Robert Browning

Thinking of the poems of Browning, one imagines Mediterranean lushness, sensuous music without rival. At first hearing, therefore, Frederick Davidson's voice--austere, clipped, world-weary--seems inappropriate, that is, until one hears how he carves the verse with his voice. Instead of producing the anticipated melodies, he delivers sound in slabs with ironic angles. Davidson's renderings are marvelous and unexpected. The recording doesn't list its contents. Besides making it difficult for a listener to locate favorite poems, this oversight conceals the absence of significant poems. J.F.P. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

It's remarkable how much poetry comes alive when it's performed by the likes of Derek Jacobi or Prunella Scales, rather than a stodgy prof in a tweed blazer. This fine HighBridge series introduces listeners to major English poets using a successful formula in each of its titles. A narrator introduces each poem, providing biographical information, setting the work in its historical context and clarifying any obscure references. The selections--usually unabridged, though sometimes excerpts--are then read by one of several actors, providing a good cross section of each poet's oeuvre. The Browning volume is particularly enjoyable, since his dramatic monologues and narrative poems, such as the "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," bring out the best in this British cast. With only a few exceptions, these performers have a keen ear for the rhythm of the verse, and they illuminate it in new ways for readers who may have previously experienced this work only in print. D.B. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine

Sian Thomas narrates the biographical and contextual commentary preceding each of the poems and dramatic monologues included in this anthology. The poetry is read by an ensemble of distinguished artists including Douglas Hodge, David Horovitch, Derek Jacobi, Jeremy Northam, Diana Quick, and Prunella Scales. Brief musical segues allow for a natural shift between poetry and narration. The set includes a list of the contents on each disc, but it does not identify which reader is reading which piece. Browning's successes and failures; his romanticism; his feelings on life, love, religion, and politics are chronicled through poetry, verse play, and dramatic monologue, all made even more accessible to listeners by the stellar performances of the impressive cast. S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine