Bariton frakis

A documentary about Georg Ots

The film is dedicated to the theatre and concert ventures of the beloved singer Georg Ots (1920-1975). The film highlights the two opposing sides of the extraordinary singer - his utmost modesty regarding his own abilities, and the conflicting, often superlative, opinions of those remembering Ots. Over the course of the film, these two differentiating sides form an understanding of what kind of individual he truly was. A large part of the film consists of interviews with Estonian, Finnish and Russian singers, who once performed alongside Georg Ots on theatre and concert stages.

The film examines Georg Ots as an opera, operetta and concert singer and is supported by his own understanding of his possibilities as a singer and actor, his thoughts on his work, the uniqueness and originality of the key roles - Eugene Onegin, Don Giovanni, Jago, Rigoletto, Demon - and the remnants from years of memorable collaborations of internationally recognized singers, conducters and theatre scholars.

Former soloists of the Estonian National Opera Anu Kaal, Margarita Voites, Voldemar Kuslap, Mati Palm, Urve Tauts and others will get the opportunity to speak in the film. Arne Mikk, the former theatre director of the Estonian National Opera, shares his observations on Georg Ots as an exciting creative figure, while Ots’ sister, medical candidate Dr. Maret Purde, comments on more personal matters. Several musical personalities from Moscow and St. Petersburg, share their appreciation and fascinating facts about the esteemed singer, amongst them are the former soloists of the Bolshoi Theater of Russia Irina Arkhipova, Vladislav Pyavko, Klara Kadinskaya and Aleksei Maslennikov, as well as the former soloists of the St. Petersburg Mikhailovsky Theatre Tamara Bogdanova, Aleksander Shvetsov and conductor Georgi Jerzhemski.

The filming took place in Estonia, Finland, as well as Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia. The film was created by director-screenwriter Jaak Järvine, cinematographer Arvo Vilu and producer Karmo Kaasik.

The film was produced by Estfilm. Sponsored by the city of Tallinn, the NGO Barclay de Tolly Friend's Club, the Film Fund of Estonian Islands and several other private sponsors.