German soldier Wozzeck takes part in medical experiments to supplement his meager income. As time goes on, he becomes unhinged, suspecting his girlfriend Marie of carrying on an affair. It only gets worse from there.
To win Eva's hand in marriage, Walther must win First Place in the Nurnberg Singing Contest. He has a formidable opponent in stodgy old Beckmesser, but the cobbler Hans Sachs is on hand to help.