Customer Reviews

The Tempest (Arkangel Complete Shakespeare)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the first of the Archangel Complete Shakespeare series that I purchased, and I am more than pleased. As the previous critic said, from the very first moment, the music and the sound effects take you up and place you right in the middle of it all. The acting is superb, and I must mention Bob Peck's performance, as Prospero, as particularly wonderful. He is, in fact, (as soon as I read of his participation in this) the reason I bought this excellently produced CD. How good it is to have this recording of the sadly late, and truly great actor's work.
I highly recommend this, and all of the Archangel Complete Shakespeare works.

This recording makes good use of sound effects and special effects, which from the opening storm to the shimmering voice of Ariel capture the magic of Prospero's island. Bob Peck plays a dignified, authoritative Prospero, and Jennifer Ehle a charming, intelligent Miranda. But perhaps the most memorable performance is from Richard McCabe as Caliban. The wretched gangrel creature is played in a distinct and unsettling manner, with odd, disjointed speech that sits uneasily with the airy magic of the island.

'The Tempest' is one of Shakespeare's most overtly pagan works, and one of only two plays he wrote with wholly original plots (the other being 'Love's Labour's Lost'). Arkangel have done it justice with this excellent performance, which also features beautiful renditions of the play's various songs.

The actors have lovely voices, the music and sound effects are super...what more could you want?