NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL REVIEW
An independent small press poetry review
 MICHAEL BANGERTER: DANCING BEARS K. T. Publications 16 Fane Close Stamford Lincolnshire PE9 1HG UK CD £6 Available direct from the author at Botriphnie Stables, Drummuir, Keith, Banffshire, AB55 5JE, UK read reviews of books by Michael Bangerter. read about a CD of Michael Bangerter reading Thomas Hardy listen to The Man with the Banner a track from Dancing Bears        Web design by  This page last updated: 10th December 2007. |
MICHAEL BANGERTER: DANCING BEARS | |
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This is a very nicely produced CD of poetry. The arrangement is that of a rather genteel recital. There is a basic consistency in the sound levels, without it being allowed to drag into monotony. The general tone is conversational but with dramatic overtones as befits the voice of a poet who has a background in theatre. The incidental music which comes between blocks of poems gives a change of pace, rather than intruding as it would if it occured between indvidual poems. The music consists of short pleasant piano pieces composed and played by Bangerter himself. The CD opens rather apologetically with a poem questioning the very use of poetry. My favourite poems were OLD SINS in which he tells us what pulls you together pulls you apartand CAGED where the role of the artist's model is seen from both sides of the easel. COSSACK has drama but it is shortlived and stops short. There is some humour and excitement when the poet in Spain treads on a rusty nail. Warning of things to come THE MAN WITH THE BANNER is a poem possessing admirable dry, wry wit. Not all the poems give everything on a first hearing, so there are rewards that come with subsequent playings. Certainly this is better than many of the CDs of poetry by a single author that I've heard in recent years. | ||
| reviewer: Gerald England. |