Immerse yourself in the powerful and thought-provoking world of Kurt Weill's "Johnny Johnson," a captivating opera that blends poignant storytelling with rich musical composition. Released on August 31, 2024, under Warner Classics, this album spans a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, offering a profound exploration of themes such as war, love, and the human condition.
Kurt Weill, renowned for his innovative contributions to the opera genre, masterfully crafts a narrative that is both timeless and timely. The opera follows the journey of Johnny Johnson, a young man whose life is irrevocably changed by the horrors of war. Through a series of vivid musical numbers and dramatic interludes, Weill delves into the complexities of human emotion and the enduring quest for peace.
The album features a diverse array of vocal performances, from stirring choruses to intimate solos, each bringing depth and nuance to the story. Standout tracks include "My Daddy Used to Tell Me," a heartfelt interlude that showcases Johnny's longing for a simpler time, and "Soldiers! Soldiers!" a powerful anthem that underscores the brutality of war. The opera's climax, "In No Man's Land," is a hauntingly beautiful piece that encapsulates the tragedy and futility of conflict.
"Johnny Johnson" is not just a musical experience; it is a profound reflection on the human spirit. Weill's composition is both a tribute to the resilience of the human heart and a call to action for a more peaceful world. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises to leave a lasting impression.
Weill: Johnny Johnson: IntroductionKurt Weill, Joel Cohen, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 1: "Over in Europe, Things Are Bad" (Mayor, Chorus)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Rene de la Garza, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 1: "Democracy Advancing" (Chorus, Minny Belle, Mayor)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Ellen Santaniello, Rene de la Garza, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 1: The Battle of San Juan Hill. "Up Chickamuga Hill" (Grandpa Joe, Chorus, Johnny, Mayor, Minny Belle)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Donald Wilkinson, Ellen Santaniello, John Delorey, Rene de la Garza, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 1: Johnny's Melody. "My Daddy Used to Tell Me" - Interlude (Johnny, Aggie)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Donald Wilkinson, Lynn Torgove, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 1: Aggie's Song. "My Husband Is Dead" (Aggie, Johnny, Minny Belle)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Donald Wilkinson, Ellen Santaniello, Lynn Torgove, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 1: "Oh Heart of Love" (Minny Belle, Johnny)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Donald Wilkinson, Ellen Santaniello, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 1: "Farewell, Goodbye" (Minny Belle, Johnny)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Donald Wilkinson, Ellen Santaniello, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 1: "I First Felt the Urge to Splurge" (The West-Pointer, Chorus)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Mark McSweeney, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 1: Chant. "Instruction with Arms" (Sergeant)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Bruce Fithian, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 1: Tango. "What Are You Coming For?" (Captain)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Richard Lalli, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 1: Army InterludeKurt Weill, Joel Cohen, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 1: "Just Think of It" (Johnny)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Donald Wilkinson, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 1: "He Calls on Me, Poor Wandering One" (The Goddess)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, D'Anna Fortunato, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: Song of the Wounded Frenchman. "Nous sommes blessés" (Chorus, Sergeant)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Bruce Fithian, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: The Tea Song. "Now England Is as We All Know" (Sergeant, Chorus, Johnny, Private Harwood)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Bruce Fithian, Donald Wilkinson, Rene de la Garza, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: The Cowboy Song. "Oh, the Rio Grande" (Private Harwood, Johnny)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Donald Wilkinson, Rene de la Garza, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: Johnny's DreamKurt Weill, Joel Cohen, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: Song of the Guns. "Soldiers! Soldiers!" (Chorus)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: The Stricken RedeemerKurt Weill, Joel Cohen, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: "Mon ami, My Friend" (Nurse)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Anne Azéma, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: The Allied High Command. "And So, Messieurs…" (Commander-in-Chief)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Paul Cummings, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: The Laughing Generals. "We'll All Be Home for Chritmas" (Chorus)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: The BattleKurt Weill, Joel Cohen, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: In Times of War and Tumults. "Almighty God" (American Priest, German Priest, Chorus)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Bruce Fithian, Richard Lalli, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: In No Man's LandKurt Weill, Joel Cohen, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: Johnny's Homecoming, ReminiscenceKurt Weill, Joel Cohen, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: The Psychiatry Song. "Ms. Tomkins, Johnny Johnson Is a Disturbed Man" (Doctor Mahodan)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Paul Guttry, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: Asylum Chorus. "How Sweetly Friendship Binds Our Hearts In Brother Love" (Chorus)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: Round. "Come Let Us Hymn a Hymn to Peace" (Chorus)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: Asylum Chorus (Instrumental Reprise)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, The Otaré Pit Band
Weill: Johnny Johnson, Act 2: Johnny's Song. "When Man Was First Created" (Johnny)Kurt Weill, Joel Cohen, Donald Wilkinson, The Otaré Pit Band
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