In Venice, Consuelo, a gifted orphan, has captured the admiration of the revered music teacher Porpora, who becomes her godfather. Despite her humble beginnings, Consuelo's life is intertwined with that of Anzoleto, a fellow musician and her promised betrothed. Yet, their paths diverge amidst ambition, love, and betrayal.

The Rise of a Prima Donna

Consuelo's talent propels her to the position of prima donna at Count Zustiniani's theater, succeeding Corilla, another of Porpora's protégés. While Consuelo's performances are lauded, Anzoleto struggles to impress and resorts to courting Corilla, hoping this alliance will secure his place. Porpora, never fond of Anzoleto, orchestrates a confrontation by arranging for Consuelo to discover Anzoleto at Corilla’s residence. Heartbroken and disillusioned, Consuelo leaves Venice, vowing never to return to the stage and forever renouncing Anzoleto.

A New Chapter in Bohemia

Consuelo's journey takes her to Bohemia, where she becomes a companion to Count Rudolstadt's niece, Amelia. The young noblewoman is engaged to her cousin, Count Albert Rudolstadt, whose eccentricities and visions of past lives frighten her. On hearing Consuelo sing, Albert mysteriously recognizes her, professing that she is destined to lift a curse that plagues him. Confused by his declaration, Consuelo nevertheless captivates Albert, who finds solace and stability in her presence.

The Mysterious Grotto

Albert's frequent disappearances lead Consuelo to a hidden grotto, accessible through a well, where Albert and his loyal companion, Zdenko, seek refuge. Mistaking Consuelo for a threat, Zdenko nearly attacks her, but she escapes and calms Albert with her voice, coaxing him back to reality. Albert confesses his love for Consuelo and pleads for her acceptance, but she remains torn by memories of her past love for Anzoleto, asking Albert for time before giving her answer.

A Family's Gratitude

The Rudolstadt family, grateful for Consuelo's influence over Albert, offers their blessing for a potential union. Count Rudolstadt believes only Consuelo can maintain Albert's sanity. As Consuelo grapples with her feelings for Albert, Anzoleto reappears, having abandoned Corilla, seeking to win her back. Consuelo, resolute, leaves a letter for Albert and departs for Vienna to reunite with Porpora.

Struggles on the Road to Vienna

Consuelo faces hardships on her way to Vienna, often traveling on foot. She encounters Joseph Haydn, an aspiring composer also bound for Porpora's tutelage, and in disguise as a peasant boy, joins him. Along their journey, they seek shelter with a church canon, coincidentally encountering Corilla, who is in labor and seeking refuge. Consuelo, staying incognito, assists in the birth, learning that Anzoleto is the father, though Corilla remains unaware of her true identity.

A Return to Music

In Vienna, Porpora welcomes Consuelo warmly, and Haydn becomes his eager student. Consuelo's talent earns her an invitation to sing for the empress, and Corilla, now knowing Consuelo's identity, arranges for her to perform at the theater, hoping to ensure her silence regarding the abandoned child. Meanwhile, Anzoleto fades from her life entirely.

Letters and Deception

Consuelo writes Albert, expressing her readiness to return to him, but Porpora intercepts the letter and destroys it, driven by his ambitions for her career. Misled by Porpora, Consuelo believes Albert has abandoned the idea of marrying her, unaware of the truth behind Porpora's manipulation. With a heavy heart, she agrees to a theater engagement in Berlin, accompanied by Porpora.

A Race Against Time

On their journey to Berlin, Consuelo and Porpora encounter Albert's brother, who urgently escorts them back to the Rudolstadt estate. There, Consuelo learns of Albert's dire health and his father's belief in a false letter from Porpora renouncing the marriage. Albert, weakened but hopeful, implores Consuelo to marry him, believing it his only salvation. In a poignant ceremony, the vows are exchanged, and Albert, feeling redeemed, dies peacefully in Consuelo's arms.

A Final Farewell

Consuelo remains by Albert’s side until he is laid to rest. Though entitled to his fortune, she declines any inheritance, choosing instead to return to Porpora in Berlin. There, under the patronage of Frederick the Great, Consuelo’s artistry continues to flourish as she mourns her lost love while embracing the future that awaits her.