10 songs from three of Kurt Weill's most famous stage works are presented in easy arrangements for trumpet and piano. Players of any age will welcome the chance to play these famous tunes. The CD provides invaluable listening material
and an alternative accompaniment in the absence of a pianist.
Includes: The Ballad of Mack the Knife, Polly's Song (The Threepenny Opera), Alabama Song, Jenny's Song (Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny),
Don't be Afraid, The Liquor Dealer's Dream (Happy End )… and more.
lt is refreshing to see an arrangement of Kurt Weill songs for trumpet and piano and I was keen to investigate this professionally packaged music. There are ten songs in total, given either a jazz-style treatment or more a straightforward transcription by Martin Reiter. ln Mack the Knife the music is given a 'jazz standard ' makeover, with every jazz inflection written into the trumpet part in the form of glissandi, bent notes and growling. There is also a written-out improvisation solo section, rather like a jazz solo transcription, the interpretation of which is very well demonstrated on the accompanying CD. The easy swing jazz style sits happily with Mack the Knife, as do the Salsa rhythms in the Tango Ballad from the Threepenny Opera. The jazz waltz section in Don't Be Afraid from the musical comedy Happy End puts a new twist on a familiar tune. (…)
Music Teacher Magazine 1/2012
