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Poiushie SerdcaVocal and instrumental ensemble
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- The Creation of "Singing Hearts"
- Recruiting "The Cream"
- Musical Style and Inspiration
- Exploring New Horizons
- International Success
- Adapting to Changing Times
- Tragic Loss and Legacy
The Creation of "Singing Hearts"
In 1971, Viktor Vekshtein, a graduate of the October Revolution Music School's conducting department, founded the vocal and instrumental ensemble "Singing Hearts." Vekshtein, known as Victor Yakovlevich, had begun his musical career in the early 1960s with amateur beat groups. He later collaborated with renowned performers such as Iosif Kobzon, Maya Kristalinskaya, Vadim Mulberman, and others.
The ensemble's initial lineup included musicians from the amateur scene and graduates of music schools, some of whom had played in the jazz orchestras of Oleg Lundstrem and Anatoly Kroll, as well as the pop-symphonic orchestra of Yuri Silantyev. The members were: Viktor Dorokhin, Nikolai Zhuchkevich, Vladimir Izboynikov, Vyacheslav Indrokov, Igor Ofitserov, Alexander Oltsman, Viktor Kharakidzyan, Vitaly Shemankov, Vladimir Schneiderman, Natalia Shemankova, and Olga Yarygina.
Recruiting "The Cream"
Vekshtein was known for his discerning taste in musicians. He sought out only the most talented individuals, inviting them from all over the country. "Singing Hearts" boasted a powerful brass section, keyboards, and percussion.
Viktor Kharakidzyan recalled Vekshtein's commitment to excellence in a 2003 interview. "He always invited only worthy musicians, the 'cream'." Despite the challenges of obtaining Moscow residency (required for employment at "Mosconcert"), Vekshtein went to great lengths to assist out-of-town musicians. Kharakidzyan lived with Vekshtein when he first arrived in Moscow.
Musical Style and Inspiration
From the outset, "Singing Hearts" aimed to explore complex forms of pop music, particularly brass rock. This genre combined melodic music with powerful brass instrument accompaniment. Their unique sound set them apart as an innovative and unconventional representative of the VIA genre.
The ensemble won two awards in pop artist competitions, participated in the films "We Are Archimedes" and "SOS over the Taiga," and appeared in an episode of the famous TV series "Investigators Know the Truth." They also became regulars on popular television programs such as "Cabaret 13 Chairs," "Not for Fun, But for Serious," and "Song of the Year."
Exploring New Horizons
In 1976, Antonina Zhmakova, a graduate of the Lunacharsky State Institute of Theatrical Art's musical comedy department, joined "Singing Hearts" as a vocalist. Zhmakova had made a name for herself in the Leningrad and Moscow theaters. She brought a dramatic flair to the ensemble's repertoire, with songs such as "Don't Call Me Again" and "Farewell Toast."
In the same year, popular singer Igor Ivanov joined "Singing Hearts." Ivanov had previously worked with "Song Flows" and "Hope" and had recorded the hit "From the Vagabonds" with David Tukhmanov. Ivanov's most notable contributions to "Singing Hearts" included "Clouds in the River" and "White Paper."
International Success
"Singing Hearts" gained recognition not only in the Soviet Union but also internationally. They toured over 50 countries in Europe, America, Asia, and Africa. Their repertoire included both Soviet and original songs, and they introduced popular foreign hits like "You're Always Different," "Queen of the Dance," and "The Little Lady Dances."
Vekshtein's own compositions also played a significant role in the ensemble's success. "Singing Hearts" became known for hits such as "Deceiver" and "I Only Don't Believe."
Adapting to Changing Times
As the 1980s approached, a new generation of listeners demanded different musical styles. Vekshtein recognized the shifting landscape and restructured "Singing Hearts" in the early 1980s. He disbanded the previous lineup and recruited young Moscow musicians, including Nikolai Noskov and Valery Kipelov. They adopted a more aggressive "hard-and-heavy" sound.
In 1985, the band changed its name to "Aria" to better reflect its musical direction. The album "Mania of Grandeur" established their new identity, and the ensemble went on to achieve great success as a heavy metal band.
Tragic Loss and Legacy
Viktor Vekshtein tragically died in 1989 under unclear circumstances. "Aria" continued without him, and the original members of "Singing Hearts" embarked on various solo and collaborative projects. It seemed that the ensemble had come to an end.
However, in 2000, former members Victor Dorokhin and Igor Ofitserov reunited "Singing Hearts." Today, two active lineups of the ensemble exist, perpetuating the legacy of this influential pop and rock group.
