Vitas: A Minnie Riperton for The Aughts (video)

To that rarefied group of vocalists (think Mariah Carey, Minnie Ripperton, Klaus Nomi) who can send their pipes up into "whistle range," please welcome the Latvian-born Russian singer, Vitas. A congressional page who I am on extremely cordial terms with introduced me to his work. The best introduction to Vitas' oeuvre would be his breakout song from 2000, Opera 2: download mpeg video (6 megs), or youtube it here. This is a live version of Opera 2, complete with a string section decked out in burkas, and a chorus of women whose only official role seems to be to writhe and sweat whenever Vitas hits that high F note. A Russian MTV video of this same song (youtube link) is nowhere near as entertaining, but it does include thrilling special effects of Vitas using his awesome talents to break glass and generally wreak havoc.

Vitas' own website reveals his divine providence:

Oh, my God!!! Bless this lovely boy! Give him Patience, Gladness, hearty Light, Inspiration and Love... Each his work like a new pearl appears in our hearts with tears of gladness as heaven-sent!!!!! You want to hear him again and again,... infinitely! I breathe this voice, plunging into thin ethereal world, but I cannot get to know this sweet secret of life... As a crystal starts to play with different colors of a rainbow, when the beam of the sun falls to it, as unsurpassed pure voice of Vitas plays and sparkles with all shades in a beam of divine light. This voice both flows with tenderness from the depth of the soul,and shrilly fills with itself all space...

Not all of Vitas' videos are as exciting as Opera 2, but one recent song, Smile, does include more requisite reaching for the heavens while trilling all the way into non-castrated falsetto ecstasy: youtube link.

But don't think you can pigeonhole Vitas! He's not always clenching the heavens as he reaches for the high notes - far from it. In this live performance of his song Blessed Guru, he works out on his low register, while playing the role of an android from the future who visits the Neanderthals, on a stage set highly reminiscent of Spinal Tap's Stone Henge: download mpeg video (20 megs), or youtube it.

Comments

[sid bators]

I tried to hang in there, but the resemblance to billy crystal just shut it down.

[Listener Bell]

Delicious! And speaking of delicious, I sent the Opera 2 video to a buddy who, suitably impressed, sent me this tasty morsel as a thank you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSnowOgaFEY

[Anna (Russia)]

Recently Vitas has been nominated to represent Russia at Eurovision 2007. If you really like this singer and want to see him at the contest, please vote for his candidacy here:
http://esckaz.ueuo.com/2007/vote.htm (his name is in the second column).
Your contribution to voting will be of great value!

If you need any details about Vitas or need the English translation of Vitas' songs, just write me to e-mail: [email protected]

[Diane]

Thanks for posting the Eurovision link Anna. For those interested, Vitas is leading! He also won a recent poll for best pop album of the year for his newest album "Return Home" If you would like English lyrics, visit www.vitasusa.com. The translations are courtesy of Natalie of Samara and Anna from Russia.

[Diane]

Sorry if this posts twice. I will do a short version. I do not see my first post. VITAS is releasing his first American album. And he will be touring America in the near future. See the PRESS RELEASE HERE: http://www.vitas.com.ru/gemini_press_release_eng.htm

[Diane]

Vitas!!
Please see this press release!! http://www.vitas.com.ru/gemini_press_release_eng.htm
Also visit www.geminisunrecords.com for updates on Vitas in America!

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Editorial Contact: Mary Anderson
Phone: 417-887-2980
Fax: 417-887-5812

Vitas is the singer who you have been waiting for!
His stellar voice finally is premiering in the US!
Gemini Sun Records is proud to announce the signing of VITAS! This Russian born superstar joins Gemini Sun Records with a very special Audio-Visual Connect Series™ A Two Disc DVD Music Video and CD Music Collection to be pre-released presently and exclusively online at www.GeminiSunRecords.com and through direct order at 877-GMNISUN. National release at retail stores nationwide on January 29, 2008.
Vitas is a Russian pop-singer, composer, actor and a clothing designer. This unique singers diamond voice not only explodes glass, but also elevates the consciousness of millions of fans of his music all over the world. An amazing example of the force and heights of Vitas ‘voice: during a concert at the Kremlin in Moscow, a crystal chandelier shattered from a high note. Since then when Vitas sings in the Kremlin, he sings without a microphone for preservation of all of historical items.
Much of his music is influenced by classical opera and by today’s techno music. Vitas is recognized by millions of fans throughout all of Europe and Asia. Vitas is one of the most charismatic and visually stunning performers that we have seen in decades. His Lucia di Lammermoor (il dolce Suono) video mirrors the exquisite performance of the Blue Diva in the movie The 5th Element (1997) staring Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich!
Vitas’ music videos are wonderfully compelling and his style is inviting, leaving you wanting more! Throughout all of his concert performances, Vitas takes total control the second that he sets foot on the stage. His presence while performing is provocative and majestic. See for yourself what all the talk is about by taking a sneak peek at many of his extraordinary concert performances and music videos on You Tube. He has been specifically featured on Yahoo and Wikipedia as well.
Receiving much of his fame through Russian television, he has signed with entertainment labels such as Universal who distribute his music in Taiwan. Vitas’ 2005 video "Opera #2" has been viewed and forwarded so frequently via the Internet that it accounts for much of his worldwide recognition with over ten million sales to date!
Vitas is a creative male solo singer with a very unique approach to singing and songwriting. Instead of sticking to one type of music, he branches out to--and excels in-- many different styles. In his "Operas No. 1 & 2", he hits unbelievably high octaves and difficult notes, in a style that is exceptional for any singer. Songs such as 'Internet Nastroyenie' sound more like Electropop, while songs like 'Unlucky' suggest folk influences.

His fantastic success in Asia amazes the imagination: more than 20 million people have downloaded the song "Opera 2", more than 15 million people have downloaded the song "7 Element".
With more than 3,000 websites on the Internet, this is an exceptional singer that we have been waiting for. Tickets for his solo concert performances have taken place in the most prestigious and greatest halls in all of Asia (10,000 were in attendance at each concert). Vitas concerts have sold out in less than 2 hours after the announcement. The delight and amazement of the public were so strong, that after a concert in Shanghai, Vitas had to be accompanied by numerous bodyguards throughout the underground so to not create mass hysteria all through the city. The fans wished to see and to be close to their idol that has touched their hearts. Many fans began to learn the Russian language because of Vitas.
Vitas is a very versatile and a constantly changing artist. His music is fascinating and of prominent quality. He is one of the best and most unusual 'pop' singers to come out of Russia. His fans often feel a deep, almost spiritual connection with his music and his ties to the Latin, Russian and English languages are phenomenal to say the least.
Gemini Sun Records introduces this very special Vitas Audio-Visual Connect Series™ DVD Music Video and CD Music Collection with all new packaging in English and Spanish subtitles! Check the Gemini Sun Records website often for updates and release dates, as they become available.

Visit Vitas at www.GeminiSunRecords.com or www.vitas.com.ru

Editors call for a free review CD sample 1-800-803-4370
For Vitas photos or additional information contact Mary Anderson at
417-887-2980, or by email at [email protected]

Exclusive Producer Pudovkin S.N.
The rights Producer center “Pudovkin”, Gemini Sun Records

[Diane]

Ok, now I did post twice. I apologize!

vitas meringon ta ka bala... hehehe

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