Dive into the rich and diverse musical world of Kurt Weill with the 1994 album "Weill: Speak Low." This collection, released under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, is a testament to Weill's enduring influence in the realm of opera and beyond. Spanning a little over an hour and eighteen minutes, the album features 22 tracks that showcase Weill's versatility and genius.
The album opens with "Die sieben Todsünden (Original Version)," a seven-part exploration of the seven deadly sins, each section brimming with distinct musical character and narrative depth. From the languid "Sloth" to the fiery "Anger," and the sultry "Lust," this suite is a masterclass in storytelling through music. The album also includes iconic songs like "Speak Low," a timeless piece composed by Weill with lyrics by Ogden Nash, which has become a jazz standard and a beloved favorite.
Beyond the operatic and theatrical pieces, the album offers a glimpse into Weill's lighter, more whimsical side with tracks like "Buddy On The Nightshift" and "Nannas Lied." The inclusion of songs from "Happy End" and "One Touch of Venus" further highlights Weill's ability to blend drama, humor, and romance in his compositions.
Performed by the esteemed Anne Sofie von Otter, with John Eliot Gardiner conducting the Radio-Philharmonie Hannover, this album is a collaboration of top-tier talent. The blend of von Otter's velvety vocals and Gardiner's precise orchestration brings Weill's compositions to life, making this album a captivating journey through the composer's illustrious career. Whether you're a longtime fan of Weill or a newcomer to his work, "Weill: Speak Low" is a compelling exploration of one of the 20th century's most innovative musical minds.
Tracks
Die sieben Todsünden (Original Version): Prologue. Andante sostenuto "Meine Schwester"Kurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
Die sieben Todsünden (Original Version): I. Sloth. Allegro vivace "Müssiggang ist aller Laster"Kurt Weill, James Sims, Karl-Heinz Lampe, Christfried Biebrach, Frederick Martin, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
Die sieben Todsünden (Original Version): II. Pride. Allegretto, quasi Andantino "Als wir aber"Kurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, James Sims, Karl-Heinz Lampe, Christfried Biebrach, Frederick Martin, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
Die sieben Todsünden (Original Version): III. Anger. Molto agitato "Das geht nicht vorwärts"Kurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, James Sims, Karl-Heinz Lampe, Christfried Biebrach, Frederick Martin, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
Die sieben Todsünden (Original Version): IV. Gluttony. Largo "Das ist ein Brief aus Philadelphia"Kurt Weill, James Sims, Karl-Heinz Lampe, Christfried Biebrach, Frederick Martin, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
Die sieben Todsünden (Original Version): V. Lust. Moderato "Und wir fanden einen Mann in Boston"Kurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, James Sims, Karl-Heinz Lampe, Christfried Biebrach, Frederick Martin, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
Die sieben Todsünden (Original Version): VI. Avarice. Allegro giusto "Wie hier in der Zeitung"Kurt Weill, James Sims, Karl-Heinz Lampe, Christfried Biebrach, Frederick Martin, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
Die sieben Todsünden (Original Version): VII. Envy. Allegro non troppo "Und die letzte Stadt"Kurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, James Sims, Karl-Heinz Lampe, Christfried Biebrach, Frederick Martin, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
Die sieben Todsünden (Original Version): Epilogue. Andante sostenuto "Darauf kehrten wir zurück nach Lousiana"Kurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
Lady in the Dark: No. 3, My ShipKurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
Lady in the Dark: No. 1, One Life to LiveKurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
Buddy On The NightshiftKurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Nannas LiedKurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Happy End: I. Bilbao SongKurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
Happy End: X. Surabaya JohnnyKurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
Happy End: XI. Das Lied von der harten NussKurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
Je ne t'aime pasKurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
SchickelgruberKurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Der AbschiedsbriefKurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
One Touch Of Venus: Foolish HeartKurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
One Touch Of Venus: Speak LowKurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
One Touch of Venus: I'm a Stranger Here MyselfKurt Weill, Anne Sofie von Otter, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
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