Composer Alexander Pantykin has been creating music for over a quarter of a century. He is widely known to fans of contemporary music as the founder of the group "Urfin Jus" and one of the leaders of the Yekaterinburg Rock Club, who worked with such popular groups as "Nautilus Pompilius", "Chaif", "Agatha Christie" and others. A. Pantykin is a winner of many prestigious awards and prizes of the Union of Theater Workers and the Union of Cinematographers In the living room of Orientir in Russia, the composer met with the permanent correspondent of our magazine for the Ural Military District, Colonel Alexander Kerdan, and answered his questions.

- Please tell Alexandra about the last few years of your creative life.

- Recently, I have been working a lot with filmmakers, and I have composed music for several films directed by Vladimir Khotinenko and Dmitry Astrakhan. For my music in D. Astrakhan's film "Get Out," I received a prize at the Kinotavr festival, and for my music in the film "You're the Only One," I received the new professional award "Green Apple - Golden Leaf" from the filmmakers. In 1996, I was nominated for a Nika Award for my music in V. Khotinenko's film "Muslim." That's about it when it comes to awards.

- You must have been working in the film and songwriting industries at the same time.

- I have written music for a large number of plays. Most of them are performed at our Youth Theatre, other theatres in Yekaterinburg, and even in other cities. For example, this year, my music was performed at the Russian Academic Youth Theatre in the play "Martian Chronicles." This is my first work for a Moscow theatre. I have previously worked with theatres in St. Petersburg.

- Alexander, I was among many Russians who watched the TV movie "Waiting Room" by D. Astrakhan, where your music was played. Do you have any suggestions from filmmakers today?

- I am currently writing music for Vladimir Khotinenko's new film, "Passionate Boulevard." Although it is not directly about the poet himself, it is dedicated to Alexander Pushkin. The main character of the film is a modern young man who suddenly feels the influence of Pushkin's creativity. I approached this project with great seriousness, as it was being prepared for the 200th anniversary of Pushkin's birth. I have re-read Pushkin's works and books about him numerous times. I was amazed by the immense inner work that the poet undertook to create his masterpieces. I studied Pushkin's drafts, which show how unexpected images emerged under the poet's pen. I saw how much effort the poet put into creating just one line, searching for the right word. It was Pushkin who taught me how to develop a theme, melody, and rhythmical harmony. Even the simplest melody requires multiple revisions until you feel that you have put everything God has given you into it.

- You are the father of two sons. The eldest one will soon become a conscript. Undoubtedly, you cannot help but be concerned about the problems of the modern army. How do you feel about people in uniform, and is the army's issues reflected in your work?

- Despite the mud that is being thrown at today's army, I believe that military service should not be viewed in a one-sided manner. For a young man, the army and combat operations are an extreme situation where their best human qualities can be revealed. Additionally, the army is an integral part of the country's history and culture. Take, for example, military marches or romantic songs. These were particularly popular among Russian officers. This tradition was continued by the songs of soldiers who fought in Afghanistan and later in Chechnya. In the music and information agency "Tutti", which I head, many of them have recorded their first albums. These include Sergeant "Afghan" Evgeny Buntov, the first CD "Afghan Wind-1", and other projects.

- Sasha, and the last question. What would you like to see your sons and their peers, who will soon have to defend their homeland, sing songs, and raise their own children?

- The most important quality that any person starts with, especially for a man, is learning not to change who they are. This includes having a strong will, being determined, being principled, and so on. However, not changing who you are is the most important thing. Why? Life often presents us with surprises, temptations, and challenges that try to distract us from our true selves, our God-given potential, and our unique qualities. I am sure that everyone who is born on earth is a potential genius, an extraordinary person. Therefore, it is so important that a person does not squander themselves, but rather pays attention to their inner self, preserving their own soul with care, like a small sovereign state. Even if they are confused or led astray... That is why I believe that being original is the first quality. The second important quality for a person is to follow the principle of "said and done". Once people learn to keep their word and fulfill their obligations, the revival of each individual and our country as a whole will begin.