolutely quiet!

(to a young beagle)

Especially you, Dudelsachs - not one

sound from you.

The dogs settle at their feet. Husband and wife smile

encouragingly at each other.

SCHLUMBERG:

Come on, then. Up and at it!

Mozart gestures to the music bench. Reluctantly, the girl

sits at the instrument. Mozart sits beside her.

MOZART:

Now, please play me something. Just

to give me an idea. Anything will

do.

GERTRUDE:

(to parents)

I don't want you to stay.

FRAU SCHLUMBERG:

That's all right, dear. Just go ahead,

as if we weren't here.

GERTRUDE:

But you are here.

SCHLUMBERG:

Never mind, Strudel. It's part of

music, getting used to an audience.

Aren't I right, Herr Mozart?

MOZART:

Well, yes! on the whole. I suppose.

(to Gertrude)

How long have you been playing,

Fraulein?

FRAU SCHLUMBERG:

Just one year.

MOZART:

Who was your teacher?

FRAU SCHLUMBERG:

I was. But she quite outgrew the

little I could show her.

MOZART:

Thank you, Madame.

(to Gertrude)

Come on now - courage. Play me

something you know.

In response the wretched girl just stares down at the keyboard

without playing a note. An awkward pause.

MOZART:

Perhaps it would be better if we

were left alone. I think we're both

a little shy.

Husband and wife look at each other.

SCHLUMBERG:

Nonsense. Strudel's not shy. She's

just willful! You give into her now,

you'll be sorry later. Strudel -

play.

Silence. The girl sits unmoving. Schlumberg bellows:

SCHLUMBERG:

I said play!

FRAU SCHLUMBERG:

Michael!

MOZART:

Perhaps if I were to play a little

first, it might encourage the

Fraulein.

(to the girl)

Why don't you let me try the

instrument? All right?

Suddenly the girl rises. Mozart smiles at the parents. They

smile nervously back. Mozart slides along the bench, raises

his hands and preludes over the keys. Instantly a dog howls

loudly. Startled, Mozart stops. Schlumberg leaps to his feet

and goes over to the beagle.

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