Simon Callow reads W. H. Auden's 'Funeral Blues'

W. H. Auden's poem “Funeral Blues,” as performed by Simon Callow. Part of the Adrian Brinkerhoff Poetry Foundation's Read By series of poetry films.

Directed by Matthew Thompson.

[telemachus]

A great actor reading one of the greatest poems ever written. I loved you in :"A room with a view" and in : "Amadeus" and in : "4 weddings..." Little did I know that I'd see you reading the poem that was recited at your character's funeral. May you live in health till 120!

[mickontherock]

I lost my husband 5 days ago on the 14th, and this is exactly how I feel. Night night Lenny, sleep well my angel

[cristianoandrades]

What a performance, goosebumps all the way! Thank you

[gordonmonsen]

When a great actor is in command of his craft we can expect real profundity and emotion. Bravo Simon.

[childofmary]

Oh, my heart! How wrenchingly beautiful!

[railgap]

Like so many others, I was introduced to W.H. Auden's work through the movie "Four Weddings And A Funeral". I promptly bought a book containing most of his poetry.
What range he demonstrated!

[aconsideredopinion]

A gifted poet, he sublimely captures the desolate of loss.
Such a talent is rare, he roundly deserves all accolades and recognition that he has been given.

[Munchausen]

He’s reading his own character’s eulogy from four weddings and a funeral.

[maryeliason]

Beautifully done. Simon Callow is wonderful.

[patriciaadams-rliz]

What a great performance. Such a brilliant sctor

[hexistenz]

So deeply touching …
I just listened to John Hannah’s recitation, and your masterwork came up.
Different, somewhat drier, yet so deeply felt.

I suppose it’s natural that the first reading you hear becomes your standard, and unconsciously all the others get … not so much compared, but put next to it.
This recitation is quite different, and I thank you for offering it as another way of expressing the same sentiment.
And the juxtaposition of Simon Callow and John Hannah makes it quite special.
Thank you 🙏

[marciolichtenfels]

Perfection. Its overwhelming beautiful

[peterhoughton]

Oh gawd... tissue please - a beautiful read sir.

[RagingHamster]

A brilliant recitation that has embraced the poem’s dichotomous context! A masterclass in acting!

[antoniopalmero]

Words reflective of total devastation and loss .

[filoaraujo]

This made me weep 😢 so beautifully done

[ca]

Wonderful and deeply touching. Thank you.

[mickontherock]

May I thank each and every one of you for your sympathy and kind words. They mean so much to me. Thank you. And thank you Simon. It’s like you can see how many pieces my heart is in. It’s been several months since I lost Lenny and it’s been harder than I can imagine. A nurse told me it takes a year and a day to do the first of things, like going to special places and doing things we used to do. People have been lovely and kind and supportive and I thank everyone for that. But like everyone has in their life the loss of someone you love is just awful. So thank you everyone again and to my Lenny if you can see you tube wherever you are. I love you and miss you more than words can say. Thank you everyone.😘

[jobond]

I said this poem at my mum's funeral. 4 years ago

[RevWillTheThrill]

It's interesting to hear him read it as opposed to hearing John Hannah read it in his honour as we saw in "Four Weddings and a Funeral."