Lenya Singing in German

[nmartin]

Posted: 1/2/09 at 8:29pm

I love to listen to Lenya sing in German, and I don't know why. I don't understand German. Is it Lenya? The authentic orchestrations? In a previous life did I frequent the theatres and cafes of Berlin? I do know that right now she's singing Surabaya Johnny in German, and it's great! It's from the cd pictured. The artwork ain't bad either.
Updated On: 1/2/09 at 08:29 PM

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 1/2/09 at 8:36pm

Have you heard her on the original German version of Die Dreigroschenoper? Her voice was so high!

[nmartin]

Posted: 1/2/09 at 8:39pm

I haven't, Phyllis, but I will be looking for it. This is the only Lenya I have besides Cabaret.
She is doing Bilbao Song right now. It is wonderful.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 1/2/09 at 8:50pm

She remains - in my opinion - the definitive chanteuse of "Pirate Jenny."

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 1/2/09 at 8:58pm

Couldn't agree more, Phyllis. And her voice singing "Pirate Jenny" from way back when (as in the 30s) sounds quite high, something Donna Murphy captured to a T in her brilliant performance in LOVEMUSIK.
And nmartin, I don't speak a word of German, but there's nothing more enjoyable than listening to Lenya sing Weill's music in German. Her "Surabaya Johnny" is particularly passionate and thrilling.

[nmartin]

Posted: 1/2/09 at 9:13pm

Ray, I'm glad I'm not alone.
I'm going to find some of these earlier recordings that you and Phyllis are talking about. I'm anxious to hear a younger Lenya.

[KrissySim]

Posted: 1/2/09 at 11:24pm

That entire recording of Die Dreigroschenoper with Lenya as Jenny is artistic reference material IMO. Definitely worth a listen.

PS I don't speak German per se, but I can certainly understand those lyrics. It ain't hard to.
Updated On: 1/2/09 at 11:24 PM

[nmartin]

Posted: 1/3/09 at 6:20am

I found this site with an audio comparison of Lenya's voice over a span of 27 years. It is very brief, but the difference is there. I love both of them.
Scroll down to find it.
Lenya

[PalJoey]

Posted: 1/3/09 at 9:42am

Gut bless YouTube.



Lenya in the 1931 movie singing "Pirate Jenny":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec0clERjQ5A



Lenya in 1958 singing "Surabaya Johnny" and "Alabama Song"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJKkqC8JVXk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6orDcL0zt34