Four sopranos are brought to heaven's gates, but are stopped by St. Peter. Room has opened up in the heavenly choir for only one soprano. Each auditions in her own way with an aria that exemplifies the traditions and excesses of its time.
A quartet of sopranos is met at heaven's entrance by St. Peter, who informs them that space is limited in the heavenly chorus for just one soprano. Each singer presents a solo that exemplifies the characteristics and decadence typical of its time period.