Question 1

How long is the performance?

Accepted Answer

A recitation of Four Quartets runs 1 hour and 20 minutes without intermission.
Words Move|Music Moves (javascript:void(0))runs 2 hours plus an intermission.

Question 2

Is there an intermission?

Accepted Answer

The poems can be recited beginning to end without intermission, or with a short intermission between the third and fourth poems in the suite (The Dry Salvages and Little Gidding). Words Move/Music Moves,(javascript:void(0)) the performance juxtaposing John’s recitation of Four Quartets with a string quartet performance, always includes an intermission.

Question 3

Are recitations followed by any audience interactions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, John is happy to meet with the audience after the performance to discuss the poems, his approach to memorizing and preparing them for performance, and whatever other subjects are of interest.

Question 4

What is the maximum number of audience members for a recitation?

Accepted Answer

There are no minimum or maximum numbers for the audience. Recitations can be done for up to around 100 people without amplification, depending on the venue. Beyond that number, the presenter supplies audio reinforcement.

Question 5

Can John work with our string quartet for the Words Move/Music Moves recitation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that is how the event is usually arranged. John will work in advance of the event with a professional string quartet, selected by the presenter, to coordinate a seamless and thrilling evening of performance.

Question 6

What are the performance's technical requirements?

Accepted Answer

Four Quartets is as simple technically as the poems are complex poetically. For Technical Requirements (undefined)and additional presenter materials, please visit our Press Kit.(javascript:void(0))

Question 7

How did John memorize all 886 lines of the poems?

Accepted Answer

Patiently. Persistently. The memorization took about three months. Preparing the poems for recitation in public required another three years. Why John decided to memorize the poems is a question in search of an answer.

FAQ