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This musical documentary on the great Bulgarian opera singer Nikolai Ghiaurov celebrates his 50th birthday by recording excerpts from his performances at all the major opera houses Europe, and a few far outside Europe as well, for the length of one full year. Other than a celebration of Ghiaurov, the film is one of several in 1981 that commemorate Bulgaria's 1300 years as a nation. Ghiaurov roles include Don Basilio in Rossini's "The Barber of Seville," Mephistopheles in Gounod's "Faust," Leporello in Mozart's "Don Giovanni," and many others. Ghiaurov's interpretive vocal ranges are captured by good camera work, and along with the dramatic presentation of his various operatic performances, the filmmakers include shots of the cities he visited, scenes in-between venues, footage on an award-winning performance from the 1950s, and interviews with operatic stars as well as an introductory narrative by Ghiaurov himself. By the time the documentary has ended, the viewer has a well-rounded view of Ghiaurov's talent and his impact on the world of opera.
Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide