Monthly Archives: January 2013

May Morning aloud

It is cold today. Does that mean we can’t celebrate the approach of spring with a few readings of “Song: On May Morning”?

Below you’ll find links to four readings of Milton’s aubade.

The first is poorly done. The reading is measured but bland. It sounds like the reader (me) has no clue about the ideas the words are trying to convey.

The second is too sing-song in its style. It seems as though the reader (me again) doesn’t trust the verse, but instead rises to a height at the end of each line. But not all lines are endstopped, and when they are enjambed there should be no pause to mark line’s end. Readers should also trust the power of the rhyme. You don’t need to “ring the bell.” Just read naturally; the rhyme will draw attention to itself.

The third reading may not be spectacular (or even very good), but it’s better than the first two. I’m trying to allow free reign to the verse and to emphasize where punctuation and overall meaning suggest emphasis.

The final reading is by a guest reader. Some of you will know him by his voice.

Song: On May Morning

Bland reading

Sing-song reading

Better reading

Guest reading by Ken Tompkins

Milton Spring 2013

During the Spring 2013 semester, 30 participants in Litt 3106 will be reading and discussing a great deal of John Milton’s poetry. We will bump into some of his prose, but it is his verse that we will concentrate on.

Milton’s verse is wonderful, full of allusive meanings and subtle beauty. We will be reading quite a bit aloud. I hope you enjoy it.