Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht, Tom Hollander, Sharon Small - The Threepenny Opera (1994 London Donmar Warehouse Cast)

good atmosphere

Slightly disappointed with orchestrational output, prefered 1954 wind instrumental version - too much piano in bass parts. However, full parts produced with no cut versions. Singing excellent with graphic feeling and characterization which mirrors German translation and undertones of the piece. Used as 3rd year music undergraduate presentation. September 11, 2008

Not the one and only to have in your collection

The wonderful thing about the Threepenny Opera is that every recording is completely different than the previous, yet each one is integral in acheiving an understanding of what this show is about. For instance, I adore the original Broadway recording with Bea Arthur, Lotte Lenya, Scott Merrill, Charlotte Rae and Jo Sullivan the most because of the glorious mono sound and the brilliant performances. But this Donmar version is much closer to the themes and styles of Brecht's sophisticatedly vulgar text.

Some minor quibbles I'd say are the voices, orchestrations and the recording quality (it sounds like it was recorded in an ampitheatre), and I feel as if more clever rhyme-schemes were sacrificed and replaced with lyrics of shock value.

I can't say I'd stop at this recording, but it is a must-have for Threepenny afficinadoes. For me, the absolute most wonderful version that is SHAMEFULLY NOT ON CD is the Shakespeare Festival recording with Raul Julia and Ellen Greene. I am so fortunate to have a copy of the LP and to me that is the definitive recording.

May 21, 2008

Outstanding!

I have to confess that The Threepenny Opera is my all-time favorite musical piece. I love the music & I love the message. I just can't hear it enough & I can't listen to enough versions.

This is definitely one of the very best performances I've heard. The acting, the singing, the instrumental performances, the language are all spectacularly perfect. I just wish I'd gone to London in 1994 to see this version. Must have been the experience of a lifetime. July 4, 2003

only true version!

I worked on this show last year, we used this translation. Imagine my surprise when I tried to download parts of it and found them to be sugarcoated! This is the only version that actually uses rhymes that arent down right silly, and captures the terror and evilness of the German. Compared to this slick, painful adaptation the other versions have no spirit. November 7, 2002

The truest Threepenny experience I've ever had

The Donmar production is to be congratulated-- their Threepenny is a scream from hell. In setting this production in the present/near future, they have driven home the issues even further than the Foreman version does. Mac is no longer an orientalized rogue from the past; he is a cutting edge serial killer and rapist who works in collusion with the police. Jeremy Sams's lyrics capture the spirit of the piece perfectly-- they are harrowing. If you are looking for Brecht in its rawest, most meaningful form, it's on this cd. November 5, 2000

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