PSALMS

Shakespearean actor George Vafiadis delivers the 150 songs and prayers that make up Psalms with all the dignity and power one could wish for. Vafiadis understands the rhythms of the King James Bible, but also that the Psalms are spoken invocations. He often seems to be calling out, as if to address a large congregation, rather than simply reading the book. Likewise, Vafiadis understands that the rich imagery of these prayers requires time to digest, and he pauses frequently to allow this. The only possible objection to his delivery is that in seeking power, he sometimes sounds angry, even when the verse is about mercy. G.T.B. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 03]