Saturday, June 13, 2009

Reading and Commentary (a martyr make)

2 comments:

Autumn said...

The first reading (esp) was exceptionally good, but it is for the commentary that I am most thankful that you recorded this particular audio. As you mentioned, the significance of your poetic statements are relatively lucid, but to have the author share the inspiration, thoughts, particular or detailed intentions behind the use of certain phrases or singular images, greatly enhances appreciation of both the poem itself and the process of writing, the journey from mind to paper. Cannot be said too often, at least not yet, that it is a rather unique, infinitely special experience to be able to participate, via the dialogue in this comments box and via extras such as readings and commentary, in a two-way relationship, so to speak. To be able to delve deeper not alone as one would with most reading material, but along side the author themselves. Yourself. The experience therefore, the affinity created between poem and reader, author and reader, is as said deeper, closer, distinguished and significant. Apparently not so easy to explain, but as reader, you must have often desired the opportunity, perhaps over a particular phrase, perhaps more generally in regards to inspiration, perhaps with interest regarding the character and background of the author, and so on and so forth, to interact a little with the writer behind the words. Without this commetary for example, we would not have known that the line without a word drew in part upon a personal memory and though the line still would have been as affecting within the poem, this personal association voiced and received within the general understanding of the poem founds a more poignant awareness and appreciation. In short, audio complements.

Trée said...

As always Autumn, your kind words are most welcome. I know exactly how you feel. I just watched The English Patient--three times. First, the movie and then two versions of the director's voice-over of the movie, which, like I hope these readings and commentary do, greatly enhance the movie, or in this case, the poem, itself.

So much of what is written is a part of me and I'm not sure how it could be otherwise. The commentary gives me a chance to shed a light upon certain word choices or subtle phrasing that would be impossible to know without me pointing to the origin. I love doing the audio and I'm so glad you enjoy listening. :-)