Die Dreigroschenoper Band (1) - Kanonensong ! (1928) video free download

After taking a short brake it is time to start another series, this one focusing on music from the late 1920s and early to mid 1930s. The idea is to present music from Germany, France and England including some more songs of the "multilingual" movie making period... and singers who are almost forgotten these days. For the fans of the "Swing from Berlin" (etc) series : It will be continued with intervals.

The first video features music from Kurt Weill and Bertold Brecht's "Dreigroschenoper" ("Threepenny Opera"), premiered at Berlin's "Theater am Schiffbauerdamm" on August, 31st, 1928 with Lotte Lenya, Harald Paulsen, Rosa Valetti, Käte Kühl; Kurt Gerron and Ernst Busch. This "beggar's opera" set in London's seedy Soho neighbourhood has since become legendary, featuring songs such as "Mackie Messer / Mack the knife"; "Seeräuber Jenny"...

"Dreigroschenoper" was also a major succes in France as "L'opéra de quat'sous" and the USA as "The Threepenny Opera" and was filmed by G.W. Pabst in 1931 (Franco-German co-production).

This record features the original Dreigroschenoper-Band : the Lewis (later Ludwig) Ruth Orchestra under the direction of Theo Mackeben. This record is in astonishingly good condition for an 80 year old record. It is also a flea market find of recent weeks ! (99,99% of the records I own were bought at flea markets).

The video's theme is the "Roaring Twenties" showing nightlife from Berlin as well as the USA (including the prohibition). It also shows two great faces of German silent cinema : the legendary Brigitte Helm (of "Metropolis" fame) and American born Betty Amann (1905-1990).

About the record :

Odeon O-2703a / mx. Be 7669

For the flip side "Zuhälterballade" see Video Response below.

Recorded 1928 (Thank you Hendrik - User Dairyman716)

Transferred without modification.

Sound equipment used :

Ortophon om78 Cartridge & Stylus

Turntable : Stanton T.90

TerraTec 78RPM Phono Pre-amp

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