Duncan Driver: Music and Meaning in Shakespeare’s Sonnets

The word ’sonnet’ describes one of the most popular verse forms in English and European poetry, and one used by William Shakespeare over 150 times. The word ’sonata’ denotes a musical composition that showcases one musical instrument over a series of movements in contrasting temps and keys. Both ’sonnet’ and ’sonata’ share the same etymological route, meaning ‘little sound’.

This performance will explore a selection of Shakespeare’s sonnets in ways that consider their musicality, and which will be supported and enhanced by live musical performance, including music composed for the performance in response to some of the sonnets’ themes and ideas.

The lecture will be given by Shakespeare scholar and Senior Lecturer at the University of Canberra, Duncan Driver. The music will be provided by the Savonia wind quintet Fabulous Five.

The event is included in KUMMA’s admission fee 12/6 €. Free entry for visitors under 18. The Museum Card and Kaikukortti are valid for entrance tickets.