If.....by Rudyard Kipling

[ibdatx]

An excellent piece. How can I get an audio of this version?

[georgemcnally]

@ibdatx Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Just send me an e mail and I will send you the mp3 version in reply.

[Walwie001]

Such a sensitive version ... love it. Thank you ... :)

[ShashiK34]

Excellent, my favorite poem of all time.

Thanks so much for the effort.

Loved the image compilation esp the beginning ones, so moving.

[georgemcnally]

Thanks Shashi, I think the poem itself tends to inspire the choice of imagery. There is something very fundamental and moving about those words, making the choice of pictures quite an easy process.

[gmihaela]

no comment! .... so beatiful!

[georgemcnally]

Thanks gmiheala....it is easy work though with a poem such as Kipling's If.

[paliatzo]

BEAUTIFUL...

[roygotaas]

Further: I like your selection of music. I've puzzled much over whether to use a musical background or not. Somehow I find it doesn't work for me when readings my own poems, which tend to be pretty intense emotionally but, inspired by what you've done, I might try it when recording other people's. I'd value any comments you have to make on the subject.

[roygotaas]

Very nice work! Your unhurried delivery allows a listener time to absorb & you don't obscure the poet's intention.

The Hopper version is rushed & lacks apt emphasis: he hasn't understood the rhythm of the poem at all.

For me, minimum images: it's the poem on which I want to focus.

Hope you won't change your style & will post more recordings: but I do know what intense work it is! Just published a CD of poetry readings &, while I enjoyed the studio work, it took time & was tiring!

[Abrumador8]

I love this poem too. I also think it's inspiring. Perhaps because of that, I've watched many different Youtube versions of it. Yours is one of my favourite; and the one of Dennis Hopper. I think he is the best voice and the best reading of the poem. It increases the pace, though, and this might affect how your images appear. Your voice is more solemn and slowlier

[georgemcnally]

Yes, I would agree. Dennis Hopper's version is one of the best. Personally, I find the way that meaning changes with delivery quite fascinating. Words have a certain intrinsic meaning but tonality lends the communication far more. Although one cannot help but be influenced by other's interpretation the point is to share how what these words mean to you. Thanks for your interest!

[Abrumador8]

Very well chosen images, I believe. Congratulations on the 'composition', and the choice of the voice

[georgemcnally]

Thanks Abrumador, not sure about the choice of voice though as it is my own!? For me, tis a beautiful and inspiring poem. Hope to get a few more posted when I get time. G