Composer Greg Simon writes that Spirit is, like the poem that inspired it, a fantasia on both the sweeping American landscape of Whitman's text, and the inner heartland to which all artists must listen if they are to form their own scenes. With an a cappella opening in the style of an African-American spiritual or working song, Simon tansitions to an energetic and passionate setting accompanied by a toure de force piano part that will highlight a fine accompanist.