Tunes for Tyrants with Suzy Klein...

[pastoralguy]

Did anyone watch this new BBC 4 series? Some very emotive stuff!

[ardcarp]

Suzy Klein has an engaging personality; she had to conform to the usual tyrannical BBC routines, e.g. the penguin waddle walking towards the camera, the introductory "I'm going to discover" twaddle. Waddle and twaddle really. But the substance of the programme was good, and she didn't stray far from the Orfeo 'power of music' theme. Maybe Weill's 3-penny opera excerpts were a little over-long in proportion to other elements. Was SK trying to play the Theramin really necessary? That too is a BBC 'thing'.

[cloughie]

Suzy Klein has an engaging personality; she had to conform to the usual tyrannical BBC routines, e.g. the penguin waddle walking towards the camera, the introductory "I'm going to discover" twaddle. Waddle and twaddle really. But the substance of the programme was good, and she didn't stray far from the Orfeo 'power of music' theme. Maybe Weill's 3-penny opera excerpts were a little over-long in proportion to other elements. Was SK trying t play the Theraminreally necessary? That too is a BBC 'thing'.

Did she pick up Good Vibrations?

[Serial_Apologist]

Too much oversimplification, to much omitted, far too long spent on Mack the Knife... But the part dealing with the Horst Wessel Lied was interesting.

I agree completely.

[Bryn]

Too much oversimplification, to much omitted, far too long spent on Mack the Knife... But the part dealing with the Horst Wessel Lied was interesting.

And especially given the stress on right versus left political songs, no mention of Hans Eisler that I detected. Surely a better counterpoint to Wessel's use of a folk tune.

[Sir Velo]

What is it with BBC4 and naff, alliterative titles?

[Stanfordian]

;

I agree completely.

Enjoyed the programme very much. I thought the performance of 'Mack the Knife' was quite wonderful; a real highlight!

[Stanfordian]

And especially given the stress on right versus left political songs, no mention of Hans Eisler that I detected. Surely a better counterpoint to Wessel's use of a folk tune.

But the 'Horst Wessel' song was staggeringly significant in those horrific times in Germany. I felt it needed to be included!

[Stanfordian]

Suzy Klein has an engaging personality; she had to conform to the usual tyrannical BBC routines, e.g. the penguin waddle walking towards the camera, the introductory "I'm going to discover" twaddle. Waddle and twaddle really. But the substance of the programme was good, and she didn't stray far from the Orfeo 'power of music' theme. Maybe Weill's 3-penny opera excerpts were a little over-long in proportion to other elements. Was SK trying to play the Theramin really necessary? That too is a BBC 'thing'.

I agree SK playing the piano was a waste of air time as there was so much to get through

[Serial_Apologist]

But the 'Horst Wessel' song was staggeringly significant in those horrific times in Germany. I felt it needed to be included!

I don't think Bryn was saying it should not have been included, Stan! I imagine Eisler's contribution to the anti-fascist movement from 1929 onwards will be taken up in Programme 2. If not...

[pastoralguy]

;

Enjoyed the programme very much. I thought the performance of 'Mack the Knife' was quite wonderful; a real highlight!

At first, I thought HE'S NOT DOING IT RIGHT! and then it hit me just how well he WAS singing it! Just amazing.

[Braunschlag]

An enjoyable and interesting programme. One of the less patronising presenters and the Weill was very eerie indeed. Never been a fan of his music and that rendition really gave me the creeps. Makes me think I’ve really been duped by Hollywood ‘upholstery’, it was genuinely far more interesting and emotionally hard hitting that way.
Regarding the Horst Wessel there is some interesting information somewhere about its resemblance to a well known hymn tune, it’ll come to mind at some point.
Looking forward to part two.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Regarding the Horst Wessel there is some interesting information somewhere about its resemblance to a well known hymn tune, it’ll come to mind at some point.

How Great Thou Art?

[johncorrigan]

At first, I thought HE'S NOT DOING IT RIGHT! and then it hit me just how well he WAS singing it! Just amazing.

I thought he was fantastic - at times he had a bit of the Dietrich about him...would have liked to hear it without interruption. I loved the bit of theremin...erm, not the bit with the presenter that is.

Overall the programme was a bit patchy, but I was fascinated by her hat which seemed to have a life of its own.

[pastoralguy]

I thought he was fantastic - at times he had a bit of the Dietrich about him...would have liked to hear it without interruption. I loved the bit of theremin...erm, not the bit with the presenter that is.

Overall the programme was a bit patchy, but I was fascinated by her hat which seemed to have a life of its own.

I must look this chap up and see what recordings he's made.

I reckon Suzy's hat was real mink. Now, if she'd just gone the whole hog with a coat to match...