ROBERT FROST: FIRE AND ICE

Of the different forms, poetry is probably most difficult to read well. Furthermore, when an interpretation is weighed against the voice of the poet himself, the comparison is almost certain to fall hard on the interpreter. This interpretation, done in the autobiographical style and performed in college and community theaters, lightly traces the major events in Frost's life, setting some of the poems within that context. Although the biographical details are interesting, this is a very disappointing work. Peterson portrays Frost with the persona of a country bumpkin, a buffoon, as if he were part of the tall-tale Western tradition, not thoroughly of New England, with its penchant for restraint and subtlety. The timing of the poetry seems excruciatingly off, and the meanings trivialized. Peterson gives Frost a high, irritating voice and exaggerates these qualities as the poet grows older. As is clear from the other recording, Frost's voice stayed strong into very old age. In a final incongruity, Peterson burdens Frost with a chuckle of self-satisfaction--makes him a man who laughs at his own jokes before he delivers them--this is totally opposed to Frost's own style and truly dismaying. E.J.M. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPT 93]