

Weill: The Seven Deadly Sins
Jun 26, 2025
Dive into the stormy collaboration between Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht, where contrasting philosophies shaped remarkable works during Weimar Germany's cultural explosion. Explore how the duo's personal and artistic tensions unfolded in 'The Seven Deadly Sins,' examining themes like sloth, envy, and ambition through Anna's complex narrative. Experience the lively yet haunting musical journey, revealing deeper reflections on love, exploitation, and the impact of societal expectations on individual expression.
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Intricate Political and Human Tragedy
- The Seven Deadly Sins combines Weill's popular form mastery with Brecht's pointed satire to brutally critique capitalism's effects.
- Its power lies in portraying human tragedy, not just political commentary.
Tensions in Brecht-Weill Collaboration
- The Threepenny Opera unexpectedly succeeded musically while Brecht feared its political message was lost.
- Brecht once sabotaged his own play by interrupting with a reading of the Communist Manifesto mid-performance.
Brecht's Bitter Libretto Experience
- Brecht wrote The Seven Deadly Sins libretto in Paris within one week, despite barely speaking to Weill then.
- Weill later called Brecht "one of the most repulsive, unpleasant fellows running around on this earth".