Ned Rorem discusses the differences between writing books and writing compositions, his book "The Paris Diary of Ned Rorem", and how he uses poetry in his compositions.

Studs Terkel interviews composer Ned Rorem. They discuss Rorem's childhood, music, poetry, languages, and religion.

Donald Gramm discusses working with composers and comparing contemporary and classical opera. He also talks about his approaches to different performances and his experiences singing in multiple languages. Music is played throughout the interview and performances include his role as Creon from Stravinsky's "Oedipus Rex"and selections from Ned Rorem's "War Scenes": "As Adam", "O You Whom", "To You", "Look Down, Fair Moon", and "A Night Battle". Next, a performance as Leporello singing "Madamina, il catalogo è questo" from "Don Giovanni" and "Zwei Gesänge, Op. 1: I.

Studs Terkel and Ronald talk about Lippmann's privileged early life, his time at Harvard, and his positions as editor of The New Republic and New York World. They also discuss Lippmann's silence — as a Jewish man — regarding persecution of Jews in World War II.