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In Tune

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Sean Rafferty presents a selection of music and guests from the arts world.

POETRY SEASON 2009 : SONNET DAY

Sir Ian McKellen
Sonnet Day
20 May 2009



Sir Ian McKellen reads 14 sonnets to mark the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare's sonnets on 20 May 2009.

You can listen online to each of the readings until May 2010.

    Read texts of the sonnets at http://shakespeare.mit.edu/.
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.

      THE SONNETS
      The readings from the 2009 poetry season are no longer available.

      • Listen to readings on Breakfast 07:00 - 10:00 3 sonnets

        33 Full many a glorious morning I have seen
        18 Shall I compare thee to a Summer’s day?
        23 As an unperfect actor on the stage

        • Listen to readings on Classical Collection 10:00 - 12noon 2 sonnets.


        • 29 When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes
          130 My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun

          nb The readings from the 2009 poetry season are no longer available.

        • Listen to readings on Afternoon on 3 14:00 - 16:00 3 sonnets

          55 Not marble nor the gilded monuments
          60 Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore
          87 Farewell! thou art too dear for my possessing

          nb The readings from the 2009 poetry season are no longer available.

        Listen to readings on In Tune 17:00 - 19:00 2 sonnets

        116 Let me not to the marriage of true minds
        65 Since brass, nor stone, nor earth, nor boundless sea

          nb The readings from the 2009 poetry season are no longer available.

        • Listen to reading on Performance on 3 19:00 - 21:15 1 sonnet

          73 That time of year thou mayst in me behold

          nb The readings from the 2009 poetry season are no longer available.

        Listen to reading on Night Waves 21:15 - 22:00 1 sonnet

        94 They that have power to hurt, and will do none

          nb The readings from the 2009 poetry season are no longer available.

        Listen to readings on Late Junction 23:15 - 01:00 2 sonnets 

        12 When I do count the clock that tells the time.
        Sonnet 12 was read in the junction just preceding Late Junction.
        71 No longer mourn for me when I am dead

        nb The readings from the 2009 poetry season are no longer available.

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