"Lotte Lenya Sings Kurt Weill" is a captivating collection of works by the renowned composer Kurt Weill, performed by the incomparable Lotte Lenya. Released in 1955 under Sony Classical, this album is a testament to the enduring power of Weill's compositions and Lenya's extraordinary vocal prowess. Spanning a rich tapestry of genres within the operatic tradition, the album offers a diverse range of pieces that showcase Weill's versatility and Lenya's ability to bring depth and nuance to each performance.
The album begins with "Die sieben Todsünden" (The Seven Deadly Sins), a cantata that explores the seven deadly sins through a series of vivid musical portrayals. Each sin is brought to life with distinct musical styles and tempos, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. From the languid "Faulheit" (Sloth) to the fiery "Zorn" (Wrath), Lenya's voice navigates the emotional landscape with remarkable skill.
Following this, the album delves into selections from "The Threepenny Opera," a work that cemented Weill's reputation as a master of blending high art with popular forms. The iconic "Moritat von Mackie Messer" (Mack the Knife) and the haunting "Seeräuberjenny" (Pirate Jenny) are standout tracks that highlight Weill's knack for creating memorable melodies and Lenya's ability to convey both strength and vulnerability.
The album also features excerpts from "The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny," a satirical opera that critiques the excesses of modern society. Tracks like "Havana-Lied" and "Alabama-Song" showcase Weill's ability to blend humor and social commentary, while Lenya's performances add a layer of depth and emotional resonance.
In addition to these well-known works, the album includes selections from lesser-known pieces like "Happy End" and "The Silverlake, A Winter's Tale." These tracks offer a glimpse into Weill's broader musical repertoire and Lenya's versatility as a performer.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes, "Lotte Lenya Sings Kurt Weill" is a comprehensive exploration of Weill's musical genius and Lenya's artistic brilliance. Whether you're a fan of opera, musical theater, or simply great music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
n/a, originally released 1955, 1957 Sony Music Entertainment Inc.
Tracks
Die sieben Todsünden: Prolog (Andante sostenuto)Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Wilhelm Brückner-Rüggeberg, Ernst Poettgen, Fritz Göllnitz, Julius Katona, Sigmund Roth
Die sieben Todsünden: Faulheit (Allegro vivace)Kurt Weill, Julius Katona, Fritz Göllnitz, Ernst Poettgen, Sigmund Roth, Wilhelm Brückner-Rüggeberg, Lotte Lenya
Die sieben Todsünden: Stolz (Allegretto, quasi andantino - Schneller Walzer)Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Julius Katona, Fritz Göllnitz, Ernst Poettgen, Sigmund Roth, Wilhelm Brückner-Rüggeberg
Die sieben Todsünden: Zorn (Molto agitato)Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Julius Katona, Fritz Göllnitz, Ernst Poettgen, Sigmund Roth, Wilhelm Brückner-Rüggeberg
Die sieben Todsünden: Völlerei (Largo)Kurt Weill, Julius Katona, Fritz Göllnitz, Ernst Poettgen, Sigmund Roth, Wilhelm Brückner-Rüggeberg, Lotte Lenya
Die sieben Todsünden: Unzucht (Moderato)Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Julius Katona, Fritz Göllnitz, Ernst Poettgen, Sigmund Roth, Wilhelm Brückner-Rüggeberg
Die sieben Todsünden: Habsucht (Allegro giusto)Kurt Weill, Julius Katona, Fritz Göllnitz, Ernst Poettgen, Sigmund Roth, Wilhelm Brückner-Rüggeberg, Lotte Lenya
Die sieben Todsünden: Neid (Allegro non troppo - Alla marcia un poco tenuto)Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Julius Katona, Fritz Göllnitz, Ernst Poettgen, Sigmund Roth, Wilhelm Brückner-Rüggeberg
Die sieben Todsünden: Epilog (Andante sostenuto)Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Wilhelm Brückner-Rüggeberg, Ernst Poettgen, Fritz Göllnitz, Julius Katona, Sigmund Roth
The Threepenny Opera: Moritat von Mackie Messer (Mack the Knife)Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Roger Bean
The Threepenny Opera: Barbara SongKurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Roger Bean
The Threepenny Opera: Seeräuberjenny (Pirate Jenny)Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Roger Bean
The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny: Havana-LiedKurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Roger Bean
The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny: Alabama-SongKurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Roger Bean
The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny: Denn wie man sich bettet (As You Make Your Bed)Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Roger Bean
Happy End: Bilbao-SongKurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Roger Bean
Happy End: Surabaya-JohnnyKurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Roger Bean
Happy End: Was die Herren Matrosen sagen (The Sailor's Tango)Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Roger Bean
Berlin Requiem: Vom ertrunkenen Mädchen (Ballad of the Drowned Girl)Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Roger Bean
The Silverlake, A Winter's Tale: Lied der Fennimore (I Am a Poor Relative)Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Roger Bean
The Silverlake, A Winter's Tale: Cäsars Tod (Ballad of Caesar)Kurt Weill, Lotte Lenya, Roger Bean
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