William Butler Yeats - poetry and biography

Subject: RE: Help: Yeats
From: GUEST,Aldus
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 12:46 PM

Several years ago an cd was released on which a number of artists recorded the poetry oy Yeats..unfortunately I cannot Recall the name of The CD. I know that Van Morrison was involved with it. Loreena McKennit has done Tennysons Lady of Shallot and some has done Yeats the Fiddler of Dooney..in fact it seems to be a fairly common thing, the value of doing so is another question entirely.

Subject: RE: Help: Yeats
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 12:40 PM

I've heard "Crossing the Bar" by Tennyson put to music by Rani Arbo, and "Silence or Tears" by Lord Byron put to music by (maybe) Norman Blake. I'd be interested to hear tunes for some of Yeats' poetry.

One of his poems that impressed me greatly, the last lines of which still stick in my mind, is "The Second Coming," which ends with "What rough beast, its hour come round at last, slouches toward Bethlehem to be born?"

I've known people who spent years studying Yeats. Good luck!

Subject: William Butler Yeats - poetry and biography
From: JedMarum
Date: 18 Dec 00 - 10:15 AM

I thought I'd pick up a book of Yeats works and learn more about this famous poet - maybe even find a verse or two to put to music (since several of the quotes I'd come across really seemed appropriate for song). So I got of collection of Yeats poetry and began ... silly boy! I found I have no frame of reference. Yes in deed, many of the lyrical verses would make wonderful songs, and as I began to read, I began to recognize several as songs I'd heard years ago. Obviously, many have thought of this before me!

It seems I'd have done well to begin reading about Yeats, biography, critical references, etc. I'd like to know if any of our Mudcatters can help me develop a little background. Have you read/studied Yeats? Any pointers/comments?

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Yeats Poetry and Biography: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/william-butler-yeats