No other recording of this work has approached this one for bringing out, on the one hand, the pungency of its satire and, on the other, the catchiness of the dance-band rhythm. Probably none ever will.

This is, of course, the classic 1958 recording (first issued in the UK in mono in 1961) of Die Dreigroschenoper, featuring the composer's widow, Lotte Lenya, in the role of Jenny that she created back in 1928. Though 30 years on Lenya's voice had lost its youthful characteristics, no other recording of the work has approached this for bringing out, on the one hand, the pungency of its satire and, on the other, the catchiness of the dance-band rhythm. Probably none ever will.

It is also the only absolutely complete version there has been, since it includes not only Mrs Peachum's "Ballad of Sexual Dependency" but even Lucy's rarely heard "Jealousy Song".

Originally the recording was on four LP sides, and then reissued on three. Now it finds its ideal format on a single CD, in which form it should be in every record collection. The sound is very good early stereo.

-- Gramophone [3/1989]