Fred Hersch

In the summer of 2008, Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Fred Hersch spent two months in a medically-induced coma. Not only did he survive, but when he awoke, he remembered having a series of dreams and nightmares. Working with the Grammy-winning director Herschel Garfein, he shaped those memories into a music theater piece called "My Coma Dreams."  It's about one man’s time in a place where the line between life and death is somewhat blurry.

Now, we’re used to the arts having a narrative storyline, but you might be surprised to learn that medicine can be a narrative practice too. Fred Hersch’s piece is being presented in conjunction with Columbia University’s Program in Narrative Medicine. Dr. Rita Charon, executive director of the program, and composer Fred Hersch join us to explain. 

Fred Hersch talks about his career and his new CD, “Alive at the Vanguard.” He’ll be performing at the Village Vanguard through September 16.

Jazz pianist and composer Fred Hersch has earned three Grammy nominations and has released more than 30 albums, but in a way he feels he is just starting out.

Kurt Andersen and Fred Hersch talk about harmony in music, color, and design.

Fred Hersch has been a jazz pianist and composer for over twenty years. He has been widely recognized in recent years for his ability to reinvent the standard jazz repertoire with extraordinary technique. Two of ...

Kurt Andersen and jazz pianist and composer Fred Hersch talk about harmony in music, color, and design. 

Hersch has been a jazz pianist and composer for over twenty years, and has been widely recognized in recent years for his ability to reinvent the standard jazz repertoire with extraordinary technique. Two ...