An orchestra assembles for a rehearsal in an ancient chapel under the inquisitive eyes of a TV documentary crew, but an uprising breaks out.

Surrounded by the tombs of three popes and seven bishops, an Italian orchestra assembles in an 1871 Roman oratory, now converted into an auditorium with impeccable acoustics, to rehearse for an upcoming performance. But today, there's a catch. As their union representative announces that he has agreed to allow a small RAI TV crew to document the process, the musicians, a vibrant blend of seasoned veterans and youthful players, find themselves at a crossroads. Of course, negotiating compensation is out of the question. And today, of all days, following the instructions of their German conductor is almost impossible. Will a brief 20-minute break do the trick? And what happens if the orchestra rehearsal ends in tears?—Nick Riganas

In a Medieval Roman chapel, now an oratorio, an elderly factotum sets up for rehearsal. The musicians arrive, joking and teasing. A union shop steward explains that a TV crew is there, talking to them is optional, and there will be no extra compensation. Musicians talk about their instruments. The German conductor arrives and puts them through their paces; he yells, he insults. The shop steward calls a 20-minute break. The conductor retreats to his dressing room and talks about how the world of music has changed, moving away from respect for the conductor. He returns to the rehearsal to find the orchestra in full revolt. What can bring them back to the music?—<[email protected]>