Lenya Singing in German

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Lenya Singing in German

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

re: Lenya Singing in German

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

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

re: Lenya Singing in German

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.

re: Lenya Singing in German

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

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

re: Lenya Singing in German

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.

"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"

re: Lenya Singing in German

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.

re: Lenya Singing in German

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

re: Lenya Singing in German

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

re: Lenya Singing in German

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

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