Composer

:

Kurt Weill

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Cabaret

Compose Date

:

May 1928 - Aug 1928

Publication Date

:

1928

First Performance

:

Aug 31, 1928

Average_duration

:

3:46

'Die Moritat von Mackie Messer' is a song composed by Kurt Weill in 1928 for the musical play 'Die Dreigroschenoper' (The Threepenny Opera), with lyrics by Bertolt Brecht. The play premiered on August 31, 1928, at the Theater am Schiffbauerdamm in Berlin, Germany. The song is also known as 'Mack the Knife' in English, and it has become one of the most famous and widely performed songs of the 20th century. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darin, and Michael Bublé. The song has a distinctive melody and rhythm, with a jazzy and upbeat feel that belies its dark lyrics. The lyrics tell the story of Mackie Messer, a notorious criminal who is feared and respected by all. He is described as a "sharp-dressed man" who carries a knife and is not afraid to use it. The chorus warns that "Mackie Messer is back in town," and that people should be careful not to cross him. The song is divided into three verses, each of which describes a different aspect of Mackie Messer's life. The first verse introduces him as a criminal who is always on the move, never staying in one place for too long. The second verse describes his romantic exploits, as he seduces and abandons women with ease. The third verse reveals his downfall, as he is betrayed by his own gang and arrested by the police. The song's popularity is due in part to its catchy melody and memorable lyrics, but also to its social and political commentary. Brecht and Weill were both committed to socialist ideals, and their work often criticized the capitalist system and the injustices it perpetuated. 'Die Dreigroschenoper' was a scathing critique of bourgeois society, and 'Die Moritat von Mackie Messer' was a key part of that critique. Overall, 'Die Moritat von Mackie Messer' is a powerful and enduring work of art that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its combination of music, lyrics, and social commentary make it a true masterpiece of 20th-century culture.

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