Stafford Dean and Catherine Malfitano analyze their characters in "The Marriage of Figaro" and aspects of opera. They also discuss their upbringings, musical influences, and the future of opera. The original show opened with a recording of the Overture from "The Marriage of Figaro", which has been removed from this recording for copyright reasons.

Sol Hurok discusses his work as an impresario, organizing events and bringing artists from around the world to the United States to perform. Studs Terkel plays songs by many of the artists and performers that Hurok has managed during the interview, including Feodor Chaliapin, Nellie Melba, Titta Ruffo, Luisa Tetrazzini, Sviatoslav Richter, Marian Anderson, and Arthur Rubinstein. Music has been removed from this version for copyright reasons.

Oscar Ghiglia discusses studying under Andres Segovia and reviews different types of guitars and composers through history, including Weiss, Villa-Lobos, and Scarlatti. Music is played throughout: "Prelude, Fugue and Allegro in E-Flat Major, BWV 998 (Arr. for Guitar) : I. Prelude" composed by J.S. Bach, "Canarios (Air De Danse)","La Maja De Goya", "Fantasia in E-Minor" composed by S.L. Weiss, "Five Preludes, W. 419: No. 1 in E Minor (Andantino expressivo)" composed by Heitor Villa-Lobos, "Sonata In G, L.79" composed by Domenico Scarlatti, and "Tarantella, Op.

Studs Terkel interviews Rachel Barton, Wendy Warner and Peggy Wise during the preparation for a benefit concert at the James R. Thompson Center. The benefit concert will be held on March 22, 1997.

Earl "Fatha" Hines discusses various musicians he's worked with including Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie. He remembers that bands became bigger after needing to add members to play bigger venues because people liked to dance. He also talks about how he liked to work to create shows and his approach to jazz composition. Music is played throughout: "Weather Bird" with Louis Armstrong, "My Monday Date", "Cavernism", "Boogie Woogie On St. Louis Blues", "Rosetta", and "Second Balcony Jump". Music has been removed from this file for copyright reasons.

Bradley Parker Sparrow discusses his musical influences and growing up as a self taught jazz musician and composer. He also discusses the rigidity of the classical music world and how he likes to improvise with that music. His songs from the album "Latin Black" are played: "Latin Black Funk", "Latin Black Agagio", "Bur-wiser", and "Looking for Duke". "Reflections in D" by Duke Ellington and "Cleopatra's Dream" by Bud Powell are also played. Songs have been removed on this file for copyright reasons.

Art Hodes discusses his history and influences on his career as a jazz and blues pianist. He tells stories of musicians he has worked with and how he keeps his performances fresh after playing for so many years. Music by Art Hodes is played throughout: "Chimes Blues", "Tennessee Waltz", "Grandpa's Spells", "Just a Closer Walk with Thee","Cakewalkin' Babies from Home", "Blues 'N Booze", and "Riverside Blues".

Abram Loft discusses his career, his book "Violin and Keyboard", art, and music education. Includes Abram Loft reading a passage from his book "Violin and Keyboard". Includes Abram Loft reading excerpts from newspapers.