Lee’s Dream

“Lee’s Dream” by Fred Hersch is one of the pieces that best showcases his unique style and approach as a jazz pianist. As the title suggests, the piece is an expression of a dream, specifically inspired by saxophonist Lee Konitz. In Hersch’s musical world, dreams are a significant theme, and in this piece, he delicately portrays the wistfulness and mystery of that dream.

“Lee’s Dream” features a melody and rhythm that evoke a sense of mystery and nostalgia. The piece starts slowly and gently, interspersed with various jazz elements and genre blends. The harmony is somewhat complex, leaning more towards experimental progressions rather than typical jazz harmonic structures. This experimental nature is especially prominent in the solo sections, where the combination and interplay of multiple instruments bring out the rich texture of the piece.

It is crucial to convey the hazy and mysterious feel of the dream. Achieving this requires subtle control of dynamics and expression, with a careful balance between legato and staccato. In the solo sections, it’s important to add your personal interpretation and creativity, maintaining the overall theme while introducing new colors and emotions. Additionally, since the piece emphasizes instrumental dialogue and interaction, it is essential to listen and respond to each other during ensemble playing, highlighting teamwork and communication. This approach will help to fully capture the beauty and complexity of “Lee’s Dream.”