Composer

:

Kurt Weill

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Apr 1927 - Apr 1929

Publication Date

:

1929

First Performance

:

Jul 18, 1927

Average_duration

:

3:22

"Denn wie man sich bettetMahagonn" is a one-act opera composed by Kurt Weill with a libretto by Bertolt Brecht. The opera premiered on February 17, 1930, at the Kroll Opera House in Berlin, Germany. The opera is part of the larger work "Mahagonny-Songspiel," which was later expanded into a full-length opera called "Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny." The opera consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical style. The first movement, "Alabama Song," is a raucous drinking song that sets the tone for the rest of the opera. The second movement, "Benares Song," is a hauntingly beautiful aria sung by the character Jenny, who longs for a better life. The final movement, "Mahagonny Song," is a triumphant anthem that celebrates the city of Mahagonny and its hedonistic pleasures. The music of "Denn wie man sich bettetMahagonn" is characterized by its eclectic mix of styles, including jazz, cabaret, and classical music. Weill's use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies adds to the opera's sense of unease and tension. The libretto, written by Brecht, is similarly unconventional, with its fragmented narrative and use of alienation techniques. Overall, "Denn wie man sich bettetMahagonn" is a powerful and provocative work that explores themes of decadence, corruption, and the human desire for pleasure and escape. Its innovative music and lyrics continue to inspire and challenge audiences today.

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