The Bard's Corner

S1 E3: Sonnet 2: When forty winters shall besiege thy brow by William ShakespeareWelcome to The Bard’s Corner, and thank you for joining me today. In this episode, we turn to Sonnet 2 — “When forty winters shall besiege thy brow…” — a meditation on time, beauty, and the quiet legacy we leave behind. I invite you to listen in as we step into Shakespeare’s timeless words and consider how they still speak to us across the centuries. I’m so glad you’re here.RebeccaWhen forty winters shall besiege thy browAnd dig deep trenches in thy beauty’s field,Thy youth’s proud livery, so gazed on now,Will be a tattered weed, of small worth held.Then being asked where all thy beauty lies—Where all the treasure of thy lusty days—To say within thine own deep-sunken eyesWere an all-eating shame and thriftless praise.How much more praise deserved thy beauty’s use If thou couldst answer "This fair child of mineShall sum my count and make my old excuse", Proving his beauty by succession thine.    This were to be new made when thou art old,    And see thy blood warm when thou feel’st it cold.Music by Epidemic Sound“Flight” By Johannes Bornlöfhttps://www.epidemicsound.com/track/zgDsZLD6DT/

S1 E2: Sonnet 1From fairest creatures we desire increaseFrom fairest creatures we desire increase,That thereby beauty’s rose might never die,But as the riper should by time decease,His tender heir might bear his memory;But thou, contracted to thine own bright eyes,Feed’st thy light’s flame with self-substantial fuel,Making a famine where abundance lies,Thyself thy foe, to thy sweet self too cruel.Thou that art now the world’s fresh ornamentAnd only herald to the gaudy spring,Within thine own bud buriest thy content,And, tender churl, mak’st waste in niggarding.   Pity the world, or else this glutton be,   To eat the world’s due, by the grave and thee.Sonnet 1, by William Shakespeare, is the first of the 154 sonnets. It is part of the procreation sonnets, numbers 1–17, which encourage the young man to marry and have children in order to preserve his beauty and legacy. The poem explores themes of beauty, time, and procreation.The sonnet urges the “fair youth” (the subject of many early sonnets) to procreate, preserving his beauty through children.“From fairest creatures we desire increase,That thereby beauty’s rose might never die…”The argument is simple but profound: beauty, or more broadly, value, deserves to continue. The most natural way to do that, in Shakespeare’s day, was through biological reproduction. But the poem also carries a more universal message about legacy and the creative impulse.Today, many people choose not to have children—or cannot. But the idea of leaving something of yourself behind remains potent. Sarah joins me in discussing how Shakespeare’s Sonnet # 1 resonates with us today. We believe that the definition of “procreation” is broad and encompasses all creative endeavours. After all, William Shakespeare sets a great example—he had children, but his true legacy is his profound writings.Shakespeare criticizes the youth for hoarding his beauty and not sharing it:“Making a famine where abundance lies…”This is a call to share our gifts, whatever they are—beauty, knowledge, creativity, resources—with others. It’s an ethical argument for generosity, not just procreation. Embracing our creative potential is vital because it allows us to leave a unique imprint on the world, a legacy of innovation, beauty, and progress. By sharing our talents and insights, we enrich the lives of others, inspire future generations, and contribute to a more vibrant and enlightened world. To stifle our creativity is to deny the world our unique contribution, hindering the potential for positive change and leaving a void where inspiration could have flourished.Thank you for joining Sarah and me in The Bard’s CornerRebeccaMusic by Epidemic Sound“Flight” By Johannes Bornlöfhttps://www.epidemicsound.com/track/zgDsZLD6DT/

S1 E1 Welcome to The Bard's CornerGreetings, fellow Shakespeare enthusiasts! I am thrilled to introduce you to "The Bard's Corner," a brand new podcast dedicated to exploring the profound beauty and timeless relevance of William Shakespeare's words.In each episode, I will explore the rich tapestry of Shakespeare's language, uncovering the layers of meaning and emotion that resonate even today. But this podcast isn't just about studying the text; it's about experiencing it. I believe that there’s an unparalleled energy and inspiration found in the act of reciting his words—a magic that's brought to life through voice, passion, and connection.Join us as we embark on this journey through sonnets, plays, and soliloquies, celebrating the artistry of one of history's greatest playwrights. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or new to Shakespeare, The Bard's Corner offers a space for everyone to appreciate the rhythmic beauty and timeless themes that have captivated audiences for centuries.So, gather your quills and open your hearts as we dive into the sounds, sights, and sentiments of Shakespeare, breathing new life into his words. Welcome to The Bard's Corner—where language sings and stories unfold. Let’s embark on this enchanting adventure together!RebeccaMusic by Epidemic Sound"Baroque Hornpipe" By Traditionalhttps://www.epidemicsound.com/track/VpsNMt21CJ/