The best Charles Aznavour’s music movies

Most opera houses ring in the New Year with Johann Strauss Jr.'s most popular operetta--the festiveness of which is appropriate for the occasion--and this December 31, 1983, Covent Garden performance follows suit. An exceptional cast--led by Hermann Prey and Kiri Te Kanawa as the couple whose marriage survives the comic indiscretions of three long acts--obviously has as much fun as the audience. Plácido Domingo leads the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House through its paces with panache. Prince Orlofsky's Act II party is always a splendid opportunity to pull out all the stops with surprise "guests," and this performance makes the most of its chance: entering the proceedings to sing one of his tailor-made chansons, "She," is French crooner Charles Aznavour, who is followed by dancers Merle Park and Wayne Eagling, their delightful pas de deux flashily choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton.

It brought back fantastic memories of having had the privilege of seeing Monsieur Aznavour at Carnegie Hall in 1980. Each song on this DVD is a jewel. I enjoyed his brief introductions to explain or translate some of the lyrics, setting the mood. Notable among them is "Mon émouvant amour" during which he uses sign language. The selections offer us a broad spectrum of emotion and life - love (of course), frustration, lost opportunity, reflection, homosexuality, religion. The orchestra and backup vocalists are flawless. Although he's performed for decades, I got the feeling that he still loves to interact with his audience. Although in his early 70's when this concert was recorded, his passion, supreme musicality, stamina, and professionalism are evident at all times. This DVD is a "must-have" for newcomers and longtime fans!