Wanted, Songs Of Kurt Weill – Dagmar Peckova

   in Opera Now (Sep, 2017)
Much more fun is Dagmar Pecková’s romp through Kurt Weill in Wanted. The Czech mezzo’s voice perhaps isn’t what it was, but it doesn’t stop her having a blast as she swoops, shouts and swoons through a selection of numbers. She certainly doesn’t mind making an ugly noise, but then neither does she mind letting a good tune sing for itself. Pecková is superbly partnered by the Epoque Quartet and Orchestra, Miroslav Hloucal Jazz Band and baritone Jirí Hájek, who add snap and vitality to the project. From the opening ‘Surabaya Johnny’ you know you’re in for a ride – by the time she’s hectoring us to show her the …