Jeremy Irons Recites T S Elliot's "Four Quartets" at the 92ndY

Jeremy Irons is a British actor of the highest order having received numerous honors & awards in film, TV and theater.  In March, Irons released a recording of the Complete Works of T. S. Elliot (TSE).  For those fortunate to have been at the 92ndY to hear Irons' oration of Eliot's "4 Quartets" it was a luxurious and intoxicating experience that washed over the listener in resplendent waves that were awe-inspiring and serene.  Elliot is an American poet with family ties to the UK.  He's received the Nobel Prize for Lit & the Presidential Meal of Freedom among numerous other accolades both in the US & England.  Why is poetry is hard and most people never ready for it?  "Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood" (TSE)  Irons was jovial and assured the audience,"Let it go and wait.  See what happens.  Something greater happens."  Irons briefly suggested some topics Elliot refers to such as age, time, one's essence, stillness and "the cracks where the light gets in."  With good nature humor, Irons said for the one or two of you in this audience not familiar with Elliot & the "4 Quartets" "Laurence Fishburne being one of them."  He then asked Mr. Fishburne to stand who was received with guffaws warm applause.  I acknowledge being the 2nd person lacking depth of familiarity.  Elliot had intended this collection to be set to chamber music:  Burnt Norton, East Coker, The Dry Salvages and Little Gidding.  I was informed that 1st public reading by Mr. Elliot's of the "4 Quartets" occurred at the 92ndY.  Irons invited the audience to relax and feel free to nod off.  Many in the audience followed his suggestion and dozed.  I was invigorated and calmed listening to Mr. Irons'  reading.  The 1st quartet felt Irons was reading as a parent to a child; in a patient and loving manner.  The 2nd & 3rd quartets seemed an intimate conversation between adult peers.  In the last quartet, Irons took on a more sombre and railing dialogue.  It felt as though he was holding a conversation with himself as one approaches the end of life while clinging to memories, regrets and a final flailing to embrace life. "What we call the beginnings is often the end.  And to make an end is to make a beginning.  The end is where we start from".  I was enthralled by Elliot's majestic poetry and Irons immersive interpretation.  "You are the music while the music lasts."