Edition 1

This is, like volume 2, a set of re-released Capriccio recordings of Kurt Weill's German (mostly pre American) operas. Now at a very low price, it is an excellent way to get acquainted with Weill's less known works. Both of the boxes contain some mainstream works as well, like "DIe Dreigroschenoper" in this one.The rest is less mainstream. Performances are good to very good but for some there are some contenders, but for this price (and quality) you can not go wrong.The CD's are packaged in 5 individual paper sleeves and these are stored in a cardboard box. Along comes a small booklet that gives some overview but no libretto for each of the 5 operas. I contacted Capriccio and they do not have the them on the web-site either. If you need the texts, you need to find them elsewhere on the web or you need to find the original individual CD's (some are only available in the 2nd hand circuit at considerable prices).This box, combined with Vol. 2 gives a good overview of the mostly 'German' (pre WWII) period of Kurt Weill. It could only be hoped that Capriccio will some of the broadway musicals from the American period. But that wish has nothing to do with the excellent value for money you get here.

A true bargain. Delightful collection of Weill's favorite operas.