Brecht's nihilistic views seem a little dated now though his works are still enormously effective. Weill's music though never dates, making human beings out of characters who, on paper, are little more than stereotypes. This performance from 1964 is performed by singer/actors who understood this opera thoroughly. Most had experienced the horrors of Nazi Germany so for them these characters, these polemics, were very real.Irmgard Arnold always has the right tone for Jenny, especially in Act 2 when she curtly cuts off any suggestion that she might bail Jimmy out of debt. Her voice sounds prematurely aged (not inappropriate for Jenny) though it isn't unpleasant and she has no difficulty with the notes. Erich Witte was better known for his Herodes and Mime, but he sings Jimmy with attractive tone and doesn't allow himself to become too emotional. He surprises us in his big aria by knocking out the optional top C to great effect.The three crooks are all well played and sung as are Jimmy's companions. Heinz Fricke leads a swiftly moving, taut performance notable for its excellent orchestral playing and superb choral work. He cuts the God Came to Mahagonny scene right before the finale (it's redundant anyway.) Lovers of Brecht and Weill will get a lot out of this performance recorded in clear broadcast sound.