How Do I Love Thee? The World’s Most Beautiful Love Poems is a delightful collaboration by British actor Michael York, who soulfully reads a collection of twenty-two classic poems about love, and composer Michael Hoppé, who soulfully provides the music that plays behind the poems and also appears as interludes scattered throughout the CD, allowing quiet moments to reflect. The accompanying booklet gives the full text of each of the poems and features photographs by Hoppé’s late grandfather, the celebrated portrait photographer, E.O. Hoppé. To make this package even more special, there is a bonus video that shows many more of the senior Hoppé’s photos played over Michael Hoppé’s gorgeous “Renouncement,” from his Grammy-nominated CD, “Solace.” The selection of poems is fascinating, dealing with romantic love, but also telling of mature love and marriage, loss, and desire. Hoppé’s selection of original music is perfect for the chosen poems and interludes, wordlessly conveying passion and deep emotion. Some of the poets that are represented are Shakespeare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Rossetti, Shelley, Tennyson, Ovid, Christopher Marlowe, and even The Bible. A beautiful and romantic gift to share with a loved one, or richly rewarding listening experience for yourself, this CD will warm your heart and bring a sigh.

How Do I Love Thee? is available at many retail and online outlets, including michaelhoppe.com and amazon.com. It’s a treasure!