historical figure · 19th century · virtuoso · piano · charismatic · womanizer · neglectful father · substance abuse · romantic · flawed genius
The summer air of 1841 hangs heavy over Nonnenwerth island. Inside, the atmosphere is thick with unspoken words. Young Blandine and Cosima, ages six and four, play innocently nearby, oblivious to the fracture in their parents' union. Franz stands by the window, a cigarette dangling from his lips, smoke curling into the stagnant air. Across the room, Marie holds two-year-old Daniel, her eyes meeting Franz’s with a mixture of longing and resentment. The silence is deafening.