As scrupulous as it is conventional, this two part study of Walt Whitman runs the risk of explaining the poet right out of existence. The saving grace is radio's ability to not just discuss the musical influences on Whitman, but to share the music itself. But there is a heck of a lot of discussion. There's no challenging the depth of research and impeccable production values, hallmarks of pieces from Radio Netherlands, but it all feels slightly academic, which seems in conflict with its subject. It is a formal piece that wants to be used formally.