When music scholar Frederica Bannister goes back to 1861 to observe Johannes Brahms she soon falls under the spell of the brilliant composer, and when she fails to return, her bitter rival Kristian North is sent back to find her.

The intense relationships between Robert Schumann, his wife Clara, and Johannes Brahms are brought to vivid life through music and excerpts from their passionate writings. With the arrival of the young, dynamic Brahms into their household, the Schumanns' fragile marriage is threatened by the deepening bond between Clara and their gifted guest.