The action takes place in Vienna in 1826. We meet the composer Franz Schubert and some of his artist friends, including his namesake and faithful friend of many years, the frivolous baron Franz von Schober. The friends, who represent poetry, music and painting, live a dissolute bohemian life that stands in stark contrast to the Vienna Citizens nice life in this period, known as Biedermeier. The artists and the bourgeoisie meet, both parties need each other, and it becomes both a double wedding