"Publishing Dobronravov's unpublished works is my important task"
Alexandra Pakhmutova, People's Artist of the USSR, composer and songwriter, wants to publish unpublished poems by her husband and co-author Nikolai Dobronravov at the age of 95. The poet died two years ago. On September 22, Alexandra Nikolaevna will take to the stage of the Cathedral Hall to personally honor her husband's memory. She told in an exclusive interview with Izvestia about the thoughts with which the famous compositions created in their creative tandem will play, and what Pakhmutova listens to herself.
"Every concert is a memory of him"
— Alexandra Nikolaevna, on September 22, a creative evening in memory of the outstanding songwriter, your husband Nikolai Dobronravov, will be held in the Hall of Church Cathedrals of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. You have been together for 67 years, and during that time you have written more than 400 songs in creative tandem, many of which have been included in the golden fund of Russian culture. With what feelings will you go on stage that day?
— This is an exciting event filled with deep emotions. We lived together for many years, creating music and poetry, and we always looked in the same direction. Nikolai Nikolaevich left us two years ago, leaving an indelible mark in the history of Russian culture. His songs continue to live in the hearts of people, becoming part of our common heritage.
The husband and co-author of the People's Artist of the USSR, composer Alexandra Pakhmutova, songwriter Nikolai Dobronravov, 2019
It is a feeling of gratitude for many years of joint work, the joy of creativity and the happiness of a joint journey. Every concert is a memory of him. In our songs and in our music, our two voices are heard, our thoughts, views, and understanding of life are expressed. We didn't embellish or invent anything, we just lived. We talked and wrote about similar topics, about our people, about our great Russia. I am glad that our songs have such a happy fate and that Nikolai Nikolaevich's voice continues to sound in them.
For me, this evening is another opportunity to pay tribute to my spouse, friend, colleague and like—minded person.
Alexandra Pakhmutova and Nikolai Dobronravov
— Nikolai Nikolaevich wrote poems for many legendary songs. "How young we were" was performed by Alexander Gradsky, "Hope" was sung by Alla German, "Melody" was sung by Muslim Magomayev. Are there any unpublished poems of his, and have you ever thought of publishing them, or maybe even writing a new song to any of them?
— Nikolai Nikolaevich left a huge poetic legacy, most of which is known to the general public. But yes, indeed, there are some unpublished poems written by Nikolai Nikolaevich in different periods of his life. Among them there are both short notes, prototypes of future poems, and completed compositions that he did not manage to finalize. Publishing unpublished works by Nikolai Dobronravov has become an important task for me.
"Russia has always been famous for talented people"
— You have many state awards, including the titles of Hero of Labor, People's Artist of the USSR, honorary citizen of several cities. You are called a star composer and a living legend. How do you feel about this?
— I am an ordinary person, like millions of people in our country. The most important thing is to work honestly! My life has been closely connected with music since my early childhood. I am grateful to my parents, they have done everything to ensure that I dedicate my life to music. Now I find inspiration in memories, music, and the support of my family and the audience.
The composer Alexander Pakhmutov in his youth
— And what kind of music do you listen to now when you are alone with yourself?
— Works of classical music that accompany me throughout my life are of particular importance to me. Classical music occupies an important place in my heart. These are Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Dmitry Dmitrievich Shostakovich, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Liszt, Frederick Chopin, and Isaac Osipovich Dunaevsky. And many, many other great musicians, creators and creators of great music. Of course, the Soviet song occupies an important place in my life.
— It's no secret that the pace of life in the modern world has greatly increased. This is especially felt in megacities. People are constantly running somewhere, information is coming from all sides. There is a feeling that the music has become instant, fast. Is it possible to find the same depth in it as in the songs that were born decades ago?
— Modern music is really distinguished by its speed and accessibility. This creates a certain dynamic that attracts the younger generation and reflects their fast-paced lifestyle. However, the depth of music does not always depend on the time of its creation. Depth is the result of the sincerity, emotional intensity, and skill of the composer and performer. We have such a country with a high concentration of talents, where talented people have been, are and will definitely be!
I'm being honest: no matter what changes or trends in fashion, real art lasts forever. Russia has always been famous for talented people. Perhaps there is a child growing up among us right now who will one day surprise the world with his musical talent. I'm sure of it!
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
