Composer

:

Kurt Weill

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Jan 1946 - Nov 1946

Publication Date

:

1947

First Performance

:

Jan 9, 1947

Average_duration

:

4:14

"What Good Would the Moon Be?" is a song composed by Kurt Weill, with lyrics by Ogden Nash. The song was written in 1943 and premiered in the Broadway musical "One Touch of Venus" on October 7, 1943. The musical was directed by Elia Kazan and choreographed by Agnes de Mille. The song is a romantic ballad that features a solo female vocalist accompanied by a full orchestra. The melody is slow and melancholic, with a haunting quality that perfectly captures the longing and sadness expressed in the lyrics. The song is divided into three distinct movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement begins with a soft, mournful introduction played by the orchestra. The vocalist enters, singing the opening lines of the song in a gentle, almost whisper-like tone. The melody is simple and understated, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. The first movement sets the tone for the rest of the song, establishing the mood of sadness and longing that permeates throughout. The second movement is more upbeat and features a more complex melody. The vocalist sings with more energy and passion, expressing the hope and optimism that comes with the possibility of love. The orchestra provides a lively accompaniment, with strings and brass instruments adding depth and texture to the music. The final movement returns to the melancholic tone of the first, with the vocalist singing the final lines of the song in a soft, mournful voice. The orchestra provides a gentle, understated accompaniment, allowing the vocalist's voice to shine through. The final notes of the song are played by the orchestra alone, bringing the piece to a quiet, contemplative close. Overall, "What Good Would the Moon Be?" is a beautiful and haunting piece of music that perfectly captures the emotions of love and longing. The song's simple melody and understated orchestration allow the lyrics to take center stage, making it a powerful and moving piece of music that has stood the test of time.

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