Kurt Weill

Mahagonny Songspiel

Text Author	Bertolt Brecht
Publisher	EAMC
Instrumentation	2cl(bcl)asx-2tp.tbn-timp.perc-pno-2vn
Duration	30'
Movements	Auf nach Mahagonny Alabama Song Wer in Mahagonny blieb Benares Song Gott in Mahagonny Finale: Diese ganze Mahagonny
Language	German and English
Authorized translations	English: Michael Feingold
Synopsis	There is no dialogue or character development. The songs, considered in order, tell a skeletal story similar to that of the opera Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny. As renowned Weill scholar David Drew writes, "The fleshpots of Mahagonny attract many visitors, but prove disappointing and expensive; God orders the inhabitants to hell, but they revolt, claiming they are there already" (Kurt Weill: A Handbook [U. of California Press, 1987], p. 171).
Roles	Charlie (tenor), Billy (tenor), Bobby (bass), Jimmy (bass), Jessie (soprano), Bessie (soprano)