Immerse yourself in the vibrant, bustling world of urban life with Kurt Weill's "Street Scene," a captivating opera that brings the grit and charm of the city to life. Released on July 18, 1991, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this two-and-a-half-hour masterpiece is a testament to Weill's genius and his ability to blend various musical styles into a cohesive, compelling narrative.
"Street Scene" is based on Elmer Rice's Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name, with lyrics by Langston Hughes. The opera is a rich tapestry of human experiences, woven together through a series of interconnected scenes and songs. From the heat of the city to the loneliness of a single room, Weill's score captures the essence of urban living, with all its joys, sorrows, and complexities.
The album features an impressive cast, including Kristine Ciesinski, Janis Kelly, and Bonaventura Bottone, among others. Their powerful performances, coupled with Weill's evocative music, create a vivid portrait of life on the streets. The opera's blend of jazz, blues, and traditional opera elements makes it a unique and engaging listen, showcasing Weill's innovative approach to the genre.
Conducted by John Mauceri, this recording is praised for its "convincingly gritty, musically alive account" (Classics Magazine, 11/1991). It's a powerful exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of the city, and a testament to Weill's enduring legacy in the world of opera. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Street Scene" offers a compelling and unforgettable musical experience.
Street Scene, Act I: No. 1a, IntroductionKurt Weill, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 1b, Ain't it Awful, the Heat?Kurt Weill, Elaine MacKillop, Meriel Dickinson, Fiona Kimm, Emile Belcourt, David Morrison, David Marsh, Blythe Duff, Scottish Opera Chorus, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 2, Blues. I Got a Marble and a StarKurt Weill, Meriel Dickinson, Ben Holt (1955-1990); Bruce Hubbard, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 3a, Scene. Come in, Come inKurt Weill, Josephine Barstow, Elaine MacKillop, Meriel Dickinson, Fiona Kimm, Ryan McBride, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 3b, Trio. Get a Load of ThatKurt Weill, Elaine MacKillop, Josephine Barstow, Fiona Kimm, Meriel Dickinson, Jerry Hadley, David Kübler, David Morrison, David Marsh, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 4, Arietta. When a Woman Has a BabyKurt Weill, Josephine Barstow, Elaine MacKillop, Meriel Dickinson, Fiona Kimm, David Kübler, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 5a, SceneKurt Weill, Elaine MacKillop, Josephine Barstow, Meriel Dickinson, Fiona Kimm, David Morrison, Samuel Ramey, Scottish Opera Chorus, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 5b, Aria. Somehow I Never Could BelieveKurt Weill, Josephine Barstow, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 6a, SceneKurt Weill, Elaine MacKillop, Josephine Barstow, Meriel Dickinson, Fiona Kimm, Tom McVeigh, David Morrison, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 6b, QuartetKurt Weill, Elaine MacKillop, Fiona Kimm, Meriel Dickinson, Anthony Mee, David Morrison, David Marsh, Samuel Ramey, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 7, Ice-Cream SextetKurt Weill, Elaine MacKillop, Josephine Barstow, Meriel Dickinson, Fiona Kimm, Anthony Mee, Emile Belcourt, David Morrison, Ben Holt (1955-1990); Bruce Hubbard, David Marsh, Samuel Ramey, Blythe Duff, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 8, Aria. Let Things Be Like They Always WasKurt Weill, Elaine MacKillop, Meriel Dickinson, Anthony Mee, David Morrison, Samuel Ramey, David Marsh, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 9a, Scene and Song. Hail to the SchoolKurt Weill, Elaine MacKillop, Josephine Barstow, Barbara Bonney, Gillian Taylor, Meriel Dickinson, David Morrison, David Marsh, Scottish Opera Chorus, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 9b, Ensemble. Wrapped in a RibbonKurt Weill, Barbara Bonney, Josephine Barstow, Elaine MacKillop, Jane Betsworth, Anne McClellan-Scott, Gillian Taylor, Meriel Dickinson, Fiona Kimm, Jerry Hadley, Tom McVeigh, Anthony Mee, David Kübler, David Morrison, Ben Holt (1955-1990); Bruce Hubbard, Samuel Ramey, David Marsh, Ryan McBride, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri, Stephanie Minelly, Hazel Hiram, James Differ
Street Scene, Act I: No. 10, Arioso. Lonely House"Kurt Weill, Angelina Reaux, Elaine MacKillop, Fiona Kimm, Jerry Hadley, Kurt Ollmann, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 11, Scene and Song. Wouldn't You Like to BeKurt Weill, Angelina Reaux, Meriel Dickinson, Kurt Ollmann, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 12, Cavatina and Scene. What Good Would the Moon BeKurt Weill, Angelina Reaux, David Kübler, Kurt Ollmann, Samuel Ramey, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 13, Song, Scene and Dance. Moon-faced, Starry EyedKurt Weill, Mary Munger, Philip Gould, Angelina Reaux, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 14a, Duet. Remember That I CareKurt Weill, Angelina Reaux, Meriel Dickinson, David Kübler, Jerry Hadley, Matthew Costello, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act I: No. 14b, FinalettoKurt Weill, Angelina Reaux, David Kübler, Jerry Hadley, Ben Holt (1955-1990); Bruce Hubbard, Samuel Ramey, Malcolm Aitken, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act II: No. 15a, IntroductionKurt Weill, Philip Gould, Mary Munger, David Kübler, Malcolm Aitken, Scottish Opera Chorus, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act II: No. 15b, Children's Game. Catch Me if You CanKurt Weill, Elaine MacKillop, Josephine Barstow, Angelina Reaux, Meriel Dickinson, Jerry Hadley, Emile Belcourt, Anthony Mee, David Kübler, Samuel Ramey, Blythe Duff, Ryan McBride, Scottish Opera Chorus, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri, Hazel Hiram, Stephanie Minelly, James Differ
Street Scene, Act II: No. 16, Scene and Trio. There'll Be TroubleKurt Weill, Angelina Reaux, Josephine Barstow, David Morrison, Samuel Ramey, Ryan McBride, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act II: No. 17, Song. A Boy Like YouKurt Weill, Josephine Barstow, Angelina Reaux, Jerry Hadley, Blythe Duff, Ryan McBride, Matthew Costello, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act II: No. 18a, Duet. We'll Go Away TogetherKurt Weill, Angelina Reaux, Jerry Hadley, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act II: No. 18b, SceneKurt Weill, Angelina Reaux, Josephine Barstow, Meriel Dickinson, Jerry Hadley, David Kübler, Tom McVeigh, Ben Holt (1955-1990); Bruce Hubbard, Kurt Ollmann, Samuel Ramey, David Marsh, Ian McKinven, Roberto Cecere, John Mauceri, Scottish Opera Chorus, Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Street Scene, Act II: No. 19a, Choral Scene and Lament. The Woman Who Lived UpKurt Weill, Angelina Reaux, Josephine Barstow, Meriel Dickinson, Jerry Hadley, Ian McKinven, Scottish Opera Chorus, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act II: No. 19b, InterludeKurt Weill, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act II: No. 20, Lullaby. Sleep, Baby DearKurt Weill, Arleen Auger, Della Jones, John Mauceri, Scottish Opera Chorus, Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Street Scene, Act II: No. 21, SceneKurt Weill, Angelina Reaux, Elaine MacKillop, Meriel Dickinson, Jerry Hadley, David Kübler, Ben Holt (1955-1990); Bruce Hubbard, David Marsh, Samuel Ramey, Blythe Duff, John Mauceri, Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Street Scene, Act II: No. 22a, Ensemble. I Loved Her TooKurt Weill, Angelina Reaux, Samuel Ramey, John Mauceri, Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Street Scene, Act II: No. 22b, Duet. Remember That I CareKurt Weill, Angelina Reaux, Fiona Kimm, Meriel Dickinson, Jerry Hadley, Emile Belcourt, Blythe Duff, Scottish Opera Chorus, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
Street Scene, Act II: No. 22c, Ain't it Awful, the Heat?"Kurt Weill, Elaine MacKillop, Fiona Kimm, Meriel Dickinson, Emile Belcourt, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mauceri
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