William Shakespeare is England’s most celebrated dramatist and poet. His works have been translated into 80 languages, including Star Trek’s Klingon. He gave us uniquely vivid ways in which to ...

It’s not like I remember as much as I should from a college Shakespeare class. But for some reason Sonnet 130 — “My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun” — has stayed with me.

The British songs were co-commissioned by BBC Shakespeare Lives and BBC Radio 3. Since Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130 is recognised for its romantic theme, which stands out by refraining from ...