Is a 20th century artist who is completely devoted to music a coward? Was his life meaningful? The action is centered on a visit of Orlando Steinberg, the world famous virtuoso violinist with the Jewish roots. The Polish communist authorities want to use his last concert for the purpose of propaganda . His visit to Poland is to build up its image, whereas the artist wants to meet his old friends. His every step is followed by the secret police. Steinberg’s last visit to Poland during martial law forces him to look back at his life and career.