THE DECAMERON

Boccaccio's medieval collection of short stories finds new life in Naxos's outstanding full-cast performance. A gifted cast of 11 gives this production energy that never tires. Simon Russell Beale narrates Boccaccio's role, opening the audiobook with the author's own introduction. From there, the other actors take turns telling stories just as the speakers do, creating a unique voice for each speaker as well as a variety of other vocal characterizations in each story. Nigel Pilkington's Dioneo is especially feisty and entertaining. Another lovely detail in this production is the use of actors' singing talents to incorporate Boccaccio's verses. The listening experience feels as if one is sitting in the circle with the speakers as the stories offer a rumpus ride through fourteenth-century wit. D.M.W. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2018]