Aznavour Toujours: Charles Aznavour presents his 57th album in Moscow

The renowned singer Charles Aznavour gave a concert at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Dec. 12. The 87-year-old maestro has released his 57th album, Aznavbour Forever (Aznavour Toujours). Below is the renowned singers' interview with the Rossiyskaya Gazeta (Russian Newspaper).

Question: Your songs are always full of love lyrics. Your friendship with Édith Piaf may have inspired you?

Answer: My songs are, as a rule, about people who are not happy in their love…

When you declare your love, you just say, "I love you." That's all. What else can you say? If you are unhappy, you can find many more occasions for conversation.

Like other albums, the new one is much different from the previous ones. I create various songs for various themes and try to get them recorded. You know, in the course of time I have been turning into from a composer into "a song writer," if you can say so.

Question: Did you use modern musical trends in recording your new album?

Answer: I have never had out-of-date arrangements. I cannot say they are changing – I have worked this way for all my life. But I define my style as classic – it has nothing in common with any specific period. And a person of my age can hardly be expected to behave like a modern performer on stage. I am what I am. Aznavour is always Aznavour. I am always surprised to see very few young people at my concerts.

Over the recent period, the audience has shown tendencies toward the humanity's musical wealth – opera, classical music. People must be taking interest in it now. But I am unable nor am I going to compete with the young generation. At my age I should be what I am…

Question: Do you remember you first concert in Russia?

Answer: Yes, I do very well. I did not like the stage – they must have not provided one of the best halls. I believed my songs deserved something better. After I complained, a new, large hall was provided. Also, I declined any censorship and sang what I considered the best.

Question: What about your concert program at the Kremlin? Which songs are you going to perform?

Answer: I have not yet decided. But there is no point in coming here only to perform well-known songs. On the other hand, audience must be waiting for this repertoire. So I am going to perform both new songs and the old ones loved by the people.
In Russia, I do not normally perform exactly what I do in other countries. I do not so often perform here. In other countries, I appear before the audience with my new songs, whereas here I am expected to sing what people have loved. I am well aware of that. I also realize many people come to my concerts only to listen to my old songs. So I meet the audience's wishes.

Question: You sing a duet with your daughter Katia. Are you going to help her solo career? Are you writing songs for her?

Answer: She is not going to make a solo career. She likes traveling with her father. She is not willing to sing on stage – she is mainly engaged in films.

Question: You say there is no point in competing with the young generation. But, may be, you have been impressed by some modern music.

Answer: I perform duets with musicians of different styles, even with rappers. Still, it is not my style. I am sure I would be greatly impressed if a real songwriter appeared on the scene. But neither Georges Brassens nor Jacques Brel appears now.

Question: What is the secret of your vigor?

Answer: Everything depends on the quality of life. To keep your vigor fresh you should observe certain rules. In this case, you live a long and good life.

Question: What about your feelings as a diplomat?

Answer: I think I have a successful political career: Armenia and Switzerland are not going to war (smiling). In case of really serious diplomatic problems, we will invite professional diplomats. I am not engaged in politics by definition. I am a stranger to it. I like all the arts – fine arts, music and even cuisine.