Wallace Stevens (Voice of the Poet)

Rating:
Summary: Caveat About Stevens' Voice
Review: Those who have never heard Wallace Stevens read any of his poetry should be forewarned that his voice is quite weak and meek. For so large a man, his voice is as little as a mouse. The rewards for those dedicated to Stevens' poetry is, however, great. The intesity and simplicity of the meaning of the poems he reads is transmitted by the emphasis placed by his own voice. You have no doubt what the poem is about when you hear Stevens read them. That's revelatory. But those who hope to hear the stirring performance of a Dylan Thomas or the range of a Richard Burton should listen elsewhere.