Der Geigenmacher von Mittenwald

Summary

Vitus Brandner, a master craftsman’s apprentice to the famous and wealthy violin maker Benedikt Oberbucher, and Afra Schlederer, the daughter of a poor seamstress, are in love. However, the postmistress of Mittenwald has her own plans. She has chosen the talented young man to be a husband for her daughter Veronika. When Vitus travels to Italy, the postmistress schemes against him, and Afra ultimately accepts the proposal of the violin maker Oberbucher, who is also in love with her. Veronika, who has no interest in Vitus, leaves the village with another man. Upon his return, Vitus is deeply disappointed to learn that Afra did not wait for him but instead married Oberbucher. Shortly thereafter, however, Oberbucher dies tragically during a mountain rescue. With his last words, he entrusts Vitus with the responsibility of caring for Afra and taking over his workshop.