Update 06-13-2000 I've been listening at this recording more and more, and I've come to a rather different conclusion now. First, I've better understooden the lyrics, and I found them, along with the story, excellent. I've come to appreciate a lot the music also possibly not Weill's better (as I've read some write), but surely a very good music, which perfectly fits the story and the lyrics. The performers also do great. What I hadn't understooden the first time made me think they were just vulgar by nature. But now I understand they are because their characters are. That makes all the difference, and I would say, today that this recording is really excellent. I hope I will soon hear other renditions of the same piece.