leonardcohenforum.com

Is it true that there was a release of Cohen reading all of Book of Longing?

Does anyone have it or can point me to it?

My stage name is Li'l Andy. I'm a Montreal musician curating and playing a concert series at Montreal's Musée d'art contemporain. https://macm.org/en/activities/leonard- ... concerts/

During these shows, I've been playing many audio recordings to start the night. I'd love to use a poem from "Book of Longing".

To be clear, I know there was one set to Philip Glass' music. I'm not interested in that one, brilliant as it is.

I'm looking for Cohen reading "Book of Longing" with no musical accompaniment.

Thanks,
Andrew McClelland

Hi Andrew and welcome. There is no official recording of Leonard reading from the Book of Longing. Here are a few videos of Leonard reciting poems from Longing on radio shows, documentaries, etc.

Leonard Cohen Recites Titles | The Book of Longing | NPR Broadcast | May 22, 2006
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZuNu55su7U
Leonard Cohen Recites Thousands & Mission
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSO9p0NQoog
Leonard Cohen reading "Roshi at 89"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbFI1ntfqTc

That said, right where you are, there is a museum exhibit where Leonard recites all of Book of Longing. Leonard recorded his recitation of Longing to be utilized by Philip Glass. Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller used that recording to create the exhibit Poetry Machine.

This exhibit at the MAC museum show was one of my favorites. Their whole concept with the piano and a poem is so unique.
I do hope someone someday will make a recording available for the public of Leonard reciting from The Book of Longing.
That is my wish for today!
Thanks Marie
Leslie

Oh, Marie! Thanks a million for this!

"Titles" is a great recording and may very well make it into my show!

Thanks!