Triestw in the year 1911. Ernesto is the privileged, seventeen year old son of a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father, who has deserted his family. He is raised by his uncle Giovanni and his moaning aunt Regina, who send him to work at the office of a trading company. Ernesto doesn't take his new job very serious, he wants to become a violin player. One day when he is alone in the storage, he is approached by a young stable-hand, to whom he has given working orders before. They agree to meet. Ernesto is very aware of the sexual intentions of the man. He is curious and starts having sex with the man frequently. But after an overwhelming heterosexual experience with a prostitute, he decides to avoid any further contact with the man. He quits his job and concentrates on studying the violin. During a concert, Ernesto meets a 15 year old violin player of classic beauty called Emilio. The two boys start an intense friendship that is troubled by jealousy and possessiveness. Untill Emilio introduces Ernesto to his twin sister Rachele. Then Ernesto becomes insecure and confused. Does he want the brother or the sister?