@@mariposaroja1891 I'm reading it now. Luckily stumbled across it in a thrift store! It's very well done and I intend to read "Zelda" next, also by Nancy Milford.
I so agree that music in Millay's verse is part of its fervent charm; a key reason for its longevity. It's up for each generation to best determine its sound for themselves. Here is my particular take on this verse: ua-cam.com/video/zVe4l8Ke7ew/v-deo.html There are 42 slices of Millay on my channel - SO FAR at least. (There is a dedicated playlist). I, for one, delight in it.
Her poems are made to be sung! And I have put a number of Millay's poems to music, here is an example: portal23.bandcamp.com/track/o-little-rose-tree-bloom
Well poets declaim in heightened dramatic voice, but it sounds like fake British accent, and she sounds very haughty and upper class, but maybe mocking the Vasser and upperclass rich too.
Her voice was rather startling to me as well. I always imagined it softer, more relaxed instead of this harsh and rigid boom. Regardless, I find her to be a poet of the highest quality of the 20th century.
@@maggie2936-q1m agreed on both counts. But poetry presentation in that age in general was way over the top , and unnecessarily theatric. Almost as you'd imagine shakespearean actors to present themselves. Still not QUITE as obnoxious as 99% of the "slam poets" with their fake emotionality, and Mock-Outrage that never quite seems to ring true ... but..pretty close honestly. Good words, bad spoken word presentation.
She’s one of my favorite poets, but after reading some of her poems for 40 years, hearing her read them is a real shock! So different from what’s in my head. The way she pronounces “longer-lived” here, to make it rhyme, is not how any native-speaker of English would pronounce the word, as far as I know. Of course she gets to decide how her poem should be read, but I don’t have to like it :)
@@DavidAmster Words in poetry and the lyrics in songs are often pronounced unusually in order to rhyme or sustain certain rhythm. I believe the term "poetic license" could be used here. Of course, you don't have to like it, but the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for poetry, should, nevertheless be permitted to pronounce her written words as she deems appropriate. I'm quite sure she would pay no mind to your opinion on this matter. Read "Savage Beauty" for more insight.
I'm reading Savage Beauty, by Nancy Milford. Edna had an incredible life and it's sad she was not mentioned in my studies at school.
This is the first biography I ever read and left a mark on me. Excellent book, well researched and Millay is an icon.
@@mariposaroja1891 I'm reading it now. Luckily stumbled across it in a thrift store! It's very well done and I intend to read "Zelda" next, also by Nancy Milford.
That is why I am here listening to this audio also. Savage Beauty is fantastic. What a talent.
I’m reading it too and loving every minute!
I so agree that music in Millay's verse is part of its fervent charm; a key reason for its longevity. It's up for each generation to best determine its sound for themselves. Here is my particular take on this verse: ua-cam.com/video/zVe4l8Ke7ew/v-deo.html There are 42 slices of Millay on my channel - SO FAR at least. (There is a dedicated playlist). I, for one, delight in it.
Her poems are made to be sung! And I have put a number of Millay's poems to music, here is an example: portal23.bandcamp.com/track/o-little-rose-tree-bloom
Hey, your song isn't anywhere on band camp.
It’s amazing how badly she read her own verse
Well poets declaim in heightened dramatic voice, but it sounds like fake British accent, and she sounds very haughty and upper class, but maybe mocking the Vasser and upperclass rich too.
Great poem but I gotta say that I don't really like this reading in particular. Kinda detracted from my appreciation of the poem as a whole.
Her voice was rather startling to me as well. I always imagined it softer, more relaxed instead of this harsh and rigid boom. Regardless, I find her to be a poet of the highest quality of the 20th century.
@@maggie2936-q1m agreed on both counts. But poetry presentation in that age in general was way over the top , and unnecessarily theatric. Almost as you'd imagine shakespearean actors to present themselves.
Still not QUITE as obnoxious as 99% of the "slam poets" with their fake emotionality, and Mock-Outrage that never quite seems to ring true ... but..pretty close honestly.
Good words, bad spoken word presentation.
She’s one of my favorite poets, but after reading some of her poems for 40 years, hearing her read them is a real shock! So different from what’s in my head. The way she pronounces “longer-lived” here, to make it rhyme, is not how any native-speaker of English would pronounce the word, as far as I know. Of course she gets to decide how her poem should be read, but I don’t have to like it :)
Love the way she says at the end
Biologically Speaking😊
I love her sharp wit and voice.
@@DavidAmster Words in poetry and the lyrics in songs are often pronounced unusually in order to rhyme or sustain certain rhythm. I believe the term "poetic license" could be used here. Of course, you don't have to like it, but the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for poetry, should, nevertheless be permitted to pronounce her written words as she deems appropriate. I'm quite sure she would pay no mind to your opinion on this matter. Read "Savage Beauty" for more insight.