Synopsis: A loose retelling of a story from a 13th-century manuscript. The troubadors Wolfram von Eschenbach and Heinrich von Ofterdingen, once friends, become rivals for the love of Mathilde; she prefers Wolfram. As Heinrich sings of his sorrow on a mountainside, the diabolical sorcerer Klingsor appears and offers to teach him magic arts, including how to sing irresistibly. Heinrich accepts and successfully enchants Mathilde. Wolfram demands a singing contest, with the loser to be put to death; Klingsor is to act as judge. Klingsor names Wolfram the winner. Before Heinrich can be executed he vanishes into air. Mathilde once again loves Wolfram.