Clara & Robert

the screenplay inspired the story of the relationship by composer Robert Schuman and his wife,piano
player Clara Schuman (Wieck).

First scene.
The funeral of Robert S.,the world-known composer

Clara S.,his wife,a talented piano player,with their children.

Everyone comes to her and says:

-I'm so sorry for your husband..

-I'm sorry,dear Clara..
I'm so sorry about your loss…
I'm sorry…
Mrs S.,we're so sorry..

Clara answers kind of automatically:

-Thank you.Thank you.

The young man,looking upset,stressed and complicated comes to her.He's the only person she reacts
at.They look at each other's eyes like friends,understanding everything without any worlds.He gently
shakes her hand and leaves.It is Johannes,young and perspective composer,the friend of the family.

Someone:
-I'm so sorry,Clara..No one expected such a terrible end to your story..so beautifull love story…

Clara think for a while and answer:

-No one.Thank you.

Clara's face,pale and emotionless,tired…

Scene changes and we can see exactly this face,her face..but bright,young,happy,full of life.

Second scene.
At Clara's dad house.

Clara:
-Please,don't look at me like that..(whispers)Dad will be here any minute..

They are Sitting at the piano in the living room of a rich house,she and a good looking young man,Robert
Schuman.He's looking at her with eyes full of love and desire.

Robert:
-How could I not notice earlier how beautiful you are,my Clara,my dear little Clara..

He takes her hand and kisses her on her neck.

Clara:
-Stop it!Dad's coming..Robert!

Robert:
-And what?I suppose,he will be happy,that her beloved daughter has a man who loves every little point on
her beautiful skin,her hair,her fingers..

Clara:
-He won't be happy if he finds out that his beloved daughter wasted more than two hours
talking..and…haha,you know..with this man,instead of preparing for the concert tomorrow..

Robert:
-You'll play geniously tomorrow,as always.(he tries to kiss her)

Clara:
-Robert,please!Stop,don't be..so shameless!Better tell me,but without any jokes,how's going on with your
hand?Have you seen the doctor?

Robert: (the shade of darkness in his eyes)

-It'll be alright.Just..you know,I was writing too much with my hand,and playing the piano too much and
too fast,and…I was touching these little fingers too tight…(kissing her hand,passionately,she tries to stop
him,but smiling from pleasure)My poor hand just tired!

The sound of the doorbell and Robert started to play something pretending he was in the middle of
playing.Clara trying not to laugh,ran to the front door to meet her father,famous music teacher Friederich
W..

Clara:
-Daddy!(she kisses his cheek)I've advised Robert to practice some light etudes and scales,to not overexert
his hand,but at the same time to stay fit,am I right?

Friederich W. is a still good looking man in his 50s,he's a bit strict and serious,but it looks like he really
adores Clara.

Friederich:
-Sure,you're right.Robert now should be careful with it,shouldn't you,my dear Robert?

Robert:
-I'll take any of your advice,sir,like always.
Friederich:
-Good,my boy.I need to talk with you eye to eye.
Clara,prepare yourself for our composition lesson.I need to have a little conversation with Robert.I'll
come to you soon.You can correct your homework,waiting for me.
Clara and Robert exchange glances.Friedrich notices it and the shade of seriosity appears at his face.

Friederich:
-Well..Clara,you'll wait for me in yours…

Clara kisses dad in his cheek,gives Robert a look,and goes upstairs,and catching Robert's glance,sends
him the kiss behind her Dad's back.

Friederich:
-Well..first of all tell me,you didn't disturb my daughter while practicing,did you?And I hope you didn't
ask her to play yours from beginning to the end,as I forbid her?

Robert:
-How dare I,sir?I listened to my teacher and,if I dare say,the second father,well and did exactly what he
has told me to do.

Wieck:
-Good.Thank you.She will be a star,real star.She has everything for it,enormous talent.Well.I have to say
really important things to you..

Clara hasn't come to hers,preparing herself for lesson with Dad.She took place upstairs behind the
banisters,hides herself for men's eyes but able to observe them.She looks a bit nervously,waiting for what
they're going to tell each other.

Friederich:
-It's about your hand,Robert..

Robert looks tense,Clara as well.

Friederich:
-I don't want to scare you anyhow or to make you worry more than it needs to,but I'll be honest with
you.For me you're kind of family.

Clara smiles.

Friederich:
-I've spoken with your doctor right know.He isn't sure now it's so critical..But I know all this things very
wel.I know this business and I know you well,that's important.You are extraordinary talented young
man.You really are.The music..it lives inside of you,it's a fact.And I don't you to lose your gift,even due to
illness.I'm kind responsible for you,I've given a word to your mother,that you're going to have a great
future in this field.And I knew what I said.You'll have it,your genius and I'm sure with it,I've seen a lot of
musicians,talented musicians..My own daughter is a wunderkind.

Robert looks up and smile.He didn't notice Clara,but pretended to be there.She smiles again,pretending
he can see her smile.

Friederich:
-So my advice to you-pay more attention to the composition.It could be the way for you.Even if your
hand will get better,I know this things,they returns.And it would be the most painful,find yourself unable
to change something in the middle of career..You are so..you know,you are such a person-you want
everything,and as soon as possible.You're headstrong!It's good sometimes..but at this case,I know,how
you will practice,how you will play and what you will play..You will ruin yourself by your own hands!So
don't do that.Direct whole your force,whole your passion and tallent to creating music..and,believe
me,you will do what you are really for!Pianists all over the world will play your music!It will be
new,kind,passionate and you will be able to tell the world the things,which are deep inside your soul..You
have this ability,you can compose!I can't,Clara can,but..not so deeply and sincerely,as you can,that's the
truth.

Robert:
-She's so young..

Friedrich:
-Doesn't matter,you are young as well.She is a piano player,that's her way.And you are the composer.You
can creates images,thoughts,ideas,and she can perform it..I tell it to you not to dismiss your potential in
piano playing,you're talented in that too and you would have this possibilities if there weren't this physical
problems..But as for me,your potential as a composer more and more strong.And just have a
thing-everything,that the Lord sent to us has its sense..so these problems with your hand not just a
accident.It maybe the sign.Sign to follow your way and to do in life what you were born for,Robert.

Robert sits quiet for a while,he looks upset.Clara looks at him with whole her attention,her lips silently
moves with words of encouragement for him,her hands instinctively caresse the banisters.At last Robert
look up at Friederich,stands up and shakes his hand.Friederich hugs him.

Robert:
-Thank you..I really could call you my second father..Thank you for your care and your sincerity..

Friedrich:
-I wish I had a son like you,Robert.You're really really talented,remember that.

Schuman:
-Thank you.I'll take your advice,and I'll study the composition,investing whole my time to it..but I would
like to ask you one favor.I would like to continue lessons with you..and with your daughter.You became
my family and..I still like to play piano,without ambition to become a virtuous concert player,I just want
to play..the way I can.

Friedrich:
-Sure,you shouldn't ask for it.You're always welcome in my house.

At this moment Clara goes downstairs,she pretends to be calm,but Schuman noticed her excitement.She
has a book at her hands.

Clara:
-Daddy,I'm so sorry for disturbing you,but I forgot to give him a book about the poliphony you told me to
give him..I'm sorry!Here's your book,Robert.

Robert takes the book and catches Clara's bright smile.

Wieck:
-Thank you,Clara.We have to go studying.Robert,I hope you feel al right and got what I said you.

Robert:
-I'm grateful,sir.

Friederich:
-Overthink everything well.

Robert:
-Good night,sir.Good night,Clara..

She smiles and leaves upstairs with her father.

Alone,Schuman opens the book Clara has gave him and finds the note at the front page,writting in a
hurry:

My dear Robert,I love you and my answer is yes.I want you to talk with my father…And whole my heart
and whole my body will be yours..actually,it is yours now…And whatever happens,I will love you and
play your music until the day I won't be able to play at all.
Your present loving Clara,your future loving wife..

Scene third
Wienn

Clara is sitting at the grand piano,preparing herself for the concert.She's wearing a beautiful dress,her hair
made perfectly.Her fingers play precisely,fast and confident,run through the keyboard..her thoughts
somewhere far away.Her eyes are sad and tense.
Friederich comes in,he's also well dressed,as always serious and active.He reads some papers,answers for
invitation on Clara's konzert.He looks at Clara,catches her glance and likely hides his eyes.Clara stops
playing.

Friedrich:
-Are you feeling well,my dear?

Clara silently looks at him,making him raise his gaze.

Friedrich:
-Are you ready to play well today?There are many people,including some very influential musicians and
critics.You should be really prepared…

Clara:
-I'm ready,dad..my hands are ready to play,as always.

Friedrich:
-Good.I'd better go,you need to practice a bit more..

He tries to leave the room,but Clara stands rapidly and stops him.

Clara:
-I need to talk with you.

Friederihc (even doesn't turn his face):

-If it's about your marriage,my answer is still no.

Clara:
-I see,but I want some explanations..after Robert proposed to me and you drove him out of the house,you
and I barely have a world with each other…You have never explained me the reason,why his name
became the tabou..all I hear from you are orders to came playing piano or to get ready for a tour..

Friedrich:
-You have concerts,it's the main thing for you and for me now-your career and your studying…

Clara:
-I know that,but when Robert used to live in our house and used to be common with you,my career and
my studying were there,it didn't just appear…Dad,I really want to talk to you,I want to tell you what I feel
and what I want!

Friedrich:
-Well,let's talk!What do you want,Clara?Marry him?
Clara looks seriously.

Clara:
-Yes.I love Robert,and I want to marry him,I said yes and I won't take it back.

Friedrich:
-I forbid it.My answer is no,I don't give you my permission.It's over,prepare yourself for the stage.

Clara:
-I have heard your no,many times!Give me a reason,at least one reason,explanation!Two days before you
kicked him out,you had liked him,you told that you'd like to have a son like him!And then he told you he
would like to become your son-in-law,you just cut out any connections between me and him,you stole my
letterbox and destroyed all his letters to me..

Friedrich:
-I never steal anything from you..

Clara:
-You did!And you managed all these tours just to prevent my meetings with him,with Robert,who you
were caring for,who you were looking after..Dad,it doesn't work.Even that you are going to continue
fulfilling my schedule with concerts and tour,to taking away all paper and feather following every my
steps.It won't work,because we still in love with each other!you can't keep me locked up in front of the
piano forever!Dad,just understand me,believe me and let me make a decision for myself..once,for the first
time….I love this man,I want to be with him..it won't affect my career badly,we both are musicians..And I
absolutely can't understand what's going on with the way you feel about him!You used to call him the
most talented and prospective student of you..What has changed?

Friedrich takes a deep breath.

Friedrich:
-Well,Clara.I'll explain you.I'm not going to change my mind,but I'll try to explain you.Nothing changes,I
still think that Schuman has an extraordinary talent.He's a genius,he really is.And that's the reason I never
let my daughter,either talented musician to marry him.Never,because I know very well what it is to live
with a genius and what's two genius living together.

Clara:
-I don't understand..

Friedrich:
-You can't understand it,you're too young and you're pleased by the attention from the person older than
you,talented and attractive…It's a fairytale,but it will have its end soon.And in the worst case,you will be
obliged to give up your career,and things you love-music,playing piano.Your role would be-the wife of
the genius.All you will be doing through your days-taking care of the genius,making a comfort around
him,doing well to prevent any distractions while he,the great,would create something..and also you will
listen his claims,self-criticism,as well as self-praise all the day and night!And you will be taking care of
his home and his children,because he is too busy with his creation of the genius works,and he is too
exalted to care about everyday things!

Clara:
-This is nonsense..

Friedrich:
-No,my dear,it isn't!But it's only the worst case..what about the best?You want to hear it?I'll tell you.The
best way for you with him,if you'll continue your concerts,you'll be successful..but he's not.He
wouldn't,because the art of composing music never immediately appreciated.So,you'll be on the stage and
he would be behind..and after the concerts,you'll feel his envy.You'll see it in his eyes,you'll hear it in
every his word.And you'll have no joy for your career-all joy will be poisened by your husbands
envy!You can't get it away from him,I know him well,I understand what kind of person he is.He wanted
to become the piano player,the virtuoz and all his life he will still be dreaming about it.

Clara:
-Dad,it's not going to happen between people who love each other..

Friedrich:
-Oh,it's going to happen indeed.That's the thing happening in couples where man or woman are equal
talented..almost equal.Believe me,I know Robert as a person.He is an achiever..and playing the piano like
a virtuous is the goal he's not able to achieve..but you are.And he will never forgive you
it,unconsciously.Now he's in love with you,and you are one another goal that he would like to achieve,so
he doesn't pay attention on that,but,believe me,he will.You will feel it after your successful concert,where
he wouldn't like you to enjoy after party,he would like you to go home home,to look after children and
don't play piano so much,to not disturb him..

Clara:
-That can't be true..

Friedrich:
-It will be the truth,if I'll give you my permission to marry him.But I won't.Never!I won't let you to be
unhappy.Whole my life was about making you happy and independent and I won't let you destroy it with
a childish caprice!My answer is no,and you won't ask me again!That's over!Prepare yourself..

Clara:
-Dad,don't try to fool me!I'm not such a child..I understand quite well,all you said is not the reason.Do
you want to hear the real one?You just don't want to lose your control on me,you just want to own me,to
possess me like a..thing!A doll playing the piano!You said Robert is an achiever..well,maybe.But more
than he is,you are!Look at yourself,all you are living for is your career,my career,someone's career,your
career,success,critic's reaction..you're always in a hurry,you always demand results from the
students,children..I've got now why you and Mom are divorced.You was waiting some results from her
also,and now you do that with your new wife as well..

Friedrich:
-My relationship with your mother is none of your business!She has chosen what she would like to,it's her
right.

Clara:
-Yes,she has chosen love,because you weren't able to give it to her..You still aren't able to do that,you
don't love me,you just use me to prove your method,your own success..

Friedrich:(shuts)
-Stop it!

They look at each other.Wieck looks really insulted.

Friedrich: (takes a deep breath,not looking now at his daughter)

-Clara,you've said too much.One day you'll understand that..I don't let you marry Robert Schuman,if
you'll do that behind of my back,I'll curse and disinherit you.And the worst thing,you'll lose the only one
person in the world who really cares you.You'll destroy your life,your talent and your career with your
own hands..But you don't,because I'll never let you do that.Never.

The tears start to choke Clara,but she holds it back.

Friedrich:
-It's the last time we're speaking about it.Prepare yourself for a concert.

Friedrich leaves the room.Clara is about to break down with tears,but she notices the feather,her father
has left in the table.She quickly takes it,fearing Friedrich will return to it,looks around,trying to find a
paper..Than comes to the piano,takes on of the sheet music,tear out a page and writes as fast as she
could.The tears are streaming down her cheeks..

Scene forth.
Sequence.

1.
We can hear Clara playing the piano,fast virtuoso passages.Her fingers running through the keyboard,as
butterflies,as birds,as a wind..

2.
Clara,looking tearful but resolute,goes to the stage.She holds a handkerchief in her hands.Friedrich is
waiting her behind the stage.He kiss her forehead,she doesn't even look at him.He leaves her,going to the
auditorium.Clara calls the boy,,assisting at the doors,whisper something to him and gives him a sheet of
music folded many times.He nodes and also leaves her.
3.
Clara comes on the stage,she bows and everybody is applauding.She sits down at the piano.Friedrich
doesn't applaud,he looks at Clara with great attention.

4.
The door boy coming through the hall,from the closed doors,sounds the music Clara's playing.He goes
upstairs,on the balcony.He opens one door to the balcony,and gives the sheet music to the man,standing
by foot there,looking carefully at the stage.The man is Robert Schuman.He takes the sheet
music,immediately opens it and reads.

5.
Friedrich with his one eye looks at the musical critic,sitting at his left.The critic writes just a few words in
his notebook,all his attention at Clara's playing.Friedrich smiles,satisfied.

6.
Clara's playing,concentrated in music,but tears are still in her eyes.Her short letter to Schumann:

"My dear Robert,my love,sorry,that I'm writing to you so little and so sloppily..this is a rare case I
occasionally have something to write with!I've just talked with my father and as you said,he's no oing to
change his mind..so we have no choice..I didn't want to manage it in court with my own father,but now I
see there's no other way.So my answer is yes,my answers to you will always be yes..I love you,I can't wait
to hold you and to have a word with you without hiding.Your loving Chiara"

7.
Schuman reads the note.There are applauds,Clara finishes the piece.Schuman comes forward to the
balcony.

8.
Clara is bowing,looking around the concert hall.Everybody is applauding,her father is applauding and
even smile a bit.Clara looks up at the balcony and suddenly she smiles broadly and happily.Friedrich
notices it and looks up too,the way she's looking at.There is Robert,applauding to Clara.

Scene fifth
The year of songs.

Clara is in their new home.After many efforts they have got married with Robert.She's alone in their
home,playing the piano.It's compact home piano,it looks a bit old,it differs very much from Clara's
pianocat her Dad's home. There is sheet music on the piano,the cover says "Children's, Op. 15 Robert Sh."
She plays one,lirical tender melody.
While she's playing,Robert Sh. enters the apartment.He has the letter on his hand,he looks confused,but
the moment he noticed the melody his wife is playing,he throws all his attention on her.They both smile to
each other,like a people who is completely understanding every each one's breath in and out.Robert steps
in to the room and stops,looks at Clara with love and admiration.
She stops playing,he hugs her,starts to kiss her hands,forehead,lips.She's laughing happily.

Clara:
-I love these pieces so much!They remind me of you,like you've left in each of them a little part of your
soul.

Robert:
-I love the way you're playing them..I love you.

They are kissing tenderly.

Robert:
-How's our baby?

Clara:
-Which one?The first is sleeeping,and the second listening to how I'm playing from inside of me.

Robert kisses Clara's forehead.He comes through the room,Clara starts to play a nice melody.He is still
holding the letter.Schumann turns over some pages on the big notebook on the table,reading.

Robert:
-What's this?You are playing.

Clara:
-It could be the nocturn or something like that..lyrical and calm.

Robert:
-And after composing such beautiful melodies how could this woman write in our diary the she couldn't
write the music?

Clara:
-Well,I could..but not as seriously as you do.It's not the women's business.I have understood it quite
well,becoming a mother.(she laughs)My dad wouldn't be glad to hear that I have become so unambitious.

Robert:
-Mmm…I don't know how you would react,but..we have news from your father.The letter.

Happy smile lights up Clara's face.She takes the letter from Schumann,carefully gets it out of an
envelope,starts to read.Robert looks at her,he seems to think ironical about it.

Clara:
-For Clara's sake we can no longer keep each other at a distance. You too are now a family man – is a
longer explanation needed?"
Clara smiles.

Robert:
-After all he did..

Clara:
-I knew it would happen someday…

Robert:
-I suppose,he is dissatisfied with the success of his new prodigy..Camila,that's she?

Clara:
-What?No,he just..you know,he became a grandfather.(she gently touches her belly).And he will be happy
to hear that he's going to become him for the second time.Did you answer?When he's coming to us?

Robert:
-No,I didn't.I think I should ask you if we..accepted this reunion..

Clara:
-Accepted?Sure,how couldn't we?He's my dad…I was waiting for the day you and he became friends
again,the family...Weren't you?

Robert:
-Well,after he kept us separated for three years,slandered me in the press and didn't let you take your
piano..no,I wasn't thinking about the friendship with him,and now I'm not so..glad with it.

Clara:
-Robert,but..we all makes mistakes..and..he is my father,he loves and me..and yes,it's a bit stupid,but
now,as a mother,I understand that all he did was just to not let me go away from him..it's ordinary
parenthood..you now a father,imagine,how will you feel when our Marie will fall in love with someone
and be about to leave us..

Robert:
-I know,that in this case I wouldn't illigate with my own daughter and keep her in a cage.

Clara:
-Yes,he wasn't nice to us..but it's the past,it was and now it's not.He wants to be with us,like a family
should be.After all,he is my father,and he is the reason we have met each other,Robert.We should be
grateful to him at least for that..

Robert:
-At least?Sounds nice.

Clara:
-It's not,sorry..I mean.

Robert(sarcastically):
-I know what you mean.I should be happy that the old man,who was behaving like an enemy of you and
me, suddenly changed his mind!It's really the reason for joy,for a good family
dinner,actually!When,where?

Clara:
-Robert,stop it.Don't be so..

Robert:
-So what?Ungrateful?

Clara:
-Evil.

Robert:
-I'm evil?Good.I became the negative character in this opera.

Clara:
-What's wrong with you?He is my father,he is the grandfather of your child..children.

Robert:
-Yes,but why did he only remember it now?Because he need her brilliant pianist back,because he
understood that it doesn't work with his wife,other daughters,other students,they are not as talented as you
are,they couldn't help him to promote himself as a teacher and music manager!And he absolutely don't
care you're going to have a baby-he want you to play,to give million concerts a month only to make him
famous teacher,discovering you!

Clara:
-Stop it!I don't want to hear that,you're mad...

Robert:
-Maybe I'm mad,but I'm not a fool.You are so naive,my Clara.You love everything and everybody…You
will suffer from it.

They silently look at each other.Clara takes a deep breath.

Clara:
-Even if I'm naive or stupid,I have the right to have my father.He,you,our children are my family,and I
will keep it,no matter what you are-mad,evil or sick.

Robert comes to her and holds her.

Robert:
-I'm sorry,I shouldn't..upset you.I'm going to write to your father and invite him to us..for you.

Clara:
-Thank you.I want ot play the piano.

Clara sits at the piano.Her hands shake,she's about to start crying..She plays,trying to repeat the melody
she has played before..it sounds even more beautiful and heartfelt.She starts crying,but keeps playing.The
tears at her cheeks..Robert listens to her attentive,when he turns to her,notices that she's crying,comes and
holds her.She's still playing beautifully.

Scene sixth.
The pianist's husband

Тwo elegant female hands are running on the keyboard.Clara is playing an virtuois piece on piano,in an
luxurious concert hall.She's concentrated and beautiful.She is playing really really well,perfectly.
There are a lot of people on the hall,all their attention is on Clara.She is on her top.
Robert is here too,he's sitting in one of the back rows.He looks at Clara,but he seems not ot be very happy
or proud.There are shadows on his pale face.He loooks really tencsed.
Clara has finished,everyone is applauding to her.She leaves the scene,then come back.
A woman sitting in front of Robert whispers loudly to her friend:
-She will play the piece composed by her husband now..
Her friend:
-Is her husband a musician?
Woman:
-Yes,he used to play the piano,but wasn't so succesful,so he turned to composing.

Robert leaves his seat.

Clara sits on the piano and glances at where Robert was.She notices he has left.She looks dissappointed.

Scene eighth.
The composer's wife.

Clara and Robert's home.Clara is in the corridor,talking on the phone with his dad.She's talkibg quietly,not
to disturb Robert,ho composes in the next room with closed doors.

Friederich (voice from the phone):

-Overthink it,it's a good offer.It is a very good orchestra,one of the best in the world,and it's worth to play
with it.You can choose the program you want,but better if it will be something well-known,Beethiven
maybe or Liszt.I understand you would like to play Robert's concerto..but,it would be better for the first
time to show yourself with something more popular..at least,you could play Robert's piece for bis.
Clara:
-I know,I understand,Dad..the problem is,it's really a long tour and I should thing what to do with
children..Robert now is working on a simphony,it's quiet hard,so I can't hang the home and the childrens
on him..

Friedrich:
-Sure,but..it's also good money.And as I know,you need it.How's Robert feels now,is he still..depressed?

Clara:
-He is better now..he's working.

Friedrich:
-Well.I'm glad to hear that.

Friedrich:
-Clara,I'm so happy for you-you have a beautiful children,the husband who loves you..You know,I would
say sorry.I was so against your unite with Robert,but now I see that you're glad with your life..The
childrens and the love-that's all we actually seek and all we actually need in life.And the succes is the
thing that should be with it,not without.

Clara's face get sad.

Friedrich:
-Tell me honestly,dear-are you happy,are you content wit hyour life?

Clara takes a deep breath,there are tears in her eyes.She tries to smile.

Clara:
-Yes,Dad.I'm absolutely happy with that.

Friedrich:
-I'm so happy to hear that.

Clara:
-I need to go..buy.

Clara hangs up.She lets the child go,and stays alone for a moment.The voices of children sound from the
inside.Clara knocks at the door where Robert is working,enters.

Robert writes at the table near the piano.There is an opened bottle of cognac.

Robert:
-Could you,please,next time talk on the phone quieter?It really disturbs me.
Clara:
-Could you keep your word?Not to drink during the day.

Robert:
-I take just one sip.I have a headache,it helps me.

Clara:
-It will destroy you,if it becomes a regular work condition.

Robert:
-Oh,please,don't.You want to tell me something?Some new prepositions from your dad?

Clara:
-Yes.He has an invitation for me from the London Symphony.

Robert:
-That's great.When?

Clara:
-It's the tour.It will start in April and finish in three months.

Robert:
-You want to leave me and the children for three months?

Clara:
-I want to ask you what you think about that.

Robert:
-Hm,well..you have just come back from the Polish tour.And..I'm working now,I need to finish the
symphony,so I can't spend a lot of time with children.

Clara:
-I was in Poland for just a week..and before that I hadn't had any concerts at all..for two or three
years..And,they pay well.We could take a nanny for children and you could work calmly.

Robert:
-Children will forget what their mother looks like..

Clara:
-As well as their father.

Robert:
-Clara,I'm the composer.It takes so much from you,creating the music..I really can't physically dedicate
my time to children and home a lot,I feel exhausted after working on music
Clara:
-I understand that,I will do everything I can to help you..but..

Robert:
-But what?I know what you are going to say.We need money and your concerts are paid well.And you
know what?I can't stand it anymore,I can't live on your money..it's insulting..

Clara:
-Robert,what are you talking about..you are a composer,it's quite normal that your job can't give us
enough ..your work will be appreciated later,they are too genious for today,they need time.

Robert:
-If more people play it,it will be famous even now.

Clara:
-I'm playing your music!In every single concert..

Robert:
-Yes,but you're not going to play it on tour in England,are you?

Clara takes a breath.

Robert:
-Sure.You won't.

Clara:
-Robert,I should play something more common for the beginning..Beethoven,Schuman..

Robert:
-That's your dad's words.You're listening to him.

Clara:
-Don't be silly,sure I'm listening to him,he's my dad,and he's good at that,at concert organization…

Robert:
-You want to live with him?You want to be his marionette again?

Clara:
-Stop it.Don't go too far.

Robert:
-I'm not far,I just can't stand it!I feel terrible,my head is aching all the time,I hear the sounds,extremely
high sounds in my ears,all day!I want to compose but I physically can't,I feel anxiety,fear..
Clara:
-Robert,I know..I'm trying to do everything to help you get well,to help our family to be happy..

Robert:
-I don't need your help!I don't need the family!I need you to love me,to support me,but you love only
yourself and your piano,and your career,just like your dad!

Clara:
-Stop!

They pause,Clara looks really serious.

Clara:
-You think,I don't love you?Robert,open your eyes,look,what my life is!It's all about loving you!I do
everything to provide you with calmness for composing.Look,I'm not practicing how much I need,I
played piano for two hours a day in the best case,t onot disturb you!I even speak with my dad on phone
whispering!And when I have a great preposition,to play with an orchestra,with one of the best orchestra in
Europe,I'm thinking about how to manage it the best way for you…And you telling me I don't love
you?Just open your eyes-you covered with my love,like a child with a cozy blanket,while I'm all alone in
cold.

Ninth scene.

Years pass by and now Robert is well-known as a composer.There is an evening of his music in their new
home-they moved because of Robert's headaches and hallucinations in a bigger house in the
countryside,near the river.
Robert sitting among the guests,musicians,literators,intelligence.He looks tired,ill.He is listing carefully
the music,doesn't take his eyes off the stage,where his wife is playing the piano.She is still attractive,too a
bit tired-looking.She is playing his music,she is concentrated,but at the same time relax,like a person who
is doing the work he was born for.Robert looks calm and happy observing his wife playing his
composition.The woman sitting behind him whispers to a young man,siitin near:
-Johaness,she is the best piano player I have ever heard..why on earth she plays so raraely?She could be
the star!
The young man silently calls her to silence and points at Robert wit hhis eyes.Tbe woman wit ha regret
and understanding nods-everyone knows that Robert suffers psycologicall problems,depressions and
hallicinations and that Clara takes care off him.

Robert heard the woman's notice.It seems to disturb him,taked from the liatening of music.He looksm
now anxious,he takes his forehead.The tears appears in his eyes but he tries to calm down.He looks at
Clara.She plays really excellent.
The music is over,there are appaluds.Robert stands behind,he left his seat earlier.He looks glum.People
surrounded Clara,everyone admires her permonce.She responds quite modesty.

Clara:
-Rober wrote this composition,it can't hardly be performed badly,it's a pure beauty.

Johaness,the young composer,who was sitting behind Robert during the performance,looks at Clara with
adoration,it's hard not to notice the passion in his eyes.

Clara comes to Robert,kisses him.He answers coldly.

Robert:
-Congratulations.

Clara:
-Congratulations to you,dear!It's your succest..

Robert:
-Partly..actually,it's more yours.

Clara (tenderly):
-Robert..please..

Robert:
-What?You played so good,thank you..I'm proud of you.

Clara:
-Thank you.I'm happy to play your music,I always loved it..

Robert:
-But next time,please,don't add your own dinimics..just play what I have written..

Clara:
-I did that,I played as you said me to play..I just follow your notices..

Robert:
-No,there wasn't such a huge crescendo in the last part..there wasn't any crescendos at all,actually..

Clara:
-You said me to do an enormous crescendo after the theme in pianissimo yesterday!

Robert:
-No,I didn't.I said about the phrases,not dinimic..You just didn't get it..
Clara:
-I wrote it in my sheet music,because you have said me to..

Robert:
-No.

Johaness comes to them.He looks very shy,trying not to raise his eyes and not to look at Clara.

Johaness:
-Robert,I would like to congratulate you..I like this new piano work of you so much..I don't have words to
describe it..

Robert:
-Thank you,Johaness.I'm pleased to hear that such a talented composer like you like it..

Johaness:
-Thank you..you're so kind to support me..And,Clara,thank you for your perfrmance..it was
unbelievable..I wish I could hear you're playing my music one day..

Johaness looks at Clara.He is in love with her,it's hardly not to notice.Robert understands it,he became
glummer,he touchs his head again.

Clara:
-Robert,are you feel well?

Robert:
-Yes,quite well.

Johaness:
-Sorry for disturbing you..I'm leaving.

Robert (sarcasticly):
-No,Johaness,stay!You can talk with my wife about your fututre plans,playing your music,something
else,I guess..

Robert takes a bottle of a cognac and pour a glass for himself.

Clara:
-Robert,please,it won't be good for you now..let me bring your some water..

Robert:
-Clara,he loves you.

Clara:
-What?

Robert:
-Oh,don't ,make a fool of me!Johaness loves you,you know it better than I.He adores you!

Clara:
-Robert,don't.He adores you,your music.You are his hero..

Robert:
-And you are his dream!Funny situation,isn't it?

Clara:
-Robert,he respects you,you are the teacher for him,music ideal..Please,don't let your fantasy lead you to
far from the reality..

Robert:
-What if it's all I have?My fantasy.I don't have the possibility to play the piano or something else,so I
couldn't…perform the reality,build the reality..all I have to do is compose,fantasize..

Clara:
-I'm not talking about your music..

Robert:
-Sure,your not..you don't care it.

Clara:
-I've just played the concert of your music!

Robert:
-You were showing yourself,not my music!I can see that-you just play to show everybody here how good
musician you are,you absolutely don't care if it was my music,or Chopin's,or Bach..you just want to play!

Clara:
-Sure I want to play the piano,Robert!I have no concerts for two years,except of few evenings with your
compositions..I'm even not playing home enough,becuase of yours headache.Yes,I'm happy now to play
on stage and I will happy to play every music now..but I didn't play Chopin,nor Bach-I played your
music,I'm trying populaze it,because I really like it,because
I love you!

Robert:
-You love only yourself!

Clara:
-How dare you?
The woman comes to their.

The woman:
-Robert,Clara..can I have a word with you?

Robert:
-Sure,profesor Heidrich.How are you?

The woman:
-I just want to say that it was a great performance,I'm inspired with your pieces,Robert.And Clara-you
were playing so beautifully,so emotional and at the same time so intelligent..

Clara:
-Thank you.

The woman:
-You should play more often,really!And I have an offer for you both-to manage a concert in the
Conservatory of your music,Robert.With Clara,sure!

Robert (cold and ironic)

-Clara will be happy.She misses playing on stage.

Clara:
-Thank you,it would be great for us!

The woman:
-Good!We talk about it later,I won't disturb you now,have a rest after the perfomance.

She leaves.Robert drinks the congnac and is going to leave too.

Robert:
-Congratulation.You're get what you want,the career.Solo concert.

Clara:
-Robert,it's a concert of your music.

Robert:
-It's not neccesary.You're free to play what you want..I supose,you could call Johaness,he would be
happy…

Clara:
-Robert,you're not feeling well..you'd better go to bed,I'm going to tell the guests..
Robert:
-Stop making a mad from me!If you're done with me,if you don't want to be with me just because I have
a headaches,please,you are free!Go away,go to Johaness,leave me,childrens,everything,for playing the
piano,your dad would be happy about it!I always felt like an invalid next to you..You can play the piano,I
can't..All I could is write some meaningless notes on the paper..You can perform it,give it a birth,a
life..You can't imagine how painful it is,to at you,playing what I had in mysoul!You didn't even think how
I was feeling.You just egoistically want to play,to show everybody that you are better it it than me..

Clara:
-Robert,you're mad!I did my best to support you,to help you find yourself..I never thought about myself
and my benefits..

Robert:
-You thought only about yourself,and you complain about your life with me,crazy and hopeless men,who
became a composer only to be in music,losing the possibility to play..You don't love me like it was
anymore,Clara,I feel it..you love the music more than me.

He's about to leave but Clara speaks quiet and seriously.

Clara:
-You are right.I love music…I sacrificed my whole life just for you,just for love…I could be the great
piano player or the composer,one of the rare female composers.And you know,better than someone,that
I'm talented,maybe even more talented than you are!But I gave up everything to you,to our love..And now
I'm pretending that I'm happy with it,happy with you,with our children..but I'm not!Definitely not!I've
made one choice,I've chosen this path,and every single day I can see that there's no choices for me and no
other paths now.It's too late and with every day it becomes later and later…Now I realize,what was my
Papa talking about,how right he was about you and me,and everything.I love you,Robert,and I always
did.But I love the music as well.And the music could give me something in return.You not.You're only
taking.

Robert looks at her in shock.He understand she is right..He leaves.Clara stays alone for a
moment,thinking..

Johaness looks at her from appart,then join her.

Johaness:
-Are you alright,Clara?I guess,I said something wrong and made Robert upset..I'm sorry.

Clara:
-No,it's alright.You didn't say something wrong..it's just a family complication.It happens sometimes.

Johaness:
-I see..Clara,could a talk with you..personally?
Clara looks at him.He looks even more shy and tensed.

Johaness:
-I..I'm going to leave the town...and the country maybe..I don't think we will see each other again..I love
you,Clara.I knew it since the day I met you and Robert..and I thought,I can get through it..but I can't.It
became more and more intensively and..complicated..I respect Robert,he taught me so much and he helps
me to believe in myself as in a composer and to create..so I can't be the traditor for him,loving his
wife..I'd better leave you..I can't make you both unhappy,but I can't help not looking at you,not adoring
you..

Clara silently looks at him.

Clara:
-It will be sad,to lose you..but..

Johaness:
-Yes.But.Thank you for everything..and firstly-for you being you.You gave me force and inspiration..

Clara:
-Thank you,Johaness.

Johaness:
-I should go to Robert..Goodbuy,Clara..

Clara:
-Goodbuy,Johaness..

Johaness is about to leave,but suddenly there are some noises and screams outside.
Some guest go outside,look through the windows.The man returnes,paying no attention to the guests,who
asking him what's going on,he comes to Clara.He's a shadow of himself.

The man:
-Clara..I'm so sorry..Robert killed himself…

The eleventh scene (the continue of the first scene)

Robert's funarale.

Clara's face,beautiful,but emotionless and tired.

The woman comes to her.

The woman:
-Clara..I'm so sorry..

Clara:
-Thank you,profesor Heidrich.

The woman:
-I expected,that I will oranize the concert with Robert,not a concert in his memory..I understand,how are
you feeling now,and how it would be hard to you to play his music..so,you can advise me any
pianist,who on your opinion could do it..or I find someone..

Clara looks at the woman as if she had suddenly woken up.

Clara:
-I will play Robert's music..I know what it was about.I understand it now.

The end.

Karina Lizen,
januar-februar,Banská Bystrica