Synopsis "The new Orpheus: Essays on Kurt Weill"
In this prizewinning book, leading musical, theatrical, and literary scholars here examine different aspects of the life and work of Kurt Weill, one of the most controversial composers of the twentieth century. Making use of documentary material now available for the first time, the contributors present startling revelations not only about Weill’s career but also about his many collaborators―among them Brecht, Kaiser, Reinhardt, Werfel, Ira Gershwin, Klemperer, Moss Hart, and Elisabeth Hauptmann. "A welcome resource on the work of Kurt Weill, reflecting as it does the 'state of the art' in Weill scholarship. It provides new insights and observations on the legacy of an important and versatile composer."―Michale Colby, Notes "Anyone interested in opera should find . . . the book rewarding."―George Martin, Opera Quarterly "Enormously stimulating and provocative."―Richard Taruskin, Kurt Weill Newsletter "[A] probing and comprehensive collection of essays. . . . A seminal collection of essays."―Robert Henderson, Telegraph [London] "Fascinating, informative, thought-provoking, and illuminating."―Opera Canada
