Name: Singing old poems to life
Uploaded: 2010-04-09T09:52:00Z
Duration: 26 min 59 s
Description: Natalie Merchant sings from her poetry-inspired album "Leave Your Sleep," which pairs lyrics from poets -- from Gerard Manley Hopkins to a near-forgotten 10-year-old girl in Brooklyn -- with simple melodies and her unmistakable voice. Stay for an encore performance of her hit "Thank You," dedicated to a notable philanthropist in the audience.

Natalie Merchant sings from her poetry-inspired album "Leave Your Sleep," which pairs lyrics from poets -- from Gerard Manley Hopkins to a near-forgotten 10-year-old girl in Brooklyn -- with simple melodies and her unmistakable voice. Stay for an encore performance of her hit "Thank You," dedicated to a notable philanthropist in the audience.

Natalie Merchant: Singing old poems to life

Singing old poems to life

Reviving children's poetry through music, classic verses from the likes of Charles Edward Carryl are transformed into songs.

Nathalia Crane's childhood love poem is musicalized, showcasing the power of poetry to capture youthful imagination and whimsy.

Researching poets' lives enriches the musical project, revealing the poignant history behind the verses and their creators.