[1] The film tells about the activities of the association of composers "The Five", who were drawing inspiration from Russian folk art.

Like many representatives of the Russian intelligentsia, members of this musical community were imbued with the plight of the peasants and sought to write works that would draw people's attention to this poorest layer of society.

The young composer Modest Mussorgsky decides to devote his life to music and to make it the property of the people.

The young man leaves military service and ponders writing a work about the peasants, together with members of The Five.

The writer Vladimir Stasov expresses his opinion by calling the Society newspaper musical liars, eventually ending up in court for libel, and being sued for a monetary penalty.