by Algernon Charles Swinburne
Adapted for broadcasting by Helena Wood
Rachel Gurney and Alan Badel in...
The Musicians: John Wills (harpsichord), Stanley Taylor (recorder), Peter Graeme (oboe d'amore)
The Singers: Jean Buck (soprano), Diana Maddox (soprano), Francis Loring (baritone)
Music composed by Elizabeth Poston
Production by Norman Wright
Pierre de Boscosel de Chastelard, grand-son of Bayard, fell hopelessly in love with Mary Queen of Scots, followed her from France to Scotland, and paid for his infatuation with his life after he had been surprised in the Queen's bedroom. It is a romantic tale, told by Swinburne in verse that derives from Shakespeare its frequent use of words of one or two syllables. On the stage? Perhaps not: our relish here is in the enchantment of speech rather than the excitement of action. And, for that reason, an ideal play for radio. S. W.