SHAKESPEARE'S SONNETS

Simon Callow performs, rather than simply reads, Shakespeare's sonnets, changing tone and expression to fit thought and emotion, bringing the poems to life as if they were a character's lines. The program is unadorned, without music or voicing, letting the listener enjoy the poetry without distraction. What seems an occasional flaw in Callow's otherwise impeccable reading, a "dost" where a "doth" should be, may be textual variants. It will be difficult, however, for a listener unfamiliar with these dense, allusive poems to absorb them from this fine program alone, or even following a text. It would best serve as a refresher, or as an aid to a new reader or student. W.M. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]