JULIUS CAESAR

With a few useful sound effects to set the stage--a fanfare of trumpets, the clash of swords or thunder--and a few sections summarized to ease the transition from stage to radio, this CBC production is quite accessible. Early on, the production is somewhat muted; lines are delivered more quietly, and less anxiously, than one might expect when murder and portents are being discussed. However, the later sections are striking. The complex crowd scenes come through clearly, and Mark Anthony's famous "Friends, Romans, countrymen" speech at Caesar's funeral is delivered in rich tones that wring from it every ounce of irony and drama. G.T.B. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 04]