SHAKESPEARE STORIES: JULIUS CAESAR

This excellent introduction to Shakespeare opens with music of Shakespeare's time, some biographical information and a plot summary, both read in a crisp, straightforward manner by Clare Higgins. The play interpretation shuttles smoothly between narration in modern speech and character speech, which is quoted directly from the original. This combination clarifies for the young listener the actions as they take place, while introducing the flavor and power of Shakespeare's language. Simon Russell Beale's reading is flawless, moving easily between various voices in sixteenth-century English and modern English. Garfield has selected the most famous lines of the play to be quoted in the original, so listeners "lend your ears" to a thoroughly enjoyable production. J.J.F. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 00]