BEOWULF

Charlton Griffin's deep and expressive voice helps render the gravity and nobility of this ancient poem, while musical introductions to each section, though odd and eclectic, effectively set the mood. The C.W. Kennedy translation is solid, though alliteration and occasional obscure words, held over from the original, may put off some listeners. The only flaw is the introduction, by Henry Bradley, a relic of nineteenth-century opinions long abandoned by scholars. Here Griffin's accent sounds peculiar and his tone stilted. But translation, reader, and music ultimately combine to convey the poem's knottiness, complexity, and somber power. An admirable presentation of a difficult work. W.M. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]