The waning days of the Second World War; as the advancing Allies are bombing targets in Italy and the retreating German army follows a scorched earth policy, an Italian bishop and a German commander are thrust into their own conflicts in the town of Orvieto. Struggling to communicate in Latin, their one shared language, they grapple with perplexing dilemmas: Should they rescue artifacts or people? Does placing defensive weapons near historic buildings help preserve them or make them a target? What is the true nature of the miracle of transubstantiation? Through their conversations and a shared love for the music of Bach they develop an understanding – even a friendship – that allows them to save Orvieto.