Renee Fleming discusses her musical upbringing, her repertoire, her relationship to performance, and more.

Jazz pianist Oscar Peterson sits down with Studs Terkel to discuss historical developments in jazz piano, his own personal development as a pianist, and his experience directing a youth jazz piano school. Includes Peterson playing short excerpts from "Chicago (that toddlin' town)," "Soon," Chopin's Nocturne in E flat Major to demonstrate musical concepts.

Studs interviews Jabbo Smith and presents some of his musical performances. The musical pieces are removed from this edited version of the original recording. Smith shares the story of his childhood in the Jenkins Orphanage and how he came to learn music there. He discusses the songs he wrote and people he played with throughout his career and how he came out of retirement in Holland on the trombone.

Discussing the book "The New Grove Dictionary of American Music". They talk about American music and musicians of all kinds and from different periods. Includes Charles Ive's song "At the River" sung by Cleo Laine in the middle of the program.

Presenting music by the TubaSantas with Harvey Phillips and Dr. Frederick Fennell. Program may include a live performance. "Generic Version"-Re-edited on 12/6/1995

Studs interviews Dale Clevenger about his music with the Chicago Symphony and his jazz group, Ears, playing at Orphans in Chicago. They discuss the improvisation of Jazz and Bach. Clevenger mentions various Jazz musicians and their style. The music is removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Studs interviews Dale Clevenger about his music with the Chicago Symphony and his jazz group, Ears, playing at Orphans in Chicago. Clevenger discusses his work with the symphony. He explains why he credits David Amram for his interest in Jazz music. He names artists like Billie Holiday, Jack Teagarden, and Clark Terry as musical influences in his life. The music is removed from this edited version of the original recording.

Terkel comments and presents the music of Chanticleer, an acapella ensemble, comprised of 12 all male voices. Chanticleer discusses the following: the group vocal composition; the groups history; various recordings; and their influences. Chanticleer performs the following songs live on air: "Benedicamus Domino", "If Ye Love Me", "O Sacrum Convivium", "Nude Descending a Staircase", "When I Fall in Love", "Jesus Met the Woman at the Well", and "Magnificat a 12".

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.

Bill Russo talks about the commedia dell'arte production being staged at the Center for New Music at Columbia College Chicago. The production includes two pieces, "Pedrolino's Revenge" and "Isabella's Fortune".

Composer and Pulitzer Prize winner for music Anthony Davis discusses his latest work focusing on the topic of the life and assassination of Malcolm X.

Aaron Copland discusses his music, his colleagues, contemporaries, musicians, and composers.