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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 'Nnammurato
        (E. Cannio – A. Califano) – 3:10

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)