The rebellious Raymond Pauls. Like a pianist. "I got hit in the head." Russophobia. "I'm not Pugacheva's poodle"

Millions of people know Raymond Pauls as the author of the immortal hits "Million Scarlet Roses", "Maestro" and "Vernissage". But what is the real price of this national fame?
In this issue, I reveal Raymond Pauls primarily as a phenomenal virtuoso pianist who went from academic childhood to the status of a living legend.
We analyze academic synthesis, jazz modernism, the phenomenon of the "Unfinished Piano Concerto", complex political turns, as well as Pauls' position on the issues of Latvian and Russian languages and modern culture.
How did Raymond Pauls become a serial killer's extortion target? What kind of Kremlin fakes are chasing him and why, on his 90th birthday, does the Maestro continue to sit at the piano, despite all the storms of life?

▪️TIMING:
0:00 - epochs, music by Raymond Pauls and difficult life decisions by Raymond Pauls.
1:21 - the origins of the All-Union hitmaker. The Genesis of Raymond Pauls' Pianism
4:03 a.m. - war years, childhood injuries, and accidental rescue by a doctor after a shell explosion.
5:17 Raymond Pauls's training with the masters of the classical school and the formation of a unique performing style.
6:42 - forbidden jazz and the development of harmonic flair.
8:02 a.m. - The conservatory and the double musical life of Raymond Pauls. Herman Brown. The Transformation of Raymond Pauls' Pianism
14:48 - Raymond Pauls's pop path: synthesis of melos, jazz and blues; work with poets (Reznik, Voznesensky).
16:08 - Creative union with Alla Pugacheva: a history of hits, the title "Maestro". Quote "I'm not a poodle."
18:20 - discovery of new talents: Laima Vaikule, Valery Leontiev, Jurmala and New Wave festivals.
20:47 - attitude to modern work on hits and the reasons for leaving the "New Wave".
22:27 - Raymond Pauls's positions, teaching, fighting alcohol addiction.
24:28 - the story of serial killer Yuri Krinitsyn: a special operation in a park in Riga.
26:17 - political activity of Raymond Pauls: the post of Minister of Culture of Latvia, the closure of the Russian Theater. "Got hit on the head."
27:50 - the loss of Pauls' savings in the collapse of the bank and the position on the demolition / sawing of conscientious monuments in Latvia .
29:35 - Russian fake quotes from VK and Zen about "suffocating Russophobia", "a remote province". The real attitude towards Russian culture, language and politics of the Russian Federation
32:29 - personal life, marriage with Svetlana Epifanova (Lana Paula) and performance on the day of her passing.
34:25 - recording of a composition with a Ukrainian orchestra and attitude to wars and political games.
36:34 - criticism of modern pop music, lack of deep styles and melodism.
38:08 - Raymond Pauls' health status, 90th birthday and 90-hour radio marathon.