Frederick is sitting at the piano in the living room of the Oletus estate, where he arrived a few days ago. He performs an aria composed by his father, which he knows by heart and without notes, he can even play with his eyes closed, and at the same time thinks about his neighbors, who, like him, arrived here by invitation, having received a letter. Most of all his thoughts on this matter are connected with Orpheus - a popular novelist with an arrogant character. The composer's feelings towards him range from anger to admiration. He feels sympathy for Orpheus, but is incredibly jealous of his success and talent.