Description

Leaves of grass by Matthew Whittall is a major addition to the contemporary piano literature. The 12 preludes explore a wide range of styles, sonoroties and pianistic challenges.

Inspired by Walt Whitman s verses, the preludes are not programmatic in nature, but rather Whittall s personal distillations of the atmosphere of each poem. Although some hew quite closely to the poetry that gave rise to them, more often than not it was a few words, the rhythm of a phrase, or a single, iconic image that proved to be the catalyst for each piece , says the composer.

Leaves of grass is organized into three books, each containing four preludes. The preludes are ordered to produce both a sense of variety and dramatic flow within each group of four, as well as a broad, three-part structure from beginning to end. The entire suite can be performed as a grand, one-hour work, individual books or preludes can be performed on their own, or the performer may arrange their own selections.