The Piano Teacher Page #2

"And they hope

that what they left behind

"Might be waiting for them

on the pillows."

Excuse me, Professor.

Can I have a word?

Go ahead.

Anna says you may not let her play

in the jubilee concert.

I said a soloist

needs more than talent.

She doesn't practice enough?

Only she can tell.

She works 8 hours a day.

It's the end result that counts,

not the hours.

For her, only music counts.

Look at her.

Schubert isn't a walk in the park.

I didn't say you wouldn't play.

We'll see how you gel

with the singer.

Excuse me, I have a rehearsal.

Goodbye.

The Professor is right.

Without total commitment,

you won't get anywhere.

Wipe your nose.

What do you look like?

Your mother wants you to call her.

I've only just arrived.

I don't know.

At least 3 hours.

In that case, I'll take a taxi.

I'm not a baby.

I have to go now.

Can we play the trill the same?

I'll start on the upper note.

"Bark me away, you waking dogs,

"Don't let me rest

in the sleeping hours!

"I've reached the end of dreams.

"What will I do

amongst the sleepers?

"I've reached the end of dreams.

"What will I do

amongst the sleepers?"

Sorry to disturb you.

What is it?

Professor Kohut?

What do you want?

At the Conservatory,

no one interrupts lessons.

I apologise. I am very sorry

but I wanted to come to you

rather than ask just anybody.

About what?

The entrance exam.

I want to join your master class.

That's very flattering, young man.

I hope your interruption

is not to arouse interest

your talents don't merit.

Application forms are available

in the secretary's office.

First floor, door 11.

Please excuse us,

we have work to do.

Continue.

Go on.

"How hath the tempest riven

"the grey robe of the sky!

"the clouds embattled fly

"In wild disorder driven."

- Mr. Walter Klemmer?

- That's correct.

Please...

Your programme

is particularly difficult.

Where do you wish to begin?

Wherever you prefer.

Professor, it's your class

that Mr. Klemmer wishes to join:

which piece

would you like to hear first?

I don't mind.

The first on the list.

Go ahead.

Well?

Stunningly brilliant.

No, seriously,

I think it wasn't too bad.

He just put "private lessons".

That's even more remarkable.

I don't know how seriously

he takes his engineering

but for someone whose priority

is not the piano, bravo.

It's amazing.

I quite agree.

He truly is very talented.

Ladies? Gentlemen?

- I vote for.

- Yes, me too.

No doubt about it.

What do you say?

Your opinion counts most.

He's applying to join your class.

After such euphoria,

it's hard to voice reservations.

I can't say

I totally share your enthusiasm.

Clearly he doesn't lack talent

but I wonder,

and I ask you,

what does he expect from us?

For a professional career,

he's too old.

By accepting him, we'll reject

a more motivated student.

And, frankly, I find his histrionics

suspicious or even unpleasant.

I don't see what you mean.

In the Andantino, there were

no histrionics, as you put it.

Everyone knows

our views on Schubert diverge.

Please, let's not waste time.

I feel unable

to nurture the artistic temperament

or virtuosity of Mr. Klemmer.

Dinner's ready!

Coming, Mama!

Sit down, I'll bring the sauce.

Can I switch off the TV?

If it bothers you.

Don't you like that?

I'm tired.

You look it.

Are the auditions so exhausting?

Boring, rather.

That's tiring, too.

What's wrong with you?

- What do you mean?

- Look.

Is that why you're in a bad mood?

You might be more careful.

It's not very appetising.

"Mare on heat seeks ardent,

successful stallion,

"for jumping and dressage.

"Must be 8 inches."

Hello, Mr. Naprawnik.

Who's she?

My piano teacher.

Don't pick out

the inner voices so much.

Do you know where the melody is?

It sounds

as clear as a muddy windscreen.

Probably due to the images

lodged in your mind.

You have one approach for Bach,

Beethoven and the others.

What made you want to study music?

Your meagre talent?

I assure you it's not worth it.

Take a job playing in a strip joint

and stop wasting my time.

What?

- I'm sorry.

- What for?

For earlier...

At the newsagents.

Why?

Why are you sorry?

What for?

It doesn't work like that.

Sorry isn't enough,

if I don't know why.

Are you sorry because you're a pig?

Or because your friends are pigs?

Or because all women are b*tches

for making you a pig?

Or just because you got caught?

The lesson is ended.

I propose

your mother comes to see me.

Maybe she can shed

some light on this.

Well?

What are you sorry for?

I'm listening.

The silence is deafening.

See you next time,

along with your mother.

Now, please remove yourself.

I'll need my break to recover.

Goodbye.

This time I'm expected.

The break's not over yet.

And the lesson hasn't begun.

Can I take out my scores

while I'm waiting?

You know I voted against you?

I don't believe

you're serious about music

but rather about the kudos

it brings.

You know that's untrue.

And even if it were true,

would it be such a shameful motive?

Yes.

What have you brought?

You should forget Schubert.

- Schnberg is all...

- I fought to win your attention.

Give me a chance.

I know you're not as indifferent

as you pretend.

I neglected my studies for you.

It's the truth!

You may think it's ridiculous,

but since the recital

at the Blonskys,

I've had you stuck in my mind

like a nut on a bolt.

I apologise for being so technical.

I never intended to apply here.

Stop lying, it won't wash.

I'm not lying.

For next time,

find a copy of Opus 19.

Let's talk first.

I can't see the point.

Don't just stand there.

Sit down and begin.

Is this your last lesson?

Please.

Pretend you have a migraine

or something.

It's lovely out.

Either you play

or my migraine will end this lesson.

It's bound to finish late.

Today's

our first Mendelssohn rehearsal.

So, don't call up every 5 minutes.

It's embarrassing.

Viora of the Philharmonic's coming.

He'll think I'm a little girl.

Is that clear?

If it ends late, take a taxi.

I adore lying in the name of love.

I'm so happy for you.

If she calls after 10, don't answer.

Is that okay?

It will be a pleasure.

Good evening, this is Mrs. Kohut.

May I speak to my daughter?

What's wrong?

What the...?

Sh*t!

Stay there!

Stay there, c*nt!

Are you crazy or something?

Your father died this afternoon.

Above all, keep calm.

It's so inconsiderate of you!

Think of the consequences!

Kind of you

to honour us with your presence.

Might we know what kept you?

Stop blubbing! What happened?

I have diarrhoea.

Are you scared or what?

A pianist needs solid nerves.

- How can I perform after...

- Don't overdo it.

We should be going up.

Don't be so pathetic.

They won't bite. It's a rehearsal.

Did I overestimate you?

"Dogs are barking

"Rattling their chains.

"People are sleeping

"In their beds.

"Dreaming of what they don't have,

"Replenished of good and bad."

"Why do I avoid the roads

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