Venice, 1763. Writer Lorenzo da Ponte is leading a very cavalier life. Originally a priest, his numerous affairs result in him being sent into exile to Vienna. Supported by his friend and mentor Giacomo Casanova, da Ponte is introduced in Vienna to the King's favourite composer, Salieri, and a newcomer named Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Seeing an opportunity to undermine his rival's ascension, Salieri tricks Mozart into hiring this unknown libertine as his librettist. But da Ponte's own nature and sentimental wanderings in Vienna only inspire the composer, and lead to one of Mozart's most bold and powerful compositions: Don Giovanni.