The cabarets, revues and movies that poured out of inter-war Berlin in the 1920s and 1930s generated a vibrant stream of popular music that simultaneously reflected and shaped the spirit of a dangerous age.
This unique book includes a detailed commentary on the rise and fall of Berlin's heady mix of jazz-age novelties, romantic ballads and caustic political satire. It also includes 21 original songs of the period both as sheet music and in contemporary audio recordings.
For two troubled decades Berlin found itself the focus of a spontaneous musical revolution that elevated the familiar German schlager – the lightweight popular song of the moment – into an influential bellwether of the volatile public mood.
Little known performers could end up as big stars or deportees... or worse.
The music they made is like no other, and this book tells its story in words, pictures and, most hauntingly, through the songs themselves.
