Composer

:

Kurt Weill

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Jul 1944 - Dec 1944

Publication Date

:

1945

First Performance

:

Feb 23, 1945

Average_duration

:

2:55

Kurt Weill's "Sing Me Not a Ballad" is a song cycle composed in 1944, with lyrics by Maxwell Anderson. The piece premiered on March 15, 1945, at the Alvin Theatre in New York City, with Lotte Lenya as the soloist. The cycle consists of six movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, "The Pennycandystore Beyond the El," is a nostalgic reflection on childhood memories. The music is light and playful, with a jaunty piano accompaniment. The second movement, "Serenade," is a romantic ballad with a lush, sweeping melody. The third movement, "I'm a Stranger Here Myself," is a wistful reflection on the experience of being an outsider. The music is spare and haunting, with a simple piano accompaniment. The fourth movement, "It Never Was You," is a melancholy love song. The melody is simple and plaintive, with a gentle piano accompaniment. The fifth movement, "Lullaby," is a tender lullaby sung to a child. The music is gentle and soothing, with a delicate piano accompaniment. The final movement, "Speak Low," is a sultry, seductive song. The melody is sinuous and sensuous, with a smoky piano accompaniment. Overall, "Sing Me Not a Ballad" is a deeply emotional and evocative work. Weill's music is characterized by its rich harmonies, memorable melodies, and expressive use of orchestration. Anderson's lyrics are poetic and introspective, exploring themes of love, loss, and nostalgia. Together, they create a powerful and moving portrait of the human experience.

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