Hersch finds much to admire in Whitman’s work and spirit, and he composes a score to match Whitman’s “Song of the Universal” as well as excerpts from “Song of Myself.” What a thrill, imagining the union of “myself” and the “universal,” a union deeply felt by Whitman and intimately scored by Hersch. These two lives—brave, compassionate, daring, inclusive, resilient—and and their art speak to the promise of this country. Their “collaboration” soars and inspires.
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Well-worth the time-travel hearing from 13th century Persian poet Rumi that “Your Laughter Turns the World to Paradise.” A budding flower cuddles in the ground and “its hidden smile opens to a laugh that / lasts a lifetime.” Like grateful athletes, we laugh whether winning or losing. Love and laughter sing a duet: “I have a heart of sunlight.”