Alfred Pagoni

Romanian with greek origins singer, composer, lyricist, active during 20's - 40's. ✰ 189?, Greece ✞ 1944, August 24, București, România, at 16:20 during last German air bombardment in World War II. Was cremated at „Amurg” Crematory, București. In early 1920's was hired by Zissu (from Macedonian origin) to sing in his restaurant „La Zissu” from București, located where now is „Intercontinetal” Hotel. He sang preferably french chanson's, although his great specialty was improvisation. With rhymes received from the public, each more strange, he improvise lyrics and songs with amazing facility. But his true artistic craftsmanship was whistling, which reached virtuosity. For example „Hora Staccato” by Grigoraș Dinicu whistled by Pagoni ,had nothing to envy Heifetz's violin interpretation. Autumn 1928 - „La Zissu” restaurant owner, hired new singer to sing along with Pagoni. This new singer working as accountant at „Crissoveloni” Bank and his name was Jean Moscopol. Early 1930 - Pagoni was hired at Romanian Broadcasting Society (Societatea Română de Radiodifuziune) as musical controller and musical editor. He continued to sing and write lyrics. 1936 - jury member for Romanian Broadcasting Society Music Contest, where Eugenia Braia (known as Ioana Radu) debuted and won along side Eugenia Nedelea (known as Rodica Bujor). The jury was formed by Alfred Pagoni-Fredon, composers Theodor Rogalski, Alfred Alessandrescu, pianist Ion Filionescu (George Enescu's pianist), opera singer Valentina Crețu. There was over 800 candidates. 1944, August 24 - Alfred Pagoni with other co-workers died when Romanian Broadcasting Society building was destroyed in the latest bombardment of german army in World War II.