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OrizontMoldavian Soviet Vocal and Instrumental Ensemble
Date of Birth: 01.01.1976
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Content:
- Origins and Formation
- Rise to Fame
- International Success
- Acclaim and Awards
- Challenges and Reorganization
- Peak of Popularity
- Decline and Legacy
- Revival
- Discography
Origins and Formation
Oleg Milstein, a Moldovan composer and music enthusiast, founded the vocal-instrumental ensemble "Orizont" in the mid-1970s. With a desire to create a unique sound that combined traditional folk elements with modern pop sensibilities, Milstein assembled a talented group of musicians, including violinists, wind instrumentalists, and vocalists. Notable members included Leonid Rabinovich, Tatiana Grekul, and Nina Krulikovskaia.
Rise to Fame
Orizont's debut performance in March 1977 at the "Martisor" festival in Moldova was met with great acclaim. Their innovative fusion of traditional Moldovan melodies with contemporary pop arrangements quickly gained recognition and paved the way for numerous concert tours and television appearances throughout the Soviet Union.
International Success
Orizont's collaboration with Central Television and All-Union Radio propelled them to even greater heights. Their participation in popular evening programs and prestigious song contests earned them widespread exposure across the USSR. International recognition followed with performances at various cultural festivals in countries such as Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Poland.
Acclaim and Awards
In 1978, Orizont released their first full-length album, which included acclaimed songs such as "Kto vinovat?" and "Liana." The group's artistry and originality were further showcased in a television concert film that introduced the hit song "Kalina" to a national audience. Their accomplishments were recognized with prestigious awards, including the "Song of the Year" award.
Challenges and Reorganization
Despite their success, tensions with the authorities in the Moldavian SSR forced Orizont to relocate to the Stavropol region. There, under the patronage of state official Vsevolod Murakhovsky, the ensemble experienced a resurgence, performing in Moscow and participating in a third television film.
Peak of Popularity
In the early 1980s, Orizont released the album "My Bright World," which solidified their status as stars of the Soviet pop scene. Collaborations with renowned international artists such as Biser Kirov and Karel Gott further cemented their reputation. Their live performances, featuring memorable songs like "Amor, amor" and "White Nights," captivated audiences both in the USSR and abroad.
Decline and Legacy
As the Soviet Union entered the era of perestroika, Orizont faced challenges from emerging pop groups. Despite releasing several more albums, their popularity gradually waned. In 1994, the group disbanded as members pursued solo projects.
Revival
In 2021, a reformed Orizont, now featuring a mix of original and younger musicians, made a highly publicized return on the television show "Hello, Andrey!" They also appeared on the "Born in the USSR" program on the Nostalgia channel, generating both praise and criticism for their updated sound.
Discography
1978 - "Orizont"1982 - "My Bright World"
1983 - "Mood"
1991 - "Who is to Blame?"
