Pakhmutova spoke about her family’s angel on duty: “It’s a miracle that Kolya didn’t leave earlier”

– For the first time I personally met Alexandra Nikolaevna Pakhmutova and Nikolai Nikolaevich Dobronravov at the evening in memory of Yuri Gulyaev “I wish you!” at the Moscow International House of Music. I was the director of this program, in which they participated as guests of honor. The second time fate brought us together more closely during the preparation of the anniversary concert of Alexandra Nikolaevna herself. It took place on Red Square on the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture.

Communication with Alexandra Nikolaevna is always a powerful charge of cheerfulness and positivity. She emits some incredible light! Every meeting with her is like a meeting with Good itself…

Therefore, I was happy when I was again invited to her by a long-term friend of their family, Evgeniy Malyshko, who met Pakhmutova on her native Volgograd soil (which for Alexandra Nikolaevna, in her own words, is “symbolic”), at a festival in Kamyshin. He danced there with his partner Irina Machavariani. And I flew to visit as if on wings. Our meeting turned out to be warm and joyful.

– Alexandra Nikolaevna herself is receiving guests today?

– Yes, Alexandra Nikolaevna is a very hospitable hostess. First we drank tea, then we discussed work issues, and then we just started talking. About everything. The end result was something similar to an interview.

Alexandra Nikolaevna allowed me to publish fragments of our conversation, complaining that so many lies are now written in the press and on networks, especially after the death of Nikolai Nikolaevich. This sad fact sincerely upsets the composer.

– I can’t help but note that your “Russian Waltz”, which Julian performed when Zhenya and Irina were dancing, entered the golden chronicle of our stage not only as a song, but also as one of the most beautiful dance numbers of its time. It’s like “Kumparsita” by Lyudmila Pakhomova and Alexander Gorshkov on ice, – I told Pakhmutova.

– Yes! It was very beautiful! You know that Zhenya is from Gorlovka, from Donbass… Then Zhenya’s parents passed away, and we somehow began to feel like one family with him. Yes, he has always been like a son to us…

Malyshko (intervenes):

– And recently, alas, they said that I am like a brother to you. (Laughs.)

Alexandra Nikolaevna (laughs):

– Because you have become quite an adult!..

– And considering that you are so young and energetic, an adult son does not suit you! – I add.

– Oh, thanks! (Laughs.)

Alexandra Nikolaevna has an incredibly contagious laugh and a charming smile. If she laughs, everyone around her laughs with her.

– Zhenya began to deal with our organizational issues quite a long time ago: copyrights, organizing concerts, filming, interviews – all this is very difficult for us (Alexandra Nikolaevna still says “we”, “us”). Zhenya took it all upon himself. And when Nikolai Nikolaevich began to feel worse, another task was added to Zhenya’s administrative duties: monitoring our health. For this purpose, we issued a special power of attorney for him. And from that very day he, one might say, took up round-the-clock duty. He became our duty angel.

It happened that Nikolai Nikolaevich felt ill late at night or early in the morning. We immediately called Zhenya, and he arrived faster than an ambulance, at any time of the day. To be completely honest, it was only thanks to Zhenya’s care and efforts that Nikolai Nikolaevich’s life extended for almost a whole year…

Alexandra Nikolaevna falls silent. We are silent too. Zhenya is the first to interrupt the pause:

– Alexandra Nikolaevna, let’s show Oksana your new song!

– Well, this is without vocals! Just the melody itself! – Alexandra Nikolaevna waves her hands.

– Is this what was written for the concert in Volgograd? – I ask.

Zhenya answers:

– Yes! “It has become a state district power station”! The music is amazing! There will be a children’s choir singing and a Volgograd soloist!..

– So we quietly approached creative plans. This is an anniversary year for you. The country is getting ready! If it’s not a secret, please share what you will please your loyal fans with?

– The main thing for me is that there will be a concert in my small homeland – in Volgograd. This is the greatest joy!

Other events are planned, including in Moscow:

– Outstanding artists of our time will take part in the programs. In addition to famous songs, a lot of original instrumental music will be performed,” adds Zhenya. – But we won’t give away all the secrets just yet!

And now I need to say the most important thing that has been worrying us all for the last six months…

– Alexandra Nikolaevna, forgive me, but I can’t help but say this! Just the other day it will be six months since Nikolai Nikolaevich passed away; you lived together for 67 years. In fact, it’s a whole life. I really want to convey and express to you words of support and sincere sympathy on behalf of your admirers. All that remains is to admire your perseverance and fortitude…

– Of course, I really miss Kolya… It seems to me that he is still with us… because our songs, our days and years lived together remain… He is in our memory and heart forever…

And the closest people who are always with me give me strength: Zhenya, Galina (the person who has been around lately. – Note auto). And music! Music, song is my life!

Zhenya adds that the anniversary program, which will take place in Volgograd, is called “My life is in song!”

Then we sit and just chat. So… nothing, as they say.

After some time, Alexandra Nikolaevna finally sits down at the piano, and the melody of a new song sounds for us.

It is impossible not to admire this unique woman: her great inner strength, her talent, her love for everything that exists. Her ability to rejoice and be surprised by the good – and her magical gift of illuminating everything and everyone around with her inner light!

I wish you health, dear Alexandra Nikolaevna, for many years to come! May all your plans and dreams come true!

Happy memory to Nikolai Nikolaevich!