Vienna in the eighteenth century Maria Theresia von Paradis, a brilliant pianist and close companion of Mozart, was born blind. The Paradis, desperate to heal their gifted daughter, leave Maria to Dr. Mesmer, a forward-thinking physician who provides her all the care and attention she requires. Maria gradually regains her sight thanks to the doctor's novel magnetic procedures. However, this miracle comes with a cost, as the woman gradually loses her musical ability.