(1888-1921) by AVRIL PYMAN
A feature on the life and work of the Russian poet Aleksandr Blok , on the centenary of his birth with John Rowe as Blok
Blok was brought up in an atmosphere of artistic refinement and lived m literary and theatrical circles, amidst fame, bohemianism and mutual infidelities. His poetry expresses exaltation and spiritual fulfilment and is noted for its rhythmic innovations and its musicality. His life, like his work, went through the successive phases of romantic conflict - elation, frustration, rebellion, despair. His poetry, and particularly his last enigmatic poem The Twelve ', exerted an enduring fascination and helped to initiate the post-revolutionary era of Russian literature. This programme contains illustrations from his verse, som of them in the original.
Narrator MARY WIMBUSH
Directed by JOHN TBEOCHARIS