It is the 1820s. In this first-person account, the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart reflects on his brushes with death, including the one that nearly killed him in 1791. Settled into a sylvan old age in the company of his wife, two sons, and grandchildren, the 74-year-old composer is urged to reflect on his life and career that was as long as his father Leopold's. He is gratified by his many creations, including 35 operas, one of which changed the course of history. But he is also burdened with guilt, as he weighs the price of his gifts on those around him.