Classical pianist Elizabeth is bored and uninspired with her marriage and teaching job at the local music school. She longs to return to her university days in Salzburg, Austria where she shared a passionate relationship with Maltese pianist Nico. Studying piano in one of Europe’s great hubs of classical music, Elizabeth believed in the promise of a glamorous life as a classical musician.

Fifteen years after saying goodbye to Nico, she receives a letter from him. Their correspondence continues for many years, and Elizabeth hides it all from her husband. In one letter, she professes her love for Nico believing the relationship they shared years earlier is the one and only escape from her hum-drum existence. 

Steeped in lyrical prose and spanning a quarter century, the story is woven together by a resonant thread of music. The strong connection Elizabeth forged with Nico in her 20s ultimately defines the harmony and dissonance of her life.