A SINGULAR COMPOSER, A TWO-TIMING WIFE, AND A THREE PENNY OPERA
“THE ROMANCE of Kurt Weill, the Jewish cantor’s son, and Lotte Lenya, the Viennese coachman’s daughter, changed the history of Western music. Their work on The Three Penny Opera provides a knowing insight into their relationship: Weill was the creator whose work was backstage, unseen. Lenya was the performer who put the work into view. They heard the same unique music, but he gave it form while she gave it life.”
–from the cover flap of LOVE SONG, by Ethan Mordden
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If you like a bargain and biographies, I’ve just read a book I’m about to tell you about, titled LOVE SONG. The “bargain” is hinted at in the subtitle: THE LIVES OF KURT WEILL AND LOTTE LENYA — a double biography, two lives for the price of one. If you’re acquainted with the music of Kurt Weill and the mystique of Lotte Lenya, an individual biography of either would be a bargain at twiceĀ – nay, thrice — the price.
Kurt Weill was born in Germany in March 1900. As a young man (according to Mordden), “Music was his only interest, in total immersion.” He later fled the Nazi takeover and came to New York, U.S.A., in September, 1935. That month is notable for its namesake song, which may be the most unforgettable of his many memorable compositions:
Lotte Lenya, twice-married to Weill and many times in bed with other men, was born in Vienna in 1898 and outlived her husband by 31 years. Quoting from the book, “Lenya was quick to adapt to her audience: a performer, but a warm and giving one, quickly intimate with anyone she liked….she could play everything from the merrily heartless Jenny of The Threepenny Opera to the helplessly coquettish Frau Schneider of Cabaret.”Ā Here she sings one of my favorite Weill songs:
I wish I could give you a front row seat at the real-life opera that is the LOVE SONG of Kurt Weill and Lotte Lenya, for it is not only a love story, but an adventure and a 20th century history ranging from early success in Weimar Germany, escape from war-torn Europe, and finding the fulfillment in America which was cut short in their native land….but I could not begin to get you as caught up in their story as this “meticulously researched and detailed” book does. If you love the music of Kurt Weill, you will love this biography.
I would love to post clips of such Weill classics as Speak Low, This Is New, and To Love You And To Lose You, but that would perhaps be too much of a good thing….so I’ll bring down the curtain with this Bobby Darin hit from The Three Penny Opera which my fellow seniors will well remember (assuming your memory is sharp):
obbverse 12:13 am on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
Era defining, Mack the Knife. Not bad for a song written thirty years and a Second World War earlier. In the parlance of the day- killer track.
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mistermuse 7:25 am on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
Not bad, indeed….and I dig your “killer track” juxtaposition with regard to MACK THE KNIFE.
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calmkate 1:06 am on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
sorry I must be too young … or the memory is shot, don’t remember any of this!
But totally love Mack the knife š
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mistermuse 7:29 am on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
No problem, Kate. I’m always happy to introduce music I love to those who don’t know it but can appreciate it.
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calmkate 7:45 am on March 22, 2020 Permalink
too kind, pray you take care during this crazy time š
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Ashley 7:06 am on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
Weill I have heard of, but not Lotte Lenya, and I do know the songs and of course Bobby Darin. Great post. I’m sure you could write more.
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mistermuse 7:48 am on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
Thanks, Ashley. I try to hold my posts to a reasonable length despite the temptation to keep going, as I realize that most of my followers probably have many blogs to follow, but only limited time….and if I go overboard, they may lose interest.
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Rivergirl 9:17 am on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
Ah, Bobby Darin. Lost too soon..
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mistermuse 9:41 am on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
Lost too soon….and forgotten too fast (but not by those who appreciated what a great talent he was).
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equipsblog 10:36 am on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
I not only remember the song, I saw Sting play Mac the Knife in Three Penny Opera at (I think) the National Theater in Washington, DC.
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magickmermaid 11:56 am on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
For some reason I know the September song. My parents liked Bobby Darin so I know Mack the Knife and Beyond the Sea.
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mistermuse 12:37 pm on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
Your parents had good musical taste, mm. š
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Yeah, Another Blogger 2:19 pm on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
I remember a Lenya vinyl album that my parents had. If I recall it correctly, sheās on the cover in a provocative pose, possibly with a cigarette in hand.
Hello there. Bye till next time.
Neil S.
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mistermuse 3:01 pm on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
She lived to age 83 despite smoking and sexual promiscuity, so she must have had good Genes…and probably a lot of Toms, Dicks and Harrys, too.
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Carmen 2:55 pm on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
Bobby Darin was a little before my time but I always like to hear music from that era. Hope things are well with you, mistermuse. Our province has declared an Emergency today and we are now limited to groups of five people; essential businesses/stores open but keeping the 6 ft. Distance in place. So far, weāve not had a problem with self-isolation as we have lots of projects on the go! Iāll tell ya, watching the grandchildren cavort out on the lawn is preferable to cleaning up inside after they leave!
And of course one can always listen to all sorts of hits from lovely blogs. . š
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mistermuse 3:18 pm on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
Hi, Carmen — long time, no see. Good to hear from you again, and glad that you’re dealing well with the pandemic. I’m doing the same, but there’s no avoiding having to go to the store and/or pharmacy occasionally. Using hand sanitizer or wearing vinyl gloves while shopping helps, but social distancing is impossible in a crowded store, and lately it’s been crowded even at 7 a.m. (I’d go earlier, but I’d have to break in, since they don’t open until 7). š
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annieasksyou 2:59 pm on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
What a nostalgia trip this was! Havenāt thought about Bobby Darin for a while, but this was a welcome reminder.
And for the first time, I was struck by the reference to āMiss Lotte Lenyaā in Mack the Knife. That was like finding a jigsaw puzzle piece and placing it in its intended home.
Thank you, mistermuse!
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mistermuse 3:39 pm on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
I’m pleased that you enjoyed the post, Annie. Bobby Darin was one of my favorites back in the day, but Lotte Lenya was little more than a name to me until I read the book LOVE SONG and listened to her sing. I highly recommend the book if you’re interested.
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Don Ostertag 8:42 pm on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
Many years ago I found a 4 LP set of the original Berlin production of 3 Penny with Miss Lotta in German. And huge program booklet with the English translation and pictures describing the production and the times. What a treasure.
Weill was a musical genius. His work here in America is some of the best to ever appear on stage. September Song etc..
Lotta never got as big here as in Germany, but she never got to be one of the most memorable James Bond villians.
I will have to look the book up.
PS: As much as I liked the Darin rendition of Mack, my favorite is the Louis Armstrong’s.
Stay Healthy
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mistermuse 10:29 pm on March 22, 2020 Permalink |
There is a discography at the end of the book LOVE SONG which lists a 1930 Ultraphon 78 rpm set of Die Dreigroschenoper (The Three Penny Opera) wherein “Lenya sings not only her opening-night role of Jenny but also Polly and Lucy and even gets a crack at the Moritat. Most listeners learned these readings from reissues by Telefunken on 78 and LP” — which is apparently what you are fortunate enough to have.
Weill was indeed a musical genius. I hope you can find the book (published in 2012 by St. Martin’s Press), because I’m sure you would find it immensely interesting.
Thanks for the comment, and you stay healthy as well.
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Eliza 10:31 am on March 23, 2020 Permalink |
Thanks for sharing
Take care of yourself
Love, light and glitter
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mistermuse 11:43 am on March 23, 2020 Permalink |
Likewise, Eliza. Stay safe.
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Elizabeth 4:32 pm on March 23, 2020 Permalink |
My grandson learned “Mack the Knife” from me when he was about two. He sang it joyfully.”Look out old Mack is back.” My daughter finally heard the words and was duly appalled that I had taught him such a gory song.
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mistermuse 7:38 pm on March 23, 2020 Permalink |
How times have changed, Elizabeth — nowadays, that song wouldn’t appall anyone, except maybe the younger generation who would be appalled at how “outdated” it is.
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scifihammy 8:01 am on March 24, 2020 Permalink |
Thank you for some lovely old songs, and info on the writers/performers that I did not know. š
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mistermuse 12:09 pm on March 24, 2020 Permalink |
My pleasure (old songs are new to those who haven’t heard them)! š
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scifihammy 2:09 pm on March 24, 2020 Permalink
haha Yes š
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Silver Screenings 7:03 pm on April 5, 2020 Permalink |
Thanks for 2 things:
1) for the book recommendation, a subject I’ve been long curious about but have made no effort to research; and
2) for posting Mack the Knife.
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mistermuse 11:06 pm on April 5, 2020 Permalink |
I’m pleased to recommend the book because, although I was fairly familiar with Kurt Weill and his work, I too was curious was about Lotte Lenya and the relationship between them. It’s a fascinating story. As for Mack the Knife, Bobby Darin’s version is my favorite, and I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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America On Coffee 9:15 am on April 14, 2020 Permalink |
Excellent review and show!
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mistermuse 11:14 am on April 14, 2020 Permalink |
Thank you, AOC.
Take care.
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America On Coffee 2:23 pm on April 14, 2020 Permalink
You are very welcome! Have an awesome day. Be safe!
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barkinginthedark 7:09 pm on April 15, 2020 Permalink |
Kurt Weill is one of my very favorite composers – along with Brecht…geniuses. continue…
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mistermuse 8:10 pm on April 15, 2020 Permalink |
Weill and Brecht were indeed musical geniuses, but their relationship hit some sour notes, mainly because of Brecht (according to LOVE SONG, the book mentioned in my post). Nonetheless, they made beautiful music together.
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