
Two Songs of Walt Whitman was completed during the final weeks of the composer’s life. “Goodbye My Fancy” is a lover’s farewell, and is set as a flowing barcarolle. “Here the Frailest Leaves” offers an uncompromisingly austere setting. The musicians intone soft, slow, rising phrases. Out of the close counterpoint, a luminous E-flat major triad provides a benedictory conclusion.