Orchestra Rehearsal ( 1978 )

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