BBC Radio 4 Extra

The Prelude (Omnibus)

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BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Prelude (Omnibus)

William Wordsworth's autobiographical poem read by Sir Ian McKellen.

William Wordsworth's revolutionary autobiographical poem written in the language of common speech. Read by Sir Ian McKellen.

William Wordsworth's autobiographical poem The Prelude is arguably the most important piece of poetic writing in our language. Recorded in Wordsworth's home in Grasmere, Cumbria, Wordsworth looks back over events in his early life. 

Wordsworth believed that poetry should be written in the natural language of common speech, and in that way it was revolutionary in its time.  

Parts of the poem are famous, with lines quoted often, such as the description of the young Wordsworth stealing a boat. Other parts are more introspective. The young poet leaves Grasmere to go to university in Cambridge and is homesick. Wordsworth grapples with his political feelings - travelling to France at the time of the French Revolution. He enjoys the hustle and bustle of London, and is euphoric when crossing the Alps. All the time this poem is accessible, bursting with colour and description, full of gripping storytelling.

Omnibus of five parts read by Sir Ian McKellen.

With specially composed music by John Harle performed by John Harle on saxophone and Neill MacColl on guitar.

Directed in Manchester by Susan Roberts.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2020

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