Publisher's Synopsis
An Historical Study of Kurt Weill's Der Silbersee, is the first book to examine in detail the events of the creation of Kurt Weill and Georg Kaiser's collaborative opera. Expanded from Spencer's Master of Music thesis, with nearly twenty years of research, this book is a must for Kurt Weill fans and scholars, musicians and actors, and those interested in history of The Weimar Republic. Chapter I introduces the reader to the historical impact of this import work and why only with in recent years has the work began entering the repertoire of opera and play houses throughout the world. Chapter II discusses Kurt Weill and all his collaborative German Stage works with examination of Weill's opera reform and relationship with playwrights-librettists Georg Kaiser, Bertolt Brecht and Caspar Neher. Chapter III presents a detailed account of events concerning the work including: preparation, plans for the musical form, composing the work, synopsis and the finished score. Spencer discusses the satirical significance of the title, the work's relationship to fairy-tale, and it's homoerotic subtext (an area that is rarely discussed in Weill's works). Challenges of producing Der Silbersee, Nazi threats, production cuts, the triple premiere, and favorable and Nazi propaganda reviews create for a fascinating biography. Chapter IV examines historical events of Weill and his Collaborators after Hitler becomes the Chancellor of Germany. Revivals and Reconstruction of Der Silbersee are explored with their relationship to Weill's original intent. Discography and reviews are also presented. The detailed appendices offers a gallery of rare photos of those connected with the work, as well as a collection of photos from productions around the world. Spencer includes a complete timeline chronology of Weill's life researched from information of the Kurt Weill Foundation in New York City. A Chronology of Bertold Brecht's plays and Caspar Neher's scenographic works is also included.
