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Why did Vladimir Atlantov, a major
operatic star, become interested in these popular songs of different countries?
Perhaps because they are
accessible to and loved by everybody?
Or maybe because through these
songs the most important theme of Atlantov’s art emerges in all its beauty and
grandeur – love declaration, love – talent, a test of fortitude and a depth of
feelings, love defying and sentimentality.
It demands skill to perform
these songs in such a way that they can take the listener’s breath away and
plunge him into the depths of warm and romantic feelings. V. Atlantov once
said
that he was inspired to sing these songs by Mario Lanza’s performance:
"When I listen to him I feel as if some golden lava is flowing toward
me. I’m deeply moved when I hear him singing, and not only because he has a
voice of unique beauty – it has everything from amazing firmness, resolution
and dramatism to piercing, throbbing tenderness."
But the Russian artist does not
try to imitate the great Italian – he has a vivid, artistic individuality and
an easily recognizable timbre. Besides, these songs are admirably suited to the
nature of his gift. "Le Monde" wrote that "V. Atlantov combines
all the inherent features of an Italian and Slavic tenor, that is, resolution,
mellow timbre and remarkable flexibility."
Atlantov impersonates the main
characters of these popular melodies with the supreme mastery of a first-rate
singer and artist, generously expending his vast emotional resources.
One may wonder why a performer
who creates operatic masterpieces should abandon himself so completely in
popular songs? Atlantov in opera evokes in us light romantic dreams while
filling our hearts with sorrow and anxiety for his characters, cleansing our
souls with elated compassion. Atlantov in popular song is just the same.
He
does not treat these simple folk melodies with condescension.
On the contrary, like a skillful
restorer endowed with an excellent taste and sense of style he strips them of
triviality and, rejecting standard treatment, offers fresh, new interpretations
revealing the songs’ brilliance and beauty. Also, Atlantov sings in English,
German and Italian with such a perfect ease that the text of the music enhances
still greater the enchantment of his performance.
Atlantov cultivates a special,
elated mood and ecstatic intonations. For him, it is the only way to
convey great love - an all-enveloping, passionate, selfless feeling which knows
no boundaries. In this way, Atlantov sings these songs.
Vladimir Atlantov, tenor
Concert Serenade
1. Granada
(A Lara – unknown author) – 3:10
2. Yours is My Heart Alone
(F.Lehar. Prince Sou Chong aria from the operetta "The Land of Smiles") – 3:21
3. Souvenirs D’un Concerto (Concert Serenade)
(C. Bracco-E.Caruso) – 3:21
4. Mattinata
(F.Tosti – G.D’Annunzio) – 3:06
5. Musica Proibita
(S. Gastaldon – Flick-Flock) – 3:10
6. Un Amore Cosi Grande
(D.M.Ferilli – A. Maggio) – 4:06
7. Be My Love
(N.Brodsky – unknown author) – 3:21
8. Mattinata
(music and words by B. Leoncavallo) – 2:26
9. Tu, Nun Chiagne
(E. de Curtis – L. Bovio) – 3:26
10. Torna
(N. Valente – P. Vento) – 4:03
11. ‘O Paese D’ ‘O Sole
(V.. D. Annibale – L. Bovio) – 4:02
12. I’te Vurria Vasa'
(E. di Capua – V. Russo) – 5:03
13. Non Ti Scordar Di Me
(music and words by E. Curtis) – 3:08
14. Voce’E Notte
(E. de Curtis – Lardini) – 3:13
15. Passione
(N. Valente and E. Tagliaferry – L. Bovio) – 3:23
16. Lolita
(music and words by A. Buzzi – Peccia) – 2:43
17. O’surdato Amurato
(E. Cannio – A. Califano) – 3:10
18. In Italian (3-6, 8-17), Spanish (1), German (2), English (7)
(Arrangement and instrumentation by Yu. Yakushev)
Total time – 58:12
The USSR Cinematography Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Konstantin Krimets (8-17)
The USSR TV and Radio Symphony orchestra
Conductor Alexander Petukhov (1-7)