The opening program is concerned with the development of the Middle-European tradition of conducting, from the origin of the conductor’s job as time-keeper to the (though it now seems absurd) startling concept that the conductor should seek to convey the composer’s intentions. With silent footage of the father of modern conducting, Arthur Nikisch—the only visual record of Nikisch in action; Bernstein, rehearsing Shostakovich Symphony No. 5; Barbirolli, rehearsing the Bruckner Seventh; Beecham, in conversation and conducting the Faust ballet music; Richard Strauss, conducting Till Eulenspiegel ; Weingartner, who succeeded Mahler at the Vienna Opera, conducting the Freischütz overture; and Bruno Walter, interviewed, conducting the Mozart 40th, and rehearsing the Brahms Second. (31 minutes, b&w/color)