Illusion, by Krassimir Avramov, which was chosen to
represent Bulgaria in Eurovision Song Contest 2009, is “микс между поп опера,
фолклор и характерни вокали” [a mix between pop opera, folklore and
characteristic vocals] (Весела Шаранкова, 2008). He sings in the paper style,
which is a high, operatic falsetto has a unique singing style for both Avramov
and the backing singers. The backing track utilizes synths for an EDM feel.
Avramov’s voice is strained, likely due to the strenuous practices from the
day. The backing vocals drown out the instrumental. There is a dramatic portion
with drums and Avramov sings in his trademark voice. The lyrics are very simple
and repetitive, the focus of the song is meant to be on the novelty voice. The
drum style is unique, with an older sound which contrasts the synths in the
backing track. The singing of the second to lead singer, Petya Buyklieva, is
very breathy and often overpowers Avramov.
Eurovision Performance
Illusion, sung by Krassimir Avramov, with the backing
vocalists Petya Buyklieva, Anna Lozanova, and Albena Veskova. They represent a
couple singing a love song together, with Avramov representing the man and the
three backing singers representing the woman at various points. The two dancers
who are on stilts are also a representation of the couple. The narrative of the
song is simple. The couple needs each other because they are in love. It feels
wrong, perhaps due to trauma of past relationships, but they still want to be
with each other. The genre does not connect much with the lyrics, however the
style of singing and the “popera” genre does make the song novelty. The
lighting and background are very literal, with the clock mirroring the lyrics
“give me, give me your time / show me, show me you’re mine.” The fire on the
screen behind the performers represents burning passion. The flute and drums
match the popera genre and Avramov’s singing style, however the synths are an
unusual choice. They, along with the quick tempo, make it more modern than a
classic opera performance. Picking a vocally difficult song is hard on the
singer under the best of circumstances, but especially in Eurovision, due to
the number of times it needs to be practiced the same day of the performance.
The popera genre was a bold choice, and novelty songs do generally do well in
ESC, but the absurdity of the vocals and instrumentals, plus the struggle to be
heard over the backing singers by Avramov destroys the performance.
National Identity?
Illusion has no ties to Bulgaria’s national identity
through vocals or audio in general. The costumes, even, do not fit Bulgaria’s
traditions. Avramov’s tunic is reminiscent of medieval western Europe, and the
other performers are dressed in what appears to be a simulation or
appropriation of Middle Eastern dance clothing and costumes, though no specific
culture is obvious. The stilts are
associated with many cultures, including Spain, China, and West Africa, but do
not hold significance in Bulgaria (Orange Web Studio, 2019). Even the genre,
Avramov’s unique blend of pop and opera to suit his unique voice, is not culturally
significant. Opera did not come to Bulgaria until the late 1870s (Bulgarian
Opera – a History). Overall, there is little to no connection to Bulgaria’s
national identity in this performance.
Historical Context
Though the song is incredibly simple both lyrically and
visually, the simplicity of the song was fitting due to the turbulence of
Bulgaria’s political situation at the time. Bulgaria was under pressure by the
European Union, after joining the in 2007, to reduce corruption and organized
crime and continuing to fail to do so (BBC News, 2018). Sending such a simple,
apolitical song to Eurovision was a safer bet than bringing a charged song, for
fear of upsetting or alienating themselves from the European Union and
(western) Europe as a whole.
The genre does not connect with the lyrics either, however
the style of singing adds novelty to the song. The instruments, synth, drums,
and flute, make sense in the popera genre. The lyrics and background of the
performance connect in a simple way, just to represent love and time together
with clocks and fire.
Audience Reception
Illusion feels like you walked in on something private
and leaves many audiences uncomfortable. The breathy, strained singing of
Avramov and Buyklieva especially make for an uncomfortable viewing experience.
The flashy costumes don’t add or take away anything from the performance, but
they don’t seem to math the brownish silver tunic on Avramov. There is little harmony
throughout the performance.
Novelty songs typically are well-remembered in Eurovision and
frequently score well. They are considered novelty when the presentation,
musical style, or talent is used to present something unusual or different
(Chalkley, E. 2017). Despite hitting multiple points of novelty, the stilts
dancing and the singing style, Illusion misses the mark for a good novelty
song. Avramov clearly wanted to make his mark on the Eurovision stage but
failed to do so, and only lives on as a small handful of fan’s “guilty
pleasures.” (Vandi, E. 2021)
Conclusion
Krassimir Avramov submitted a simple novelty love song for
Eurovision 2009, and even though he had received praise and awards for his unique
singing voice in the past, it did not aid him in ESC (European Broadcasting Union).
His song did not represent Bulgaria in any way reminiscent of its National Identity,
and audiences did not enjoy the song, or at least the live performance, at all.
The attempt at novelty is noticeable but did not land and leaves Avramov on
stage performing an unusual, uncomfortable show.
References
BBC News. (2018, May 22). Bulgaria profile - timeline.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17205431
Bulgarian operas. (n.d.). AE 220 Bulgarian Operas.
Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.ucis.pitt.edu/opera/BULGOP/comp/history.htm
Chalkley, E. (2017, May 10). Novelty and silly songs at
the Eurovision Song Contest. ESC Insight - Home of the Unofficial Eurovision
Song Contest Podcast. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://escinsight.com/2017/05/02/eurovision-song-contest-novelty-songs/
European Broadcasting union. (n.d.). Krassimir Avramov -
Bulgaria - Moscow 2009. Eurovision.Tv. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://eurovision.tv/participant/krassimir-avramov
Eurovision 2009 Bulgaria: Krassimir Avramov -
“Illusion.” (2009, January 24). Eurovisionworld. Retrieved February 24,
2022, from https://eurovisionworld.com/eurovision/2009/bulgaria
Jannu. (2009, May 13). Bulgaria. Krassimir Avramov -
Illusion HD [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL3VuL1Vy7w
Orange Web Studio. (2019, June 6). The dance on stilts.
NS Dancing. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.nsdancing.com/dance-on-stilts/#:%7E:text=North%20China%20and%20its%20tradition,because%20of%20his%20small%20stature
Vandi, E. (2021). Re: Bulgaria. Krassimir Avramov –
Illusion HD [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL3VuL1Vy7w
Шаранкова, В. е. с. е. л. а. (2008). Illusion.
Krassimir.Com. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://web.archive.org/web/20090227032232/http://krassimir.com/bg/singles/illusion/3/index.html
