Max Raabe & Palast Orchester: Dream A Little Dream

Mar 12, 2019

Davies Symphony Hall

PLEASE NOTE:
This page is an archive of a past production

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Original show description below.

Performing a selection of standards and obscurities that defined the popular music of the 1920s and 30s, Raabe and his 12-piece orchestra bring the madcap fun and musical sophistication of Germany’s Weimar era to life in grand style. His newest album, Eine Nacht in Berlin, plucks gems from German cabaret and American songs that made the European hit parade. In the 1920s and early 30s, Berlin was a roiling cauldron of creative energy where avant-garde art movements intersected with popular culture, birthing theatrical and musical forms that continue to influence our world today.

A conservatory-trained baritone besotted with the Weimar era vocal style exemplified by the Comedian Harmonists, Raabe interprets vintage hits while also writing original songs and sometimes reinventing contemporary pop tunes in a retro style, such as “Oops!... I Did It Again” from Britney Spears and “Sex Bomb” by Tom Jones. With his slicked back hair and ingratiating stage presence, Raabe is a master entertainer whose irony-laced performances combine arresting spectacle with sophisticated, jazz-steeped arrangements that are consistently dizzying, delightful and devilishly catchy.

Expect a party from a bygone era, and don’t be surprised if the audience dresses up in true Art Deco style!

In the grand style of performers from Germany's Weimar Republic, Max Raabe likes to party like it's 1929.

The New York Times

In the grand style of performers from Germany's Weimar Republic, Max Raabe likes to party like it's 1929.

The New York Times

Personnel

Max Raabe vocals
Bernd Frank clarinet & tenor saxophone
Rainer Fox clarinet, baritone saxophone, & vocals
Johannes Ernst clarinet & alto saxophone
Sven Bährens clarinet & alto saxophone
Thomas Huder trumpet & vocals
Michael Enders trumpet & vocals
Jörn Ranke trombone, viola, & vocals
Cecilia Crisafulli violin
Ulrich Hoffmeier guitar, banjo, & violin
Ian Wekwerth piano
Dirk Schmigotzki bass
Fabio Duwentester drums & percussion