Marc Blitzstein - Theater Songs

Marc Blitzstein is not a well-known name these days, but he did achieve some renown as a composer during his lifetime. His best known work is probably the labor musical The Cradle Will Rock, followed by the opera Regina. The latter has been recorded twice, as has his wartime Airborne symphony (conducted both times by Leonard Bernstein).

Blitzstein

This present record collects songs from his less well-known works, with the composer at the piano and the excellent Muriel Smith singing. The recordings were made in December 1947; this 10-inch LP dates from a few years later.

Smith first became known in the title role of Carmen Jones on Broadway in 1943. She was appearing in a revival of The Cradle Will Rock when this record was made. Smith later spent much time in London, and was a vocal double for several films, notably for Juanita Hall in South Pacific. I have at least one of her LPs, and may share more of her work here.

Smith as Carmen Jones

My copy of this album does not include any notes, although it is possible that they were included in the original issue, which came in an envelope rather than a cardboard cover. Here are a few notes on the songs that may be helpful. The information is mainly derived from Leonard Lehrman's bio-bibliography of the composer:

"Mamasha Goose" - comes from the unfinished 1945 American-Soviet friendship musical Goloopchik. The song is sung by a child in Russia attempting to entertain two American soldiers. Music is from folk sources; words by Blitzstein. I believe "goloopchik" is a term of endearment.

"In the Clear" - is from the 1941 leftist opera No for an Answer, which only achieved a few performances at the time. The words are by the composer.

"Orpheus" - is from the 1937 incidental music for Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Here the piano tone has been altered to give an antique sound to the accompaniment.

"Ode to Reason" - is a solo song from the incidental music from a 1938 production of Georg Büchner's Danton's Death. The piano tone has been altered here as well.

"Song of the D.P." also is from Goloopchik. It is sung by a displaced woman ("D.P." = displaced person) who has been repatriated to Russia by the Nazis. It was drawn from some of Blitzstein's experiences in the US Army.