This is becoming quite a tradition: during the first days of the year I often re-organize my vast discography and find myself in a revival of the fabulous sounds of Berlin during the 1930s – its Golden Years.
This year the revival was made under the form of a very special purchase – finally I am the proud owner of a Bob Fosse’s Cabaret OST copy in vinyl. The minute I laid the fragile record in my modest turntable, my house was immediatly warmed by the astonishing music of Kander and Ebb, and lightened by Minnelli’s and Grey’s voices.
But, as in any revival we perform through our most precious memories, they never cease to reflect our own state of mind and, as a consequence of that, a new discovery is found through the items we thought we knew by heart. This time was no exception, as I fell hopelesslly in love with Greta Keller’s voice in Heiraten, a track forgotten for those who only associate Weimar Republic songs with Dietrich when it comes to music.
Her voice flows freely through my appartment as I sneak through my window while I drink my Sunday morning coffee with no hurry at all, still in a robe-de-chambre, and gazing at the languid Winter sun that spreads its rays over the city in shyness. The moment created is of such preciousness as if a brand new world had its beginning today – a fresh new start after the thunderstorm.
