Episode 2
Despite success as a poet, Cohen feels the need to escape to the Greek island of Hydra. Biography read by Julian Barrett.
As Leonard Cohen turns 80, a new biography by Liel Leibovitz explores the life, work and passion of the poet-turned-musician. What makes Cohen such an enduring international figure in the cultural imagination?
Granted extraordinary access to Cohen's personal papers, Leibovitz evokes a complicated, sometimes contradictory figure. Born into a Canadian religious Jewish family, for years a reclusive lyricist on the Greek island of Hydra, known for his bold political commentary, his devotion to Buddhist thought and his later despair over contemporary Zionism, Cohen hardly follows the rules of a conventional rock star.
An intimate look at a man who, despite battles with stage fright and years spent in hermit-like isolation, is still touring and now seems to be reaching a new peak of popularity.
In episode 2, despite success as a poet, Cohen feels the need to escape to the Greek island of Hydra.
Read by Julian Barratt, with Leonard Cohen quotes read by Colin Stinton.
Abridged by: Jo Coombs
Producer: Pippa Vaughan
A Loftus Media production for 91热爆 Radio 4.
Last on
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Reader | Julian Barratt |
Reader | Colin Stinton |
Producer | Pippa Vaughan |
Abridger | Jo Coombs |
Author | Liel Leibovitz |
Broadcasts
- Tue 3 Jun 2014 09:4591热爆 Radio 4 FM
- Wed 4 Jun 2014 00:3091热爆 Radio 4
- Tue 24 Jan 2017 14:4591热爆 Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 25 Jan 2017 02:4591热爆 Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 26 Mar 2019 14:4591热爆 Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 27 Mar 2019 02:4591热爆 Radio 4 Extra
Radio 4 on Music: Kaleidoscope - Leonard Cohen
Opening Lines
Sample our books and authors Clip Collection
Interviews, previews and reviews
Subscribe to the Short stories podcast
Featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers
How many of these 100 Novels have you read?
91热爆 Arts: Books
Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.