Sent to board with an odd European family as a child so he can be tutored in the cello, Jacob remains with them after his father dies and he inherits a good bit of money. He becomes an accomplished cellist, taught by patriarch Leopold, and is cared for by Leopold's eccentric sisters, Tante Rosa and Tante Heloise. The retarded son, Waldmar, torments Jacob; the lovely daughter, Louise, charms him. Jacob and Louise eventually marry but his obsessive love for Madge, a violinist in the orchestra, leads to tragedy and loss as dark family secrets are revealed. A story of family bonds, failed dreams, and twisted love.