What with all the problems in this crazy world of ours, my fellow earthlings, is there consolation in knowing that my previously-posted problems don’t amount to a proverbial hill of beans by comparison? After all, everyone in Casablanca has problems — mine may work out:
In fact, I think mine will work out — help is on the way (by beautiful way of my tech-angel daughter) on Father’s Day. But until then, I’ll seek my consolation in the Stardust of a song (or two):
If we could clear the dust from our eyes, friends, aren’t we all more or less lost in the stars? Maybe most of us just don’t see it: little stars, BIG STARS, blowing through the night….and we’re lost out here in the stars….
Just wanted to add that I think you’re a ROCK star!! I’m looking after six of the grandchildren right now – I’ll get to hear the selections later, when I can relax and appreciate them! 🙂
And you’re obviously a rock star of a grandma, Carmen….but looking after only six grandchildfren? Unless your children are hiding some, tell them to get back to work. Haven’t they heard that they’re….
Okay, I’m not used to this format, but here goes nutin’! Love Louis but I’ve never seen Casablanca. I KNOW!!! Myrna Loy is one of my all time favs, though, and I love Cheaper by the Dozen, both the book and the movie. It seems like there was a second book, too, maybe? Or am I remembering wrong? Anyway, in life, it’s all about the systems you have in place to deal with whatever you have to deal with. And a lot of luck! 🙂 Mona
Thanks for the comment. I’m not used to a lot of formats, so welcome to the club!
Never seen Casablanca? You are indeed wayward! 😉
As for Cheaper By The Dozen, I don’t know if there was a second book, but there was a sequel to the movie two years later called Belles On Their Toes. I think I saw it decades ago, but I don’t remember it, so either it’s not very memorable or I’m losing my memory.
Thank you, Rosaliene. That clip is a classic example of why Casablanca is one of the greatest films of all time: exquisite Dialogue, fine Acting, and superb Direction: a DAD for the ages — not unlike mistermuse, who is a well(?) aged dad.
I can’t believe it — all of a sudden, “Loading” has mysteriously disappeared and “Likes” have reappeared since the last time I was here a few hours ago. It’s a miracle (and I wasn’t even praying to the computer gods for one)!
Kate, Carmen and I are not only each other’s biggest, but each other’s oldest, fans — would you believe we go back to the days when she sang and danced with fruit on her head:
I’ve visited Rick’s Place many times over the years but never tire of it. This time, the emphasis on kindness TO strangers seemed most appropriate.
And the great Satchmo: immediately following Stardust was his rendition of We Shall Overcome. I was overcome by it.
Then Lotte Lenya singing of the stars in all their manifestations reminded me of the peaceful demonstrators. All told, this was a meaningful and emotional journey.
I anticipate doing a follow-up to this post in a few days, Annie….provided I can overcome some issues I’m having with my outdated browser before my techie daughter comes to my rescue on Father’s Day. The follow-up will probably be my last post until after Father’s Day, as it’s too time-consuming and too much of a hassle trying to work around the problems.
Meanwhile, I’m glad this post (and hopefully the next one) were, and will be, to your liking. 😉
Happy Fathers Day; enjoy your well-earned break. I hope you’ll visit my blog again soon, mistermuse. Haven’t been doing much punning and rhyming of late, but I do have a little political acrostic posted today. Cheers!
“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
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 twice – 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.” 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):
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.
I remember a Lenya vinyl album that my parents had. If I recall it correctly, she’s on the cover in a provocative pose, possibly with a cigarette in hand.
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, we’ve not had a problem with self-isolation as we have lots of projects on the go! I’ll 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. . 🙂
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). 😉
What a nostalgia trip this was! Haven’t 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 “Miss Lotte Lenya” in Mack the Knife. That was like finding a jigsaw puzzle piece and placing it in its intended home.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Carmen 10:02 am on June 4, 2020 Permalink |
Just wanted to add that I think you’re a ROCK star!! I’m looking after six of the grandchildren right now – I’ll get to hear the selections later, when I can relax and appreciate them! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
mistermuse 11:28 am on June 4, 2020 Permalink |
And you’re obviously a rock star of a grandma, Carmen….but looking after only six grandchildfren? Unless your children are hiding some, tell them to get back to work. Haven’t they heard that they’re….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don Ostertag 1:31 pm on June 4, 2020 Permalink |
Great selections!
LikeLiked by 1 person
waywardsparkles 3:47 pm on June 5, 2020 Permalink |
Okay, I’m not used to this format, but here goes nutin’! Love Louis but I’ve never seen Casablanca. I KNOW!!! Myrna Loy is one of my all time favs, though, and I love Cheaper by the Dozen, both the book and the movie. It seems like there was a second book, too, maybe? Or am I remembering wrong? Anyway, in life, it’s all about the systems you have in place to deal with whatever you have to deal with. And a lot of luck! 🙂 Mona
LikeLiked by 3 people
mistermuse 7:01 pm on June 5, 2020 Permalink
Thanks for the comment. I’m not used to a lot of formats, so welcome to the club!
Never seen Casablanca? You are indeed wayward! 😉
As for Cheaper By The Dozen, I don’t know if there was a second book, but there was a sequel to the movie two years later called Belles On Their Toes. I think I saw it decades ago, but I don’t remember it, so either it’s not very memorable or I’m losing my memory.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rivergirl 2:05 pm on June 4, 2020 Permalink |
Casablanca and Satchmo. It doesn’t get much better than that!
LikeLike
mistermuse 2:58 pm on June 4, 2020 Permalink |
Unsurpassed performances, an unsurpassed film, and unsurpassed music = “it doesn’t get much better than that.” 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rosaliene Bacchus 2:37 pm on June 4, 2020 Permalink |
So glad that your beautiful tech-angel daughter is helping you to resolve your problems with WordPress 🙂 Enjoyed the Casablanca video clip.
LikeLiked by 1 person
mistermuse 3:27 pm on June 4, 2020 Permalink |
Thank you, Rosaliene. That clip is a classic example of why Casablanca is one of the greatest films of all time: exquisite Dialogue, fine Acting, and superb Direction: a DAD for the ages — not unlike mistermuse, who is a well(?) aged dad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
mistermuse 7:29 pm on June 4, 2020 Permalink
I can’t believe it — all of a sudden, “Loading” has mysteriously disappeared and “Likes” have reappeared since the last time I was here a few hours ago. It’s a miracle (and I wasn’t even praying to the computer gods for one)!
LikeLiked by 2 people
calmkate 7:46 pm on June 4, 2020 Permalink |
aha souds like you two might be each others biggest fans!
First two clips were supremo, third one didn’t work … a dozen, his poor wife!
LikeLiked by 1 person
mistermuse 10:18 pm on June 4, 2020 Permalink |
Kate, Carmen and I are not only each other’s biggest, but each other’s oldest, fans — would you believe we go back to the days when she sang and danced with fruit on her head:
LikeLiked by 1 person
masercot 7:58 am on June 5, 2020 Permalink |
My favorite version of Stardust…
LikeLiked by 1 person
mistermuse 8:13 am on June 5, 2020 Permalink |
Likewise. Louis was at the top of his game in 1931 when he recorded Stardust.
LikeLiked by 1 person
masercot 8:18 am on June 5, 2020 Permalink |
That’s about the time he recorded I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead You Rascal You, right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
mistermuse 8:28 am on June 5, 2020 Permalink
Right. He also recorded Rascal again in 1941, by which time he was past his peak (as a trumpeter, not as an entertainer).
LikeLiked by 2 people
annieasksyou 1:53 pm on June 6, 2020 Permalink |
I’ve visited Rick’s Place many times over the years but never tire of it. This time, the emphasis on kindness TO strangers seemed most appropriate.
And the great Satchmo: immediately following Stardust was his rendition of We Shall Overcome. I was overcome by it.
Then Lotte Lenya singing of the stars in all their manifestations reminded me of the peaceful demonstrators. All told, this was a meaningful and emotional journey.
Thank you, mistermuse!
LikeLiked by 1 person
mistermuse 10:45 pm on June 6, 2020 Permalink |
I anticipate doing a follow-up to this post in a few days, Annie….provided I can overcome some issues I’m having with my outdated browser before my techie daughter comes to my rescue on Father’s Day. The follow-up will probably be my last post until after Father’s Day, as it’s too time-consuming and too much of a hassle trying to work around the problems.
Meanwhile, I’m glad this post (and hopefully the next one) were, and will be, to your liking. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
annieasksyou 12:22 am on June 7, 2020 Permalink |
Happy Fathers Day; enjoy your well-earned break. I hope you’ll visit my blog again soon, mistermuse. Haven’t been doing much punning and rhyming of late, but I do have a little political acrostic posted today. Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
restlessjo 3:57 am on June 14, 2020 Permalink |
I so enjoyed that excerpt from Casablanca. A little escapism on a Sunday morning. Thank you! 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
mistermuse 9:11 am on June 14, 2020 Permalink |
Some may be its equal, but a better movie than CASABLANCA has never been made, in my opinion. Glad you enjoyed the clip, Jo..
LikeLike
restlessjo 11:50 am on June 14, 2020 Permalink
🤗💕💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Silver Screenings 3:11 pm on July 5, 2020 Permalink |
I love, LOVE the way you began this post. Brilliant.
LikeLiked by 1 person
mistermuse 5:25 pm on July 5, 2020 Permalink |
Thank you, SS (I would also have accepted semi-brilliant, luminous, superb, or ingenious). 😉
LikeLike