A Century of Roundels
Algernon Charles Swinburne
Read by ravenotation
A Century of Roundels showcases the innovative poetic form created by Algernon Charles Swinburne, a master of rhythm and sound. This collection features a series of roundels—nine-line poems that employ refrains and a distinctive rhyme scheme, inviting readers into a world of lyrical beauty and intricate structure.
Set against the backdrop of the late 19th century, Swinburne's work reflects his deep appreciation for language and form. Each roundel is a testament to his skill, blending emotional depth with technical precision. The poems are dedicated to his friend Christina Rossetti, who was inspired to explore this form herself, highlighting the interconnectedness of their artistic journeys.
Through themes of love, nature, and the passage of time, Swinburne's roundels resonate with a musicality that captivates the listener. This collection not only serves as an exploration of a unique poetic structure but also as a celebration of the enduring power of verse.
Chapters
Select a chapter to play
| Dedication to Christina G. Rossetti | 1:26 | Read by ravenotation | |
| In Harbour | 2:05 | Read by ravenotation | |
| The Way of the Wind | 1:04 | Read by ravenotation | |
| 'Had I Wist' | 1:13 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Recollections | 3:00 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Time and Life | 2:06 | Read by ravenotation | |
| A Dialogue | 3:10 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Plus Ultra | 1:21 | Read by ravenotation | |
| A Dead Friend | 4:06 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Past Days | 2:52 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Autumn and Winter | 3:34 | Read by ravenotation | |
| The Death of Richard Wagner | 3:21 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Two Preludes; Lohengrin & Tristan und Isolde | 1:46 | Read by ravenotation | |
| The Lute and the Lyre | 1:27 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Plus Intra | 1:19 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Change | 1:04 | Read by ravenotation | |
| A Baby's Death | 4:49 | Read by ravenotation | |
| One of Twain | 2:05 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Death and Birth | 1:14 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Birth and Death | 1:14 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Benediction | 1:12 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Etude Realiste | 2:30 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Babyhood | 2:38 | Read by ravenotation | |
| First Footsteps | 0:58 | Read by ravenotation | |
| A Ninth Birthday | 2:35 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Not a Child | 2:15 | Read by ravenotation | |
| To Dora Dorian | 1:00 | Read by ravenotation | |
| The Roundel | 1:20 | Read by ravenotation | |
| At Sea | 1:10 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Wasted Love | 0:56 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Before Sunset | 1:07 | Read by ravenotation | |
| A Singing Lesson | 1:14 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Flower-pieces; Love Lies Bleeding & Love in a Mist | 2:20 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Three Faces; Ventimiglia, Genoa & Venice | 3:11 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Eros | 2:33 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Sorrow | 1:05 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Sleep | 1:07 | Read by ravenotation | |
| On an Old Roundel | 1:59 | Read by ravenotation | |
| A Landscape by Courbet | 1:20 | Read by ravenotation | |
| A Flower-piece by Fantin | 1:11 | Read by ravenotation | |
| A Night-piece by Millet | 1:18 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Marzo Pazzo | 1:08 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Dead Love | 1:05 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Discord | 1:10 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Concord | 1:11 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Mourning | 1:06 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Aperotos Eros | 1:16 | Read by ravenotation | |
| To Catullus | 1:12 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Insularum Ocelle' | 1:16 | Read by ravenotation | |
| In Sark | 1:25 | Read by ravenotation | |
| In Guernsey | 7:12 | Read by ravenotation | |
| Envoi | 1:14 | Read by ravenotation |
Reviews
Lori K
The subjects of these poems are deep & tend to focus on some of the darker sides of life. If this interests you then these poems probably will, too.