Krenek
Krenek’s opera was acclaimed as the first jazz opera and while the public adored the piece – it was first given in Berlin in 1927 and within the year there were 50 productions throughout Europe – critics did not treat it so kindly and the Nazi regime condemned it as Entartete Musik (degenerate music). “A fine recording based on a 1990 Leipzig production… complete with spectacular sound effects – they come over with colour and energy… the recording provides the most convincing evidence yet that the piece deserves reappraisal. Heinz Kruse as Max sustains his long monologues impressively… it is Alessandra Marc as the heroine, Anita, who emerges as the main star, relishing lush Krenek melodies.” The Penguin Guide