Summary

The Ghost Sonata tells the story of a nineteenth century Swedish student who becomes entwined in the dysfunctional relationships of a wealthy household.

Scene 1 takes place on a street outside an apartment building. The audience can see inside some of the rooms in the apartment building, but not all of them.

An Old Man sits on a bench outside the apartment building, reading a newspaper. A Milkmaid enters and washes herself at a water fountain on the street. After she finishes washing, a Student enters and addresses the Milkmaid. The Old Man is startled by the Student because he cannot see who the Student is addressing. The Student tells the Milkmaid that he has been awake all night, helping people who were hurt when a house collapsed. The Milkmaid exits.

The Old Man calls over to the Student and tells him that his...