Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Filmed at the Palais Des Congrés in 1992, this concert is pure magic; both singers also being actors adds a dimension to each song, and they give us terrific, often moving renditions from their repertoires. Aznavour and Liza open the show with three numbers (I love when they use signing while singing "Mon Emouvant Amour"), and then the following 11 songs are performed by Aznavour, who is one of the world's most brilliant singer/songwriters; with his expressive face and gestures, his music is captivating, and he sings a few of his big hits, like "Tu T'laisses Aller" and "La Boheme," and my favorite, "Comme Ils Disent." Aznavour is one of the few singer/songwriters in the world that I would label "genius," and his talent has been enchanting us for over 40 years.
The second half of the show starts with Aznavour and Liza singing with pianist/arranger/singer Billy Stritch, in "Pour Faire un Jam," and then it's Liza's turn to shine: Whether belting out at full volume or singing tenderly, she is an amazing performer to watch and listen to; perhaps the most stunning number is Aznavour's "Sailor Boys" (I have yet to see this without tears welling up in my eyes), but other outstanding songs are "I Love a Piano," "New York, New York," and "Losing My Mind." She does a marvelous tap dance in "Stepping Out," from the film she starred in, and very leggy and svelte, she has a lot of sensual grace, and looks absolutely fabulous.
The final set is the prize of the evening, with Liza and Aznavour singing a medley of classic American love songs ("Our Love is Here to Stay"/"The Song is You"/"Old Devil Moon"/"How High in the Sky"/"Let's Fall in Love"/"I've Got You Under My Skin"/"Dream"/"Unforgettable"/"I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face"/"These Foolish Things"/"Just a Dream Ago"/"How High the Moon"/"Just in Time") with a finale of Aznavour's "Le Temps." There is a depth of intimacy and friendship flowing though both of them that is palpable, as if they are making love with music, with such gentle affection, and the warmth of the moment envelops the audience as well.
I also have the CD of this concert which is great, but this DVD is phenomenal. The audio and visual clarity is exceptional, the lighting, camera angles, and editing about the best I've ever seen for a live performance film.
The musicianship is top notch, with Bill Lavorgna leading the orchestra, and Aldo Frank as Aznavour's pianist, and Russell Kassoff as Liza's.
This concert should be required viewing by anyone contemplating a career in any facet of the theater, because this is theatrical entertainment at its finest. Total playing time is 146 stupendous, riveting minutes.
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