Peter Härtling, a profound connoisseur of music and author of highly acclaimed artist novels, ranging from Schubert to Schumann to Hölderlin and Fanny Mendelssohn, approaches the aging Verdi and lets his imagination wander. The story begins at the height of Verdi's creative output and simultaneously at a critical juncture. Having celebrated phenomenal success with "Aida," Verdi is now attempting something new. With the string quartet in E minor and the Requiem, he surprises himself, his audience, and Peppina, his second wife and closest confidante. He also begins to attend to matters beyond music: his estate Sant'Agata, where he establishes a hospital, and the Casa di Riposi dei Musici, a retirement home for former musicians in Milan. This is followed by world-famous compositions, particularly "Otello" and "Falstaff," in a thrilling collaboration with the librettist Arr.