A violin instead of a toy -- "Have you ever considered conducting?" -- "Parlamme nu fesso a'a vota!" -- The performer? -- L'orchestra del destino -- Music for the New World -- At La Scala -- The Neapolitan spirit -- Encounters -- Looking ahead -- Music is limitless -- Il duolo e la bell'anima = Sorrow and the noble soul.

From a small town in the south of Italy to the pinnacle of the classical music world, Muti has enthralled audiences across the globe as conductor of the world's most prestigious orchestras and opera houses. Now, after fifty years on the podium, he reflects on an extraordinary career, working with the great artists of his generation, and shares the personal anecdotes and revelations of a remarkable life in music.

Translation of: Prima la musica, poi le parole.