Composer

:

Kurt Weill

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

May 1928 - Aug 1928

Publication Date

:

1928

First Performance

:

Aug 31, 1928

Average_duration

:

3:45

Kurt Weill's "Zuhälterballade" is a song from his 1928 opera "Die Dreigroschenoper" (The Threepenny Opera). The opera premiered on August 31, 1928, at the Theater am Schiffbauerdamm in Berlin, Germany. "Zuhälterballade" is the second song in the opera and is sung by the character of Macheath, a notorious criminal and pimp. The song is a ballad that tells the story of Macheath's rise to power as a pimp and his eventual downfall. The lyrics are written in a colloquial style and are full of slang and street language. The music is composed in a cabaret style, with a catchy melody and a lively rhythm. The song is divided into three movements. The first movement is a slow and mournful introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The second movement is a fast and lively section that describes Macheath's rise to power as a pimp. The third movement is a slow and mournful conclusion that describes Macheath's eventual downfall and his realization that he has been betrayed by his friends. The characteristics of "Zuhälterballade" are typical of Weill's style. The music is a blend of popular and classical styles, with elements of jazz, cabaret, and opera. The lyrics are written in a colloquial style that reflects the language of the streets. The song is full of irony and social commentary, and it reflects Weill's interest in the political and social issues of his time. Overall, "Zuhälterballade" is a powerful and evocative song that captures the spirit of Weill's opera. It is a testament to Weill's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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