"SCHOOL FOR LOVE" "MUSIC AND DANCE CONSERVATORY, VIENNA" " You goofed!" " I did not!" " We'll be late." " She's right." "Go tell him!" "OK." "We're running late, Maestro." "May we leave?" "YES, you may!" "My fingers are frozen." "I won't be able to play!" " Good luck!" "See you later." " OK." "No, kids, I don't know anything at all." "I've got nothing to tell you!" "The list will be posted at noon." "Here come Mr. Walter and the director." "Good day, sirs." "Group practice." "History of music." "Harmony." "Piano." "Fencing." "Too much!" " It's excessive!" " I know!" "The curriculum is challenging, but a student is like a bottle of fine wine." "It's always best when it's full to the top." "But our students have no free time." " Did you hurt yourself?" " No." "See!" "They're overworked." "You're throwing them into a panic!" "She's OK." "She's still laughing." " Someone stole my leotard." " It wasn't me!" "This place is full of thieves!" "Ask Madeleine." " Did you take my leotard?" " No, I did not!" "Your sister took it." "She always takes my things!" "I'll show her!" " That's my leotard!" " I thought it was mine!" " Give it back!" " We're almost done." " Give it back!" " Quit bothering my students." "Go get dressed." "Immediately!" "That's good." "Exactly as I had expected." "It's quite extraordinary that someone of your age can master pieces like that." "Your phrasing is unique, but you should work on certain technical elements." "You sometimes play too softly, for example." "I know, but I get carried away by the music every time." "Someone as talented as you shouldn't do that." "Yes, but..." "Thank you, Maestro." "Goodbye then." "What did you practice?" " Schubert's dances." " A very good choice!" " Tired?" " A little." " Take a bite." "It's good for you." " Thanks." " Do you think he's handsome?" " He's a little old." " I heard he's a party animal." " How awful!" "Do you know why so many women fall for him?" "Yes, do you?" "Yes." "No, that's ridiculous." "Don't change the key." " Yes, Maestro." " While you're at it," " sing a few arpeggios." " Yes, Maestro." "Guess what I found out about the Maestro." " Eric Walter?" " Yes, Eric." "I know why his wife left him." "He beat her." " No!" " Yes." " With what?" " I don't know." " Maybe with his belt." " Probably." "What a man!" "Take a seat." "Not bad, but you should hold the high notes longer though." "OK." "Who'll start today?" "Mr. Prolog, what do you have for us?" " The Pagliacci prologue." " Go ahead." "We'll soon know this one by head!" "He'll interrupt him." "You'll see." "Hello, it is I!" "We know that." "Move on to..." "If you know that pad..." "What is it?" "No, you're off-pitch." "Try again." "No, not..." "OK then, if you insist!" "No, don't just rush to the end like that." "Like this..." "See?" "OK, you need to work on it." "Miss Pascale?" "No, I can't sing today, Maestro." " Do you have a cold?" " No, but I feel pressure here." " I've had it for a week." " You shouldn't have gone out." "Miss Lukas." "Monstrous!" "Who taught you to hold the bow like that!" "Poor Bach is turning in his grave!" "Murderer!" "Murderer!" "Try again!" " Were you playing Muller?" " Yes." " I knew it." " How?" " It reminded me of your kisses." "Kiss me." " Someone might see us." "I asked you to kiss me!" "You're a scaredy-cat, aren't you?" "Yes." "Then kiss me again." " That was good." "You may go now." " You're so kind!" "Bye." " See you later." "Don't forget!" " I won't." "Excuse me, sir." "Where's Mr. Walter's class?" " Second door on the right." " Excuse me, sir!" "Mr. Walter doesn't like to be disturbed." "Who are you?" "Berger, Mr. Walter's valet." " I have a telegram." " Is it urgent?" "It's from his wife, who's performing in Salzburg." "Ms. Koukowska?" "They're divorced." "They are not divorced." "They are separated." "That's the same thing." "He must be annoyed because she's famous too." "Two stars in one household!" "If you're sure it's urgent, go ahead and disturb him." " No, I'm not sure it's urgent." " Then read it." "I did." "She wrote, "I need to see you, Marie."" "I see." "Is that good or bad?" " There's not a lot to go on." " Exactly." " Wait until after his class." " That'd be prudent." "Breathe slowly and don't forget you're on a stage." "Your voice should carry all the way to the gallery." "A wonderful voice can fill an entire hall." "Three thousand people should hang on every note." "Continue." "OK." "Thank you." "Your middle register was better and that improved your high notes." "That wasn't bad, but don't rush through it." "Take your time, breathe." "I was a little out of breath." "Breathe in." "You're not breathing properly." "I've told you this before!" "Don't breathe from up here, but from down there," " right where your belt lies." " Yes, Maestro." "You should exercise every morning and strengthen these muscles" "and develop your ribcage." "Yes, Maestro." "Take a seat." "That wasn't bad." "Miss Petersen." "I gave you my head" "You gave me yours" "One head exchanged for another" "Happiness followed by happiness" "I gave you back your head" "Nobody else has given me their head" "You got your head back" "Mine is lost forever" "Thanks, Miss." "You can finish tomorrow." "That was very nice." "Bravo." "Thank you, but I don't need help getting dressed." " Goodbye, Maestro." " Goodbye." " Goodbye, Maestro." " Goodbye." "I'd never really noticed Sophie Dimater." "She's childlike, yet very sensual." "You're lucky." "He didn't even listen to me." "He'll listen next time." "Cover yourself up or you'll catch a cold." "Our next class is in 2 days." "I can't wait that long!" "You love him more than I do!" "I do and he makes me so happy!" "You're silly, but you're fun." " Any lessons this evening?" " Yes, a guy from Munich opera." " What is it, Berger?" " An urgent telegram, sir." "Is there an uprising?" "No, we posted the list of students selected for the conservatory's annual concert" " Is it bad news?" " I don't know." " Go Rudi!" " Are you on the list?" "I forgot to check!" "Are you sad you weren't chosen?" "A little, but I'm happy for you." "Just as I thought." "She earned her spot in Eric's bed." " In Eric's head?" " Explain it." "She tires me!" "Do you know how babies are made, Erica?" "Yes, you get married first." "You're such a prude!" "Do me a favor." "Go to the nearest bookstore and ask for the original edition of the Kinsey report" " Erica!" " OK, I'm coming." "Could you pose for Dad this evening?" "Of course!" "Thanks, Elis." "I'll go there right after lunch." " Come to my place later?" " OK." "See you later." "We'll take 3 salted pork and 2 escalopes." " I'll get the drinks." " And some bread!" " My treat." " Are you rich now?" "Elis got me a job posing for her father, a sculptor." "Do you pose in the nude?" "He likes it when I pose in tights so he can capture my natural shape." "Three salted pork and two escalopes." "Two escalopes." "Hey, that's my steak." "Your smoking is killing my vocal cords." "Their home is strange." "Nothing that goes on there is normal." "The father never talks." "All he does is strive to find the natural shape." "The mother has been confined to bed for 2 years." " What's wrong with her mother?" " She's dying." "Elis injects her with morphine to ease the pain." "He's been working all day." "Want me to go get him?" "Yes." " Lunch is ready, Miss." " Thank you." " Will you be having lunch?" " Yes." "There you are." "So, little one?" "How is she?" "Not very well." "I gave her an injection." " She wants to see you." " Really?" "I can't." "Try to explain that to her." " She already understands." " She does, doesn't she?" "If I see her, I won't be able to work." " Mr. Walter!" " Eric!" "I didn't expect to see you." "You sent me a telegram, Marie." "You're right!" "I'd forgotten all about that!" "So now you don't tell me about telegrams." "I had an accident after rehearsal yesterday." "I couldn't sing a single note." "I sent you the telegram in a flurry of panic." "It was very silly of me." "Tonight's performance was her best ever." " I understand." " Did you hear me sing?" "No, I just got here." "I drove like a madman to get here." "You were always one for speed." "Eric, don't you remember what happened 3 years ago?" "You're hurting me, you beast!" "Excuse me, sweetheart but you scratched me." "You shouldn't speak during the intermission." "Don't just stand there." "You're too tall when you stand up." "I've always thought so." "Sit down beside me!" "You love to sulk." "Too many flowers!" "I'm constantly surrounded by flowers, yet I only like white roses." "Say something, Eric." "Tell me when those lines appeared." "I never noticed them before." "They make you look more indifferent." "I like them." " Tell me when they appeared." " I've got nothing to tell you." "I came here empty-handed." "Since you left, all I have are my wrinkles." "_ Everybody onstage!" " Already!" " Roses for you." " More flowers!" "Throw them out or find a spot for them." "I should have rested." "I talked too much." "Can I call you tomorrow morning, sweetie?" " I'll wait for you." " No need." "I already made plans with terribly boring people." "If our situation weren't so complicated, you could come with me." "How about breakfast tomorrow morning?" "I won't be here tomorrow morning." "Then I'll see you after I get off stage." "I LOVE YOU" "Six, seven, eight, nine." "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight." "A young girl shouldn't act like a hussy." " You got in at 2 AM!" " Really?" "I waited up for you." "Were you with that fiddler?" " Violinist!" " Bad girl!" "No, I love him." "A girl of your age doesn't have the right to fall in love." "If a girl's lover supports her, it's excusable." "Otherwise, she's a whore." " What about your Mr. Dumoulin?" " Want a slap?" "No, but Rudi isn't my lover." "Call me old-fashioned if you want," " but I want to marry him!" " Marriage?" "Yes, marriage and children and housekeeping!" " You're crazy!" " You got married!" "And I ended up with housework and cooking" " and 2 stupid daughters!" " And Mr. Dumoulin." "I don't care what you think." "I love him!" "Actually, I've got one stupid daughter." "At least Sophie knows what she wants." " She'll become a star." " Do you think so, Sophie?" "Yes, I'm sure I will." "One, two..." " Yann!" " Come join us for lunch, Yann?" "OK." "Look, that's Eric's car." "His latest conquest." "Do you know her?" "No." "I thought he cancelled classes because he was sick." "He cured himself with champagne!" " What's going on?" " Eric Walter with a nurse." "I want to lose myself in your curves, just like Tannhauser did." "What's your name?" "I hope you're joking, Eric." "You make me forget everything!" "You're crazy, but I love crazy men!" " Not in public!" "Behave yourself." " I don't care!" "Tonight's my last performance." "What a wonderful idea, my love!" "Opera, that old thing, is so old-fashioned." " Take that back or I'm leaving!" " Take what back?" " That old thing!" " I will not!" "How is he this morning?" "He has been furious for a few days now." "He's done nothing but throw things at people." "I believe he may also have a cold!" "That door is usually closed." "This is his wife's room." "We always lock it." "Nothing has been moved, as if she had only just stepped out." "He spent most of the night sitting right here, his eyes wide open, transfixed on nothing." "That image will be the death of me." " Let's see if he's awake." " Sir, I fear he may..." "Enough!" "I want to sleep!" "I'm sleeping!" "I said no!" "You were nobody until you met me!" "Show a little respect and let me sleep!" "Listen, Eric." "You cancelled your classes and called in sick at the opera." "The director is apoplectic!" "And the tenor who replaced you did a better job." "You're lying!" "Your students chanted your name, but they were drowned out by the applause." " And the review?" " Excellent." "Why are you reading it?" "You said critics are idiots." "They know as much about opera as I do about growing beetroot." "Listen to this, Clement." ""Despite his best efforts, he failed to outshine Eric Walter's flawless technique" " and unique, unrivalled timbre."" " Now you care for reviews!" "No, I'll keep it." "Lohengrin tonight?" "Yes, but you can't sing after staying up all night." "I will." "Berger, bring me my bathrobe." "Thank you." "Lock her room and give me the key." "Take care of your voice." "I often fear for you." "As do I, but that'll all change." "I've made mistakes, but women always follow me home." " Perhaps, but one left you." " Who?" "Miss Lukas left the conservatory." "That's good news." "She had thick thighs and her high notes were so shrill!" "She's moved on to operettas." "She lives with Bleliche now." "Her departure has affected the student concert, however." "She causes us problems, even after her departure!" " Nobody can replace her." " You're wrong." "Who?" "Elis Petersen." "Why Elis Petersen?" "Because she needs to fight with an angel." "With an angel?" "Yes." "Remember..." "Jacob fought until dawn with an angel sent by God." "The next day, he confronted the angel again." "Your students must battle their angels, the public." "Elis needs to do this to discover her strength and learn that her voice is both a gift and a career." "Elis is exceptional, the best in your class," " but you've never noticed her." " Maybe I'm blind then!" "You're a bad teacher, yet your students always see you on a pedestal." "They don't even notice when I observe them." "I know them all well." "Some of them never take their eyes off you." "They don't want to miss a single note or movement." "Others read crime novels during your classes." "The romantic ones think you're Prince Charming." "Some only crack jokes and others laugh every time." "Some are confident and happy with their lot." "Then there's Elis Petersen." "She's a soulful thinker with a beautiful voice, but she has imprisoned herself." "She's awaiting a sign, so she can begin to live." "If you choose her..." "We're replacing Miss Lukas with Miss Petersen." "Me?" "In the concert?" "I could never do that." "Yes, you can." "We'll choose your song." "Your voice isn't strong enough for opera so you need a lied." " Any ideas?" " Yes, Schubert" "Which song exactly?" "Do you know this one, Clement?" "Yes." "No, that's too sad." "I like another one, but I can't remember its name." " That's very nice." " The end is very beautiful." "Very nice, but why do you choose such sad songs?" "When you love someone, you're afraid of losing them." "I forbid you from choosing sad music." "Sing "La rose des Bruyeres"." "It's a cheerful, childlike song." " Do you know it?" " Yes, I sing it when I'm happy." "Go ahead." "Your little friend is making waves." "Don't worry about me." "I prepared Donna Anna." "Well, well." "Mr. Killian is late again!" "How nice of you to turn up." "I love being disturbed in the middle of class and you know that!" "Make room for Mr. Killian." "Beside the heater, preferably." "Don't rush." "Take your time." "Are you comfortable?" "May I continue?" "Thank you." "We'll choose your song at my home tomorrow." " Thank you, Maestro." " Miss Dimater, your turn." " What did you prepare?" " Donna Anna, "Don Giovanni"." "A strange choice." " Why, Maestro?" " No reason." "Go ahead." "She shouldn't sing Donna Anna in front of Eric!" " Why?" " That song made his wife famous." "This won't end well!" "Not expressive enough." "Pay attention to your phrasing." "No need for diminuendo on "fa" or "sol."" "No, Miss Dimater, for pity's sake!" "Donna Anna is a woman in love, a beautiful woman who has loved and suffered." "You sound like a country girl at a wedding." "Continue." "What were you thinking?" "Your voice isn't strong enough to sing that!" "You're David pretending to be Goliath." "You're not Goliath, not even close!" "You can't sing opera if you don't understand it." "You have to be tumescent with tenderness and life experience!" "You have to be a woman, not a little girl." "She's a fiery one!" "Quite a temperament." "She'll be a star." "Go console Miss Dimater." "Try to calm her down." "Well, well, Erica." "Excuse me while I tear you away from your crime novel." "SEXUAL BEHAVIOR IN THE HUMAN FEMALE" "The Kinsey report!" "If you're learning something, go ahead." "Miss Bonnard, will you sing for us?" " Are you crying?" " No, I never cry!" " What's gotten into you, Sophie?" " Koukowska sings it badly!" "Because of her, he gets drunk every night and then takes out his anger on his students." "If a woman dumps a man, he shouldn't run after her." " Maybe he still loves her?" " He doesn't know what love is!" " How do you know?" " He's made of stone." "Everyone looks at him, but he notices nobody!" "Love is stronger than any words." "I think that's what love is." "It's what neither gestures nor words can convey." "No, Elis, love is not being able to sleep all night long." "It's about wanting to press your naked body against his." "Goodbye, Maestro." "I should take up tennis again." "I used to be the best in my college." "You mention that in interviews." "Feeling better, Miss Dimater?" "Come to my home tomorrow with your friend" " and we'll continue our class." " Thanks, Maestro." " Was he angry?" " Did he send you home?" "No, I'll be working with him tomorrow." " No way!" " You're so lucky!" "People come from Paris to work with him!" "I know!" "I'd better get back to the conservatory." "Thanks for lending me this sweater." " I hope it fits." " He'll see I'm not a child." "I've spent the last 5 classes proving just that!" "Does he mention me during your classes?" "No, he talks about himself." "Is my neck too bare?" "Can I borrow your pendant?" "No, my mom gave it to me." "OK then, I'm off." " I'll pop by your place later." " Do!" "Come on!" "Put your back into it!" "I am, Maestro!" "I am!" "Excuse me." "Hello?" "Miss Dimater has arrived for her lesson." "Tell her to start practicing her arpeggios." "Tell her to start practicing her arpeggios." "I have to go!" "I'd forgotten about her lesson." "Berger, tonight I'll sing Tannhauser better than ever." "Little fishy!" "They don't understand French." "They're Chinese fish." " You must think I'm rude." " Not at all." "Why would I?" "I took liberties." "I've always wanted to see this room." " Do you like it?" " Yes!" "I like the palm trees and flowers and fish." "The pond too." "I want to swim in it." "Go on!" "The water's warm." "I've always wanted a mermaid." "I'd be careful not to frighten my little mermaid." "I'd watch her swim, wild and naked." "Come out of the water, Miss Dimater, and we'll get to work." "Clement isn't here, so I'll accompany you." "I practiced Desdemona's song." "Will Miss Petersen be joining us?" " No, she has a lesson tomorrow." " She's making progress." "She's very happy about that." "I was wrong to call you a little girl." "Go ahead." "If you don't play, I can't sing." "Don't move." "You're beautiful." "Your hips are so sleek." "Your hands are trembling." " You're almost unsettling." " Almost?" " You're a work in progress." " Meaning?" "It means that you'll be very beautiful later on." "When you're a real woman and you know what love is." " What is it?" " I don't want to sing." "You constantly surprise me." "Sit beside me." "Kiss me again." "The words of a real woman." "Go now." "You can't stay here." "OK." "She even took her musical score." "A hot drink?" "I'll be onstage in 2 hours, Berger." "What strength of character!" " This'll teach you!" " I don't care." "Bravo." "That was very sexy!" " I waited up for you last night." " I was tired, so I went to bed." " How did your lesson go?" " The usual." "He talked about my resonance and high notes." "Come for dinner tomorrow and we'll practice after." "OK, thanks." "One last time." "All the dancers back onstage." "Quickly!" "You're never that lively or seductive in my class." "I should be jealous!" "You'll catch cold." " Do you have to dance again?" " No, I'm done." "Then why not cover yourself up?" " Are you going home now?" " Yes." " May I drive you home?" " Yes." "Get dressed." "I'll wait in the car." "Music, please." "Clement, don't forget tomorrow's lesson." "I'm very pleased with Elis." "She's been working very hard lately." "She'll be a great singer." "You're a strange girl." "One day you're full of joy, the next on the verge of tears." "It's not that difficult to figure out." "It all depends on Eric." "When he's nice to me, I'm happy and when he's distant, I cry." "He's wonderful these days." " Promise me something, Elis." " What?" "Nothing." "You're all blind and stupid!" "sophie!" "Come here!" " Don't turn the light on." " Come here!" "Why are you coming home so late?" "You look like a worn-out nitwit." "Come closer." "I guess it had to happen one day." "It was inevitable." "Did you get a role at least?" "Mother!" "How dare you?" "We'll talk about it tomorrow." " Give me a goodnight kiss." " No." "Go straight to bed." "sophie!" "What?" "Come here." " Were you with him?" " Yes." " At his place?" " What do you mean by that?" "It's alright, I understand." "Don't you feel like crying?" "On the contrary." "I was afraid you'd be sad." "What do you feel?" "In novels, they call it happiness, but this is better." "I've caught a cold and I'm singing Eleazar tonight." "It's your fault!" "Going walking in the snow was your idea." " What a stupid idea!" " I thought it'd make you happy." "It was silly of you to go off on such an adventure." "Let's hope I didn't catch cold." "I think it'll be OK." "Maestro, are your feet cold?" "If not, you might manage..." "They're frozen!" "Run me a hot bath!" "No, heat some wine first!" "Bring me herbal tea, aspirin, a hot-water bottle and all the electric heaters." "And an inhaler!" "No, not my bathrobe!" "I'll keep my fur on." "Bring me blankets and quilts." "I'll try to warm up." "I can still hit the high notes." "I'm having trouble with that note, Berger." "One always pays dearly for foolish behavior." "After you take your bath, you'll rest and sip an herbal tea." "This is what our career is like." " It's slavery, isn't it, Berger?" " Yes, sir, slavery." "Elis!" "Elis!" "Yes, Mother." "Goodbye, sweetheart" "We'll be late for rehearsal." "I don't know if I should go." "Mother is very ill." "You must go!" "The director will be there." "I don't want to leave Mother alone." "Are you sure you don't have stage fright?" "I don't know." "I am scared about this rehearsal." "Then I'll stay with your mother." "No." "Yes, I'm not in the concert" "Just thinking about the director and journalists" " gives me stage fright." " Don't worry." "It'll pass." "Do you think so?" "I'm afraid I won't be able to sing at all." "Every night," "I dream that I open my mouth, but no sound comes out." "You worry too much." "Go!" " I'm scared, Clement." " Don't worry." "You'll do fine." "Do you think she'll be OK?" "Look at me, Elis!" "Don't worry." "It happens to everyone." "Go on, Clement." "No, I can't do it!" "I can't do it!" "What happened, Elis?" "Move away." "Put someone else onstage." " Get onstage, Sophie." " Let me go!" " This isn't the time for drama!" " I don't feel well." "You'll play your sonata." " It'll be OK." "I'm here for you." " I'm sorry!" "I'll never be able to sing." "You're not the first singer to get the jitters." "I saw Silvani cryjust like this before going onstage at La Scala in Milan." "Three thousand people were waiting." "You're just saying that to make me feel better." "No, it's the truth." "Don't you feel better?" "Don't ruin your pretty eyes with tears." "Splash some water on your face and come back inside." "UP you get!" "You must go home, Elis." "Your mother is very ill." "We called the doctor." "MY God!" "Clement, where is Elis?" " She never returned." " That surprises me." " Why?" " Come on, let's get a drink." " We won't stay long." " I don't believe you." "I shouldn't be alone tonight." "I could do something stupid, then you'll have to lecture me." "Promise we'll be home by 2 AM." "I promise." "Please don't cry, Dad." "Go away." "Leave me alone." "Elis?" "Why are you wandering the streets at 6 AM?" "You're white as a ghost." "Get in." " She's adorable." " She is!" "Adorable!" " Her mother just died." " My God!" "I don't know many orphans." "What should I do, Berger?" "You could start by consoling her." " Naturally." " Then give her a little wine." "An excellent idea." "Then clean her shoes." "They're filthy!" "Go fetch some wine." "That was back in Denmark when I was a young boy." "I was a wild little thing." "I ran away from home many times." "Tell me more." "You make me feel safe." "I was always running away." "I used to hide in the forest and tried to raise baby animals, but they all died." "I once found a young, injured squirrel." "I nursed it back to health and it ran away." "Everything I ever loved ran away from me." "I'm all alone, Elis." "So am I." "Don't leave me too." "You're so gentle." "Being with you is so relaxing." "When my mother was very ill, I used to caress her hands." "When my wife shook before going onstage, I used to do the same." "I haven't had a moment's peace since she left." "But this morning," "I discovered something I thought had disappeared." " Does it have a name?" " It does." "Peace." "Happiness." "Does it have another name?" "I love you." "I don't want to sleep." "Not now." "I'm too scared." " Can I come to the wedding?" " Of course." "Congratulations!" " Hello." " Hello." "He asked me to marry him." "You're invited to the wedding." "She's marrying him for money." " Really?" "' She's joking!" " Are you coming to class?" " No, I have errands to run." " You've changed." " It is that noticeable?" " What?" " Nothing." "Bye ." " I came to say thanks." " For what?" "For the flowers." "You've taken care of me since Mother died." "There's no need to thank me." "I like sending you flowers." "Why are you smiling?" "Eric said you wear your head on your sleeve." "He's a fool." "Don't believe a word he says." "Elis, please promise me you'll never believe him." "What's going on in there?" " Elis, what are you thinking about?" " Him." "Hello, Berger." "ls Mr. Walter downstairs?" " No, Miss." " I'll wait for him." " Miss!" " You look flustered, Berger." "And for good reason, Miss." "His wife sent a postcard." "That's what started all this." " What exactly?" " The Maestrds darkest hours." " Not again!" " He locked himself in her room and becomes angry whenever anyone approaches." " Because of a postcard?" " It wasn't just any postcard." "She wrote, "Greetings from Salzburg."" " How nice of her!" " Not at all!" "It was as impersonal as a signed photograph!" "He tore it up and he's been unwell since." " I still have to practice." " Not today, Miss!" "The Maestro won't tolerate any noise." "Stop right now or I won't be held responsible!" " Well, I will!" " Where are you going, Miss?" " To drag him out of his shrine!" " Anything but that!" "No, Miss!" "You're reading your own love letters." "People usually read the ones they received." " What are you doing here?" " I came for my lesson." "Nobody has the right to enter this room!" "Especially not you." "Get lost!" "Go away!" "You're handsome when you're angry." " I love you." " Shut up!" "Don't say that here." "No, that'd make it all very easy for you!" "We'd kiss on the ground floor, make love in your room and then you'd lock yourself and your memories in here!" "Either you share your life with me or you don't!" " I won't share with a ghost!" " Marie isn't a ghost!" " I love her." " Yesterday, you loved me." "Yes, I did tell you that, and I might have told 10 others the same thing, but I was talking to Marie!" "When I look at you, I see her." "Go away!" "I want to be alone with her." "Alone!" "The Maestro and the Ghost." "That'd make a nice opera." " Go away or I'll get angry!" " Oh no, don't do that!" " Berger!" " Yes, sir." "Champagne, Berger!" "I need a drink." " It's all gone wrong." " Yes, I know." "The devil has taken over." "Why must I always end up empty-handed?" "Why did she send me that postcard?" "Greetings from Salzburg." "I was mean." "I sent Sophie away." "She must hate me too." "It's all over." "I'm done with opera." "Two days ago, I screwed up a high C in "The Twilight of the Gods"!" "Greetings from Salzburg." "She had no right to do that." "She doesn't have the right!" "_ W88 she crying?" " Who?" " Sophie." "Did she cry?" " No." "What?" "She didn't cry?" "No." "The poor girl must be in shock." " She left without her coat." " She didn't leave." " What do you mean?" " It's much worse, sir." " Worse?" " She's lost her mind." "She's in the pond with the Chinese fish." "Naked!" " Let me go!" " Temptress!" "Let me go!" "You insulted me!" "Another woman would have run off crying, but you're tough and proud." "Today, I found out what kind of woman you are." " You must never lock that door." " I'll do as you wish." " I want the key." " I'll give you everything you desire." " Do you want me to apologize?" " No." "I just don't want to share you with others or with ghosts." "You're the only one!" " Have you seen other doctors?" " Yes, friends of mine." " I see." " They all said the same thing:" "that I simply needed a little rest." "I'm a brave woman, Doctor." "Tell me if you believe I need surgery." "Surgery would solve nothing." "Your voice won't return." "Your singing voice is dead." "Dead." "I hoped it was edema of the vocal chords, but the other symptoms: perspiring, sickness, high temperature, etc., all point to tuberculosis." "I believe you have tuberculous laryngitis." "Rigorous treatment followed by 6 months bed rest will cure your cold, but your lungs will always be weak." "You'll never sing again." "That's Miss Dimater." "She's made progress, Berger!" "Listen to that high F!" "Crystal-clear, just like I taught her." " What do you think?" " She's breathtaking!" "Bring me 2 eggs!" "Is Mr. Walter home?" "Ma'am!" "Is it really you, ma'am?" "Sir!" "Come quick!" "Your wife is here." "What are you talking about, Berger?" "Marie, my love!" "How happy I am to see you." "I can't believe my eyes." "Why didn't you call?" "I'd have picked you up." "I was afraid, unsure whether you'd want to see me." "You were afraid?" "I spent every waking moment waiting for you." " Are you ill, Marie?" " I'll tell you all about it." "I was so heartbroken" "I hadn't noticed how pale you are." "Is it serious?" "How long will you be staying?" "I don't know." "Forever, if you want." "Can anything be done?" "Surgery, perhaps?" "You're all I have left." "You must help me." "Nothing's changed." "Your students are still in love with you." " Sophie wasn't the only one?" " She was!" " Then you're getting old." " There was one other." "She writes me a love letter every day." "She thinks I love her and I don't want to shatter her dreams." "What are you doing here?" "I don't know." "I didn't want to be alone." "What happened?" "Tell me!" "It's all over!" "What's over?" " Everything!" " You're being silly." " I wish I were." " I've never seen you cry." "Are you sick?" "Did you argue with your mother?" "You're scaring me, Sophie." "What a bastard!" "I should kill him!" "I can't take this anymore!" "I gave him everything, but all he did was cheat on me, with his body, his hands, his lips." "Who?" "Eric!" "Who else?" "I thought it was a love story, but he was just using me until she returned!" "I'm nothing but a whore!" "You must think I'm common." "You're right." "This whole story is common." "I disgust myself!" "How could I have known?" "He's such a good actor." "Now he's playing my love scene with her." "He's whispering my words in her ear!" "I never thought I could be so unhappy." "You don't know what it feels like, of course." "Elis?" "MY DEAR ERIC, EVERY DAY I WRITE YOU A LONG LETTER," "BUT THEN I BURN IT..." "You too." "What happened?" "What's wrong, Elis?" "He kissed me, but he doesn't love me." "Open your eyes, Elis." "He kissed me, but he doesn't love me." "Are you taking classes again, Elis?" " No." " Then why are you here?" "It's a pilgrimage." "A year ago, I took the entrance exam for Eric Walter's class." "I'm celebrating the anniversary." "It's like you're at a funeral." "You light candles at both." "I want 18 candles on my coffin." "Don't be silly!" "I'm done being silly and I'm done with laughter and singing." "No, don't say that." "I'll come over tonight and we'll practice Schubert for the concert." "There's no point." "I tried, but I can't sing it." "Something in me died." "I'm like a child's toy that's broken inside." "I can fix most anything." "This toy can't be fixed." "What's wrong with you?" "You'll wake everyone up!" "You work all day and cry all night." "Don't pretend you don't." "That's no way to live!" "I'm singing "Death of Isolde" at the student concert." "Wagner, at your age!" " I can do it." " You'll make a fool of yourself." " All this for Eric!" " No, for myself." "You'll never learn that way." "Go practice at Elis's." "She has a piano." "I can do just fine with a tuning fork." "Why don't you practice at Elis's anymore?" "That's none of your business." "Leave me alone!" "Bravo!" "Arguing already!" "It's 7 AM!" "Go heat some water." "Grind the coffee." "There's no need to cry." "You never end up with your first love, especially not this guy." "He dumped you without even giving you a rose." "Shut up!" "A well-mannered man pays for affection." "I'm not afraid to tell him that." "If you do, I'll jump out the window." "Go away!" "I need to practice Isolde!" "Isolde!" "Is that the best you can do?" " You're as dumb as your sister." " What do you mean?" "Don't bother me!" "Today is the day." "I'll need a sheet of paper with my address written on it." "Without that, they might take me to just any hospital." "It shouldn't be dreadful because..." "In the dictionary, it says..." "Help me, My Lord." "Help me, Mother, and give me strength." "Stay calm." "Don't panic." " What do you want?" " Mr. Clement is here, Miss." " I wasn't expecting him." " He's in the library." " He wants to speak to you." " I'll be right there." "You play piano like a smoker, just to look good." "I prepared a speech, but I don't know where to begin." "Stan at the beginning." "Alright." "Get dressed." "I'll take you to the theater." "No, Clement." " I want you to sing tonight." " I'll never sing again." "I'm sure you don't mean that." "I have plans for tonight." "Please listen to me, Elis." "I want you to sing onstage." "Just one time." "It'll be your salvation." "Do this for me." "Get ready and we'll make it." "No, Clement." "Why must you insist?" "I'll drag you there if I have to!" "No!" "Leave me alone!" "This is none of your business!" "You're right." "It's none of my business." "It's your loss." "Clement!" "Don't be angry with me." "Not tonight." "I'm not angry." "I just don't understand why you'd throw it all away because of a broken head." "I thought you understood me." "Love shouldn't make you sad." "Truly loving someone will make you happy, even when it's not requited." "He's a liar, Clement." "He kissed me, but he doesn't love me." "Don't cry." "Believe me, this will pass." "Don't be ridiculous." "You don't want to be silly, do you, Elis?" "I don't want to think anymore." "I just want silence." "You've got your whole life in front of you!" "You're giving up before even trying!" "I'm tired of living." "Get a hold of yourself!" "Don't blow it out of proportion." "Aren't there other solutions?" "Yes." "You think about death too much, Elis." "Death is a friend of mine." "Yes, but everyone is afraid of death when their time comes." "I'm not." "Just before I do this, I'll be so much more confident." "I'll look like I'm going to a party." "I'll wear my white dress and prettiest jewelry and a flower in my hair." "Listen to your words." "You're hurting yourself!" "Wake up, Elis!" "Wake up!" "Go on." "Play." "Pretend I'm not here." "I like watching your mouth while you play." "Can I speak to you in private about Elis, please?" "Wait, just a minute." "Yes, that's it." "The very same pout." "I can never capture it." " Did it go well?" " Very well." "I know you'd show up!" "You let us down, you coward." "I had no choice." " Bravo, you've got guts." " Is Eric here?" "Yes, in a box, stage left." "Elis, did you just arrive?" "Hurry up." "This way to the stage." "I won't be singing." " Is Sophie here?" " Yes, she's up next." "Give her this." "She always admired it." "Go give it to her." "I want her to wear it onstage." " Don't be scared." " I've got stage fright!" "It'll be OK." " From Elis." " How nice of her!" "Help me." "How kind of her!" "Go!" "You're up next!" " When did you see Elis?" " A few minutes ago." "She was acting strange, dressed in a white dress." " Where was she headed?" " Towards the boxes." "Elis!" " May I sit beside you?" " No, I'd like to be alone." "Go away!" "Let me be!" "Give me that bottle!" "Don't make me hurt you!" "You ruined it." "Stupid girl!" "You wanted a theatrical death." "Look." "Sophie's broken head helps her become Isolde." "Isolde will die, not Sophie." "You're wrong." "Sophie has become Isolde." "Sophie will die because of Eric." "Your suicide would pale in comparison to that." "Your death would be sad and insignificant." "Your pretty dress would be covered with a blanket, because a dead body is so obscene." "Look." "Sophie knows how to die with dignity." "Her progress is astonishing." " Hello." " Hello, Maestro." "Sophie, you were wonderful!" "What incredible improvement!" "I told Clement that suffering would improve your voice." "I see you cried a lot, and that's great!" "Scientists have discovered that a singing voice improves when you shed tears." "You produce more mucus, the nasal septum swells and the voice becomes lower." "Marie, how about she and I sing Desdemona?" "She's not yet ready to sing Wagner onstage, but I think she could sing Verdi." "Absolutely!" "I'll speak to the director." "I'm sure I'll convince him." "Thank you!" "Thank you!" "Elis, we all have sorrow in our lives." "Sophie sang so beautifully because she's very unhappy." "You'd make a great actor." "Here." "I'll give it back to you, but you must tell me if you think of using it." " I promise." " Elis!" " Say you're not angry." " I wasn't angry with you." "Clement, Eric's looking for you and calling you names." "I'd better go." "Remember what you promised me." "I will." "You brought me luck." "I'm going to sing Desdemona." " Really?" " I'm so hQPPV!" "Look." "It won't be that hard to forget about him now." "Yes." "Don't you think he's getting a bit stooped?" " But he's still young." " I bet he's 40!" "The same age as Don Juan." "He looks so small from far away." "We can pretend it was all a dream." "THE END"