
In this lyrical journey, listeners meet Fiammetta, a dreaming woman caught between two ancient models of femininity—the reverent Madonna and the fierce, mystic priestess. Through a tightly woven series of sonnets, she wrestles with her own contradictions, questioning love, art, and the expectations that bind her heart. The verses unfold like a private diary, each poem a snapshot of her shifting moods—wistful, bitter, hopeful, and occasionally playful. As the sequence progresses, Fiammetta’s search for a stable identity becomes a meditation on how creativity can both soothe and unsettle the soul.
The poet’s use of Shakespearean form gives the language a sharp, resonant edge, while occasional departures into freer rhythm echo the turbulence of her thoughts. Listeners will hear references to mirrors, Greek vases, and Renaissance masters, all serving as mirrors for her inner reflections. By the close of the first act, Fiammetta stands on the brink of a new vision, poised to transform her romantic ideals into a more grounded, resilient understanding of love.
Full title
The Hours of Fiammetta A Sonnet Sequence A Sonnet Sequence
Language
en
Duration
~46 minutes (44K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Nov 7, 2007
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1876–1960
A Scottish writer of unusual range, she moved from poetry shaped by the Celtic Revival into biography, criticism, and journalism. Her life and work connect the literary energy of early 20th-century Scotland with a wider European cultural world.
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