Aylish Kerrigan Sings Kurt Weill

Join mezzo-soprano Aylish Kerrigan on a captivating journey through the iconic songs of Kurt Weill, one of the 20th century's most celebrated composers. Released on July 14, 2023, via Métier, "Aylish Kerrigan Sings Kurt Weill" is a stunning collection of 19 tracks that span the breadth of Weill's genius, from his Berlin cabaret songs to his Broadway hits. Accompanied by pianist Vladimir Valdivia, Kerrigan's powerful and nuanced vocals bring new life to these timeless pieces.

The album opens with the haunting "Die Moritat von Mackie Messer" and takes you through a diverse range of styles and moods, from the playful "Seeräuber-Jenny" to the poignant "September Song." Each track showcases Kerrigan's impressive vocal range and her deep understanding of Weill's unique compositional style. The album also includes lesser-known gems like "Marterl - Hier ruht die Jungfrau" and "Das Lied von der harten Nuss," providing a comprehensive overview of Weill's songwriting prowess.

Recorded in the acoustically superb Harty Room at Queen's University Belfast, the album benefits from exceptional sound quality, allowing every note and nuance to shine. Whether you're a longtime fan of Kurt Weill or a newcomer to his music, this album is a delightful exploration of his enduring legacy. With a running time of just over an hour, it's a perfect way to spend an evening immersed in the rich, evocative world of Kurt Weill's music, as interpreted by one of today's most exciting vocal talents, Aylish Kerrigan.

Kurt Weill, born in Dessau, Germany, in 1900, was a pioneering composer whose innovative spirit bridged the worlds of classical music and theater. Best known for his collaborations with Bertolt Brecht, Weill's works often carried a sharp social commentary, reflecting his belief in music's power to serve a socially useful purpose. Their most famous collaboration, "The Threepenny Opera," introduced the iconic ballad "Mack the Knife" and revolutionized the musical theater landscape. Weill's compositions, ranging from operas to Broadway musicals, seamlessly blended various musical styles, including American popular music, ragtime, and jazz. His notable works include "Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny," "Knickerbocker Holiday," featuring the beloved "September Song," and "Lost in the Stars," which addressed the pressing issue of racism in South Africa. Weill's journey took him from his early years in Germany to his later life in the United States, where he became a naturalized citizen in 1943. His legacy endures as one of the most important and innovative composers of the 20th century.