Roger Sessions - Roger Sessions: When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd (LP)

Roger Sessions' "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd" is a profound and moving musical interpretation of Walt Whitman's elegy for President Abraham Lincoln. Composed in 1977, this album is a testament to Sessions' mastery of musical storytelling and his ability to translate complex emotions into sound. The piece is divided into three parts, each delving deeper into the themes of loss, mourning, and remembrance that Whitman so eloquently captured in his poetry. With a duration of 42 minutes, the album offers a substantial and immersive experience, showcasing Sessions' intricate compositional style and his unique approach to setting text to music. The vocal performances by Esther Hinds and Florence Quivar are particularly noteworthy, adding a layer of depth and emotional resonance to the work. The album's artwork, created by Larry Rivers, complements the music beautifully, providing a visual counterpart to the auditory journey. For those interested in the intersection of classical music and literature, this album is a compelling exploration of how one art form can enrich the other.