Popolka takes advantage of the absence of his shrew of a wife to indulge in the delights of single life. His manager showers him with favors because he is in love with a young woman whom he believes to be Popolka's wife. When Madame Popolka returns, the situation becomes confused...
Marcello, a shy tenor, is afraid of singing in public. Two friends of his think of having an elegant youth on the stage pretending to be singing while Marcello dubs him behind the scenes. The scam is successful but after a while Marcello summons the courage to go on stage himself.
In Italy, in 1736, Pergolese is in love with Maria. But Maria's brother, Count Raniero, forbids his sister to marry a modest composer. Pergolese kidnaps the young girl, but they are caught. Maria is locked up in her castle while Pergolese dies in the convent that takes him in.