Exploring Charles Aznavour's Legacy through STAGE+ and "Lost Ships"
Charles Aznavour, the renowned French-Armenian singer-songwriter, has left an indelible influence on the world of music. His extraordinary body of work, spanning over seven decades, is revered globally and continues to inspire artists of the succeeding generations. His music, permeated with poetic beauty and raw emotion, has touched the hearts of millions around the world. Now, STAGE+ brings an array of his prestigious oeuvre back to life through special performances and shows.
"Lost Ships" - A Tribute to Aznavour's Artistry
One such tribute to Aznavour's artistry on STAGE+ is the new event, "Lost Ships". This album, released by Elina Duni and Rob Luft in November 2020, explores themes of migration, ecological crisis, longing, exile, and remembrance. Duni’s Albanian-Swiss vocal artistry and Luft’s nuanced guitar work are complemented by Fred Thomas on piano and drums, and Matthieu Michel on flugelhorn, creating a sonically rich and emotive atmosphere.
Aznavour's Influence on "Lost Ships"
A significant connection to Charles Aznavour in this project is the inclusion of Aznavour’s "Hier Encore" ("Only Yesterday"). This song serves as an homage to Aznavour, who penned and performed an impressive number of songs throughout his career. "Hier Encore" is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and regret for lost youth. Duni and Luft deliver this classic as an intimate and emotionally charged ballad, channeling the sadness and nostalgia inherent in the lyrics. Their interpretation gains additional depth given Aznavour’s own experiences of surviving through war, exile, and personal loss, which resonate with the album’s broader themes.
Thematic Parallels and Album Concept
The original material on "Lost Ships" pays tribute to migrants who lost their lives in the Mediterranean and addresses both environmental and humanitarian concerns. These themes echo the feelings of displacement and yearning found in Aznavour’s works. The inclusion of folk songs from Albania and America, as well as Italian and French repertoire, further blurs musical and cultural boundaries, aligning with the way Aznavour frequently used music to bridge cultures and evoke universal experiences of love and loss.
Get ready to dive into the fascinating works of Charles Aznavour on STAGE+ and let the magic of "Lost Ships" by Elina Duni and Rob Luft transport you to an unforgettable musical journey.