The lives and works of three of history?s greatest composers are examined in this programme which originally appeared as part of the BBC?s Great Composers television series. The point of departure for the study of the lives of Tchaikovsky, Puccini and Mahler is the music itself, and extensive footage of their work (featuring, among others, Solti, Cura and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra) supports interviews and comment from eminent musicians, conductors and music-lovers.