The Nation on Stage: Illusion by Krassimir Avramov

 

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