Violist Eliza feels a desire to become the first and leading viola player in the orchestra. For many years she assumed a distant position in the orchestra. As her only son Thomas grew up, she decided to work hard on her career by involving a great deal of effort. She works intensely but she feels unable to cope with the circumstances because of her weariness and lack of confidence. Her huband Seymour feels left alone without being cared for as before. He is so worried and distressed that he contacts Dave, a psychotherapist who won his reputation after he helped Arlene with her nightmares that haunted her just before her retirement. Dave advised Eliza to record her practice playing and rehearsals so she may be later assured by her colleagues about her mastery. He also recommended listening to live music in the company of friends. Dave hoped to be invited to the party Eliza would perform at, but he was not playing any instrument to be invited there. It's like the listeners are not part of music, he kept saying.