The Literature Network - Hersch's Whitman sampler: jazz luminary Fred Hersch unfurls Leaves of Grass, an ensemble vocal work based on the classic collection by gay poet Walt Whitman.(Music)

Hersch's Whitman sampler: jazz luminary Fred Hersch unfurls Leaves of Grass, an ensemble vocal work based on the classic collection by gay poet Walt Whitman.(Music)

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From: The Advocate (The national gay & lesbiannewsmagazine)
Date: 20050412
Author:Dalton, Joseph

Walt Whitman's message needs to be heard," says out jazz pianist and composer Fred Hersch, explaining the thinking behind his new recording, Leaves of Grass (Palmetto). "Whitman's universal message is about love and tolerance--of embracing real freedom to be who you are."

Writing for singers and orchestra, Hersch has composed musical settings of works by the great gay poet, releasing his own Leaves of Grass CD to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the first publication of Whitman's landmark collection Leaves of Grass.

"What surprised me the most was how ultimately ...

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Hersch's Whitman sampler: jazz luminary Fred Hersch unfurls Leaves of Grass, an ensemble vocal work based on the classic collection by gay poet Walt Whitman.(Music)

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