Weill: Zaubernacht

"Zaubernacht (Magic Night)" is a captivating journey into the early genius of Kurt Weill, a composer who would later become renowned for his innovative approach to opera and musical theater. This 1922 work, Weill's first theatrical score, is a delightful children's ballet pantomime that tells the enchanting tale of a boy and girl who, under a fairy's spell, venture into a world of magic and wonder. The album, released in 2013, features the first recording of Weill's own orchestrations, which were fortuitously discovered in a safe at Yale University in 2005.

The composition is a fascinating blend of Weill's signature mordant, bittersweet style and neoclassical episodes, some of which evoke a breezy, salon-music quality. The music, scored for chamber forces and later arranged for orchestra, is both tuneful and sophisticated, avoiding overt sweetness. It meshes beautifully with a nocturnal scenario reminiscent of "The Nutcracker," where toys come to life.

The album features the Arte Ensemble, with Ania Vegry delivering a stellar performance as the soprano. The recording, made in the Main Studio of NDR Hanover in February 2012, captures the essence of Weill's early brilliance. "Zaubernacht (Magic Night)" is a significant piece in Weill's oeuvre, offering a unique glimpse into his formative years and his evolving compositional style. With its diverse range of tempos and moods, from the gentle "Andantino" to the lively "Allegro giocoso," this album is a treasure trove for fans of classical music and opera alike.

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.