André Rieu Tenor, Béla Mavrak's New CD

Béla Mavrak: Platin Tenor in Cuba

BERLIN: The Platin Tenors ... Shortly after Gary Bennett's recent release of Schubert's "Winterreise" was underway, it brought Béla Mavrak to a warmer climate, in particular, Cuba ... not since the Wenders film "Buena Vista Social Club" (1999) has there been such a constant source of musical inspiration.

"Un soplo en el Aire" is the title of his album which was recorded with the assistance of the stars of Buena Vista & the Musicians of Termidor Orquesta Cuba. Excerpts of the recordings can be viewed on an accompanied DVD. The songs, which tenor Béla Mavrak personally selected, are not the typical Cuban popular songs, his selections go much further.

It contains arrangements by Charles Aznavour from Charlie Chaplin's "Lili Marleen" to "Besame Mucho", soundtracks (Nino Rota), pop songs (Ivo Robic) and original compositions. The tenor does not suffer from stage fright since he feels just as comfortable appearing on stage with Yehudi Menuhin as well as with André Rieu.

The album is being advertised as being exceptionally colorful: "The origional sound of Cuba is being combined with gentle hints of modern Western popular music, music from my country, and is supported by Indian rythem, Turkish drums and electric guitars with the Latin sound," says Mavrak, who was born in Austria in 1966 and grew up in Vojvodina (now part of Serbia), and who's own unique sound of classical coloratura will certainly bring out the negative results of the very purists of critics.

Mavrak is thwarting any common place expectations: He maintains his distance from a supposedly exuberant Caribbean joyful way of life, and relies more on a longing and melancholy sort of music which touches the heart and soul in the best possible manner.

Together with Gary Bennett from Australia and Thomas Greuel from Germany, Béla Mavrak is part of the successful Platin Tenors. Primarily through their performances with star violinist André Rieu have they made a name for themselves. These three, who individually do not have to complain about the lack of commitments and achievements, are on the road with Rieu throughout his World Tour.

Thanks to Ineke for sending the Berlin article and John for ©Translating it.

BÉLA MAVRAK: The great Yehudi Menuhin, with whom I had the honor of working together in 1999, shortly before he died, once said: "Singing is the mother tongue of all humanity." This remark by such a truly great yet unassuming man and musician touched me deeply and has influenced me to the present day.

Another source of inspiration and influence was my time alongside André Rieu, who gave me a unique opportunity to sing with his orchestra in front of an audience of tens of thousands and millions of television viewers in all five continents: an experience I am eternally grateful for. Thank you, André!

When I had the opportunity to select the tracks for this CD, I was keen to combine two things: the music I as a classical tenor have sung to people on stages all over the world in so many delightful years; and the original sound and authentic playing of the Buena Vista Social Club, which have been touching people's hearts for more than twenty years.

DVD includes video clips of the songs "Besame Mucho" , "Dos Gardenias", "My Little Pretty" and a "Making Of" documentary.