One look at the ensemble above of dapper tuxedo-clad chaps and their
silver-gowned violinist speaks volumes about the style of playing of this
dance music! Yes we are back in the good old pre-World War II days, back
to the world of the palm court tea dance orchestras - all polished elegance
and world-weary sophistication. This CD is a compilation, a celebration of
Kurt Weill's melodies stretching from the 1920's to the 1940's taking in
his Berlin, Paris and New York periods and embracing many styles including
the fox-trot, tango, Shimy and Charleston.
There is much to enjoy here. Much is familiar; you will recognise songs made
famous in films and shows like: 'Life, Love and Laughter' from The Firebird
of Florence; the ironically coy and plaintive 'My Ship' from Lady in the
dark; the haunting 'September Song' from Knickerbocker Holiday; the dreamily
romantic 'All At Once' from Where Do We Go from Here?; and the stylish, seductive
samba rhythms of 'Speak Low' from One Touch of Venus (somewhat spoilt by
the dodgy intonation and oddly inflected English of vocalist Max Raabe who
also has a strange way with 'September Song'). There are also two Foxtrot
Potpourri to relish which have some delightfully quirky music to sand-dance
rhythms. Offsetting the sweetness, are some numbers from Weill's Berlin period,
decadent and with what one sometimes imagines is a cruel streak just below
the surface.
Very enjoyable; recommended
Ian Lace
Max Raabe (vocalist) with the
Palast Orchester directed by H.K. Gruber 
