Composer

:

Hanns Eisler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song Collection

Compose Date

:

1942

Average_duration

:

68:29

Hanns Eisler's "The Hollywood Songbook" is a collection of Hollywood-inspired songs composed between 1942 and 1943. The songbook was premiered in 1943 in New York City, with Eisler himself accompanying the singer Lotte Lenya on the piano. The songbook consists of 17 songs, each with its own unique style and character. The songs are arranged in three movements, with the first movement consisting of songs that reflect the glamour and glitz of Hollywood. The second movement is more introspective, with songs that explore the darker side of the entertainment industry. The final movement is a collection of songs that reflect Eisler's political views, with lyrics that criticize the capitalist system and advocate for social justice. The first movement includes songs such as "Hollywood Elegies," which celebrates the beauty and allure of Hollywood, and "The Ballad of the Hollywood Ten," which pays tribute to the ten screenwriters who were blacklisted during the McCarthy era. The second movement includes songs such as "The Secret Marriage," which explores the loneliness and isolation of Hollywood stars, and "The Hollywood Song," which satirizes the superficiality of the entertainment industry. The final movement includes songs such as "Solidarity Song," which calls for workers to unite against their oppressors, and "The Internationale," which is a socialist anthem. These songs reflect Eisler's political beliefs and his commitment to social justice. Overall, "The Hollywood Songbook" is a unique and powerful collection of songs that reflect the complex and often contradictory nature of Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Eisler's music is both beautiful and thought-provoking, and his lyrics are both poetic and political. The songbook remains a powerful testament to Eisler's talent and his commitment to social justice.

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