Weill: The 7 Deadly Sins

Dive into the captivating world of Kurt Weill with this stunning 2019 release from SWR Classic. "Weill: The 7 Deadly Sins" is a masterful collection of works that showcases the genius of one of the 20th century's most influential composers. This album is a testament to Weill's enduring legacy, featuring his final collaboration with Bertolt Brecht, the iconic ballet chanté "The Seven Deadly Sins."

The album opens with the titular work, a choral ballet that explores the seven deadly sins through the eyes of two sisters, Anna I and Anna II. This seminal piece, commissioned by George Balanchine, is presented in a new orchestration for 15 players, conducted by HK Gruber and performed by Ensemble Modern with soprano Sarah Maria Sun. The recording captures the caustic spirit and modernist edge that Weill and Brecht brought to the stage, making it a standout addition to any classical music collection.

In addition to "The Seven Deadly Sins," the album features Weill's "Quodlibet, Op. 9," a four-movement work that highlights the composer's versatility and innovation. The album also includes excerpts from Weill's other notable works, such as "Death in the Forest" and "Street Scene," providing a comprehensive overview of his artistic evolution.

This album is a must-listen for fans of opera, classical music, and the rich history of 20th-century composition. With a running time of just over an hour, it's a perfect introduction to Kurt Weill's unique voice and enduring influence. The performances are top-notch, with a stellar cast of singers and the SWR Rundfunkorchester Kaiserslautern delivering a powerful and nuanced interpretation of Weill's complex scores. Whether you're a longtime fan of Weill's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

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.