Group ARABESQUE was established in 1976 in Germany, in Frankfurt am Main.
The music publishing company Melodies of the World (MDW), jointly produced by Wolfgang Mewes, Jean Frankfurter (who wrote the music for all the songs of the Arabesque group) and John Mehring (the author of the lyrics of all the songs of the Arabesque group), was looking throughout Germany for three vocalists for a new project in the disco style. pop.
Michaela Rose shortly before this, she took first place in the Star Chance 75 competition for young talents, and immediately signed a contract with Young Star Records. She was signed up for a casting held by the publishing house MDW, and Michaela was selected from 5,000 applicants to participate in a new pop project.
From the age of 14, Michaela took part in various television projects, and worked as a fashion model for Max Grünert (television of the federal state of Hesse).
In addition to Michaela, Karen Ann Tepperis and Mary Ann Nagel were selected. This is how the group was born « ARABESQUE» ! The idea for the name came from lyricist John Moehrenig, who observed the dance movements of three girls and remembered a term from choreography - “arabesque”.
Then the girls went straight to the Europa recording studio - where the group’s first single was recorded: “Hello Mr. Monkey" (with the song "Buggy Boy" on the reverse side).
In 1977, this single was released. Hello Mr. Monkey" conquered the European music market, spending 42 weeks at number one in the national charts.
After the first success, changes began in the composition of the group: the soloists left the group one after another due to pregnancy... Mary Ann Nagel stayed in the group from 1976 to 1977, then she was replaced by Heike Landvogd (from 1978 to 1979). She was replaced briefly (only for performances, but not in the studio) by Elke Brückheimer - who, in turn, was replaced by Sandra Lauer, who stayed in the group from 1979 to 1985. Karen Ann Tepperis stayed in the group from 1976 to 1978, and was replaced by Jasmin Vetter (from 1979 to 1985). Thus, from 1979 to 1985 the group consisted of Michaela Rose(the only original member), Sandra Lauer and Yasmin Vetter.
In Japan, Arabesque was as popular as Paul McCartney and ABBA. In 1984, the Japanese publishing house Victor Music even published a gift set of 10 long-playing discs (5 Arabesque albums, 5 ABBA albums) called « ABBA VS. ARABESQUE».
The group's other singles also took first place in the charts. This was followed by a tour of Japan. Songs « ARABESQUE» were published in 38 countries. In total, 8 albums and more than 30 collections were published.
The group was most popular in Japan, the Soviet Union, and Europe (Scandinavia and the Benelux countries). In these countries (with the exception of the Soviet Union), the group performed repeatedly in the late 70s and early 80s.
With the song "Marigot Bay" group ARABESQUE reached number 8 in the German charts. In total, more than 30 million audio carriers with songs were sold ARABESQUE. Many of the group's discs went gold.
By 1985, the popularity of the disco style began to decline due to the increased popularity of the new wave style, and the production team decided to disband the group ARABESQUE. Michaela Rose and Jasmin Vetter founded a duo « ROUGE».
The duo worked with various producers, including Ralph Siegel (Jupiter Records). In 1987, the duo took part in the German national qualifying round for the Eurovision Song Contest, and took fifth place with the song “One of Us” (written by Rainer Pietsch and Werner Schüler).
The duo "Rouge" toured extensively in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Scandinavia and even Egypt. In 1988, the Rouge duo released a Japanese-language album on Fun House Records (which was recorded and produced with Japanese producer Takashi Miki).
At the end of 1989, after Yasmine Vetter became pregnant, the duo "ROUGE" broke up.
After completing the first stage of her stage career, Michaela Rose concentrated on spiritual growth. She completed courses in energy massage "Reiki" and massage with "singing bowls". Michaela also deeply studied numerology and tarot.
Since the audience, especially from the countries of the former USSR, wanted to hear the “ARABESQUE” songs from the stage again, in 2006, with the support of the Retro FM radio station, Michaela Rose selected new stage partners at the casting, recorded new versions of the original phonograms and, as « ARABESQUE original Michaela Rose» , went on numerous tours in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Georgia; performances also took place in Dubai, France, Germany and Turkey.
Mikaela also took part in numerous television shows (for example, as a guest member of the jury in the “Voice of Ukraine” project), various “home” television shootings, festivals and exclusive events (including for the President of Kazakhstan). In 2017, Michaela Rose celebrated her 40th stage anniversary!
The German female pop group Arabesque was one of the trendsetters in the disco style in the late 70s and early 80s. From this group came such a famous disco performer as.
The Arabesque group was created in 1977 in the German city of Offenbach in a studio owned by Frank Farian, famous in the disco world. In Europe, there was just a fashion for all-female groups or groups in which female vocals dominated (Baccara, ABBA, Boney M, etc.).
Arabesque - In for a Penny In for a Pound
In 1979, seventeen-year-old and then unknown Sandra Lauer joined the Arabesque group. The final lineup of the group was as follows: Sandra Ann Lauer, Jasmin Elizabeth Vetter, Michaela Rose. With this lineup, the group achieved its greatest success.
Arabesque - Midnight dancer
Sandra immediately became the informal leader in the group - in the vast majority of songs, the main vocals belonged to her. A number of songs were performed by Michaela.
Arabesque was very popular in Europe and (especially) Japan.
Arabesque - Friday night
In 1984, Sandra's five-year contract to work at Arabesque expired. She, with the support of her future husband Michael Cretu, decides to start a solo career, and the group ceases to exist.
The band's last album, Time To Say Good Bye, was released that same year. Michaela Rose and Jasmine Fetter, trying not to miss their chance, created a new group called Rouge, but it was not successful and broke up in 1988.
Arabesque - Billy's Barbeque
The Arabesque group was very popular in the USSR and its pennies were one of the most beloved in Soviet discos.
Arabesque - Rock Me After Midnight
The popularity of the group was so great that in 1984 the Melodiya company released a record with ten songs from different albums.
The record very quickly became, as they said then, “in short supply”, and it could only be bought with a huge overpayment. Basically, the group's songs were distributed throughout the country in tape recordings.
Arabesque - Why No Reply
Arabesque songs are still often heard on Russian radio in retro programs dedicated to the music of the 80s (for example, on Avtoradio under the heading “Disco of the 80s” and radio “Retro FM”).
Currently, the Arabesque group, consisting of Michaela Rose and two new singers Sabine Kaemper and Silke Brauner, is giving concerts in Russia, officially called Arabesque feat. Michaela Rose and performs old Arabesque songs.
Albums Arabesque:
1978 - Arabesque (in Germany - Friday Night)
1979 - Arabesque II "Peppermint Jack" (in Germany - City Cats)
1980 - Arabesque III (in Germany - Marigot Bay)
1980 - Arabesque IV (also known as "Midnight Dancer")
1981 - Arabesque V “Billy’s Barbeque” (in Germany - In For A Penny)
1982 - Caballero
1982 - Arabesque VII “Why No Reply”
1982 - Fancy Concert
1983 - Arabesque VIII “Loser Pays The Piper” (in Germany - “Dance Dance Dance”)
1984 - Time To Say Good Bye
Arabesque singles:
1977 - Hello Mr. Monkey
1978 - Friday Night
1979 - City Cats
1979 - Peppermint Jack
1980 - Take Me Don't Break Me
1980 - Marigot Bay
1981 - In For A Penny, In For A Pound
1982 - Indio Boy
1982 - Tall Story Teller
1983 - Why No Reply
1983 - Sunrise In Your Eyes
1985 - Time To Say Goodbye
1986 - Ecstasy
1998 - Hello Mr. Monkey (Remix)
2008 - Margiot Bay 2008 (feat. Michaela Rose)
2014 - Dance Into The Moonlight (feat. Michaela Rose).
With the advent of the new musical direction “disco” in 1975, groups working in this very popular direction appeared in Germany and a number of other countries. However, many of them did not last even six months on stage. Things were completely different for the fairly well-known group “Arabesques”. The group was founded in 1977.
Creation of a trioProducers V. Mevs, F. Farian and composer D. Frankfurter gave the name to their team in honor of one dance figure - arabesque. It symbolizes beauty, creativity and sophistication. Since 1978, the ensemble has been actively storming the dance floors of Europe with its incendiary and cheerful singles. The first lineup of "Arabesques" (the group consisted of three female vocalists) included Karen Tepperiz, Michaela Rose and Mary Ann Nagel. The girls managed to record only one hit - “Hello, Mr. Monkey." Then the band endures several changes of vocalists. As a result, in 1979, former gymnast Jasmine Veter and Sandra Lauer, the future leader of the group, joined the trio.
The ensemble lasted with this composition almost until the end of its career. However, the team was still far from enormous popularity and recognition. The single “Friday Night” failed, they were practically unnoticed in their homeland, and only five of the nine supposed albums were released. The biggest achievement of "Arabesque" (the group has been working since the late seventies) was the song written in 1980 and which took third place in the German charts - "Marigot bay". It should be noted that outwardly the trio's vocalists - the blonde Jasmine, the dark-skinned Mikaela and Sandra, who has an "oriental" eye shape - surprisingly complemented each other, representing, as it were, three elements. After the release of “Marigot Bay” the band gained immense popularity in Asia and Japan. The first video clip for the song “Greatest hits”, performed by the Arabesque trio, was recorded and released here. The group annually gives several concerts in the Land of the Rising Sun, which are extremely popular. In the 1970-1980s, the group became in demand in Argentina, South America, the USSR, France, Italy and records were released in large quantities, more and more hits were created. However, in 1984, after the end of a five-year contract, Sandra decided to start a solo career. From this time on, “Arabesques”, the group whose photos are presented above, ceases to exist. The last album was “Time To Say Good Bye” (1984). The duet, subsequently created by Michaella and Jasmine, broke up without becoming popular.
Among the most famous hits are “Six Times a Day”, “In the Heat of a Night Disco”, “City of Cats”, “Caballiero”, “Zanzibar”, “Don’t fall away from me”. In the USSR, Italy, Scandinavia, In France, numerous records with the group's singles were released. The group's repertoire includes both simple dance and slow lyrical compositions, as well as rock and roll-oriented hits. Despite the simplicity and enthusiasm, the songs of this group are not distinguished by the primitiveness inherent in the work of many “girls”. -bends" of that time.
"Arabesque" today
The group is still touring now - it includes new soloists and Michaela Rose. The trio performs well-known old singles at various retro concerts. Their songs, loved by many since childhood, are heard on radio stations and programs upon request.
- Interview
- Michaela Rose answers questions (date: 09/17/2008)
– Your visit to Krasnoyarsk is part of a tour of Russia. How long will the tour last? Have you been to the capital of Siberia before? What are your impressions of Krasnoyarsk?
– Our tour of Russia began at the end of August. We plan to stay in Krasnoyarsk until September 18, and then we will go to Samara with a concert. Before this, we came to the capital of Siberia two years ago, and our main memory is that it was quite cold outside. - – Did you come in winter?
– No, it was also September, as far as I remember. By the way, then we had the opportunity to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the Yenisei. We really enjoyed. - -Have you sailed on a ship?
– No, we were given a tour by car, and it was wonderful. I also remember how we were driving from the airport to the hotel. That's probably all the memories. By the way, in Germany they know about the Yenisei. We can say that we have heard a lot. - - I wonder where from?
– Well, we are a little familiar with geography. (laughs) - “We haven’t heard from you for almost twenty years.” Now your group is officially called Arabesque feat. Michaela Rose. Tell us about yourself. What are your plans for the future, are you going to release new singles?
– Yes, indeed, the group was in the “shadow” for a long time. And two years ago we resumed concert activities, as you know, with a new lineup. I am glad to introduce you to my new colleagues - Sabine Kaemper and Silke Brauner. Sabina is from Germany. Before starting her work in the Arabesque group, she was engaged in acting. Our close cooperation began two years ago. As for Silke Brauner, her career in the Arabesques group also began in 2006, when she first met Sabina. - – And yet, about the group’s plans for the near future...
– I’ll tell you a secret that we are preparing a big tour during the Christmas holidays. And this will happen very soon. We are also planning to re-record some of our songs in the near future, and we hope that the fans will appreciate it. By the way, today here in Krasnoyarsk we will present something from the updated repertoire. - – Do you have your own website on the Internet? Can fans, including Russians, ask you questions directly?
– Yes, indeed, I have a page on the Internet, and I am happy to invite fans to go there, ask questions and express their opinions about our activities. Just let them be patient: I need time to translate the questions and answer them. I hope my translator will help me with this. (Laughs.) But it’s better to ask them in English. - – At the turn of the 70s and 80s, “Arabesques” were the No. 1 group in many countries: Japan, Korea, Argentina and other countries of South America, and you were no less popular in the USSR. At the same time, in your homeland, in Germany, your work was treated rather coolly. Why is that?
– You know, the German fans really didn’t express strong emotions towards us. Their interest could be considered average. In my opinion, this, first of all, depends on the tastes and preferences of the public. Each country has its own tastes. For example, in the 80s, our popularity in Japan simply went through the roof, we were there six times, one of our concerts in 1982 was filmed and released on records and cassettes. We also made tours around Europe - to Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France. But, as I already said, everyone has different tastes, which is why the hits in different countries were not the same. For Germany, the hit single "Marigot bay" from the 1980 album of the same name, which took third place in the German charts, became a hit. By the way, we have now republished it and want to present it to our Russian fans. In Russia, the song “Midnight dancer” was extremely popular, while Japanese fans especially loved the song “Hello, Mr. Monkey”. - – How were you received in Russia? What can you say about our audience?
- ABOUT!!! (laughs) Russian fans are just super! They are so amazing, they are not shy to express their emotions! We love them very much. We always feel their energy, and it's really great. Our concerts come from the heart. I hope our fans feel the same. - – You worked with Sandra for a long time. How did you feel about her after she left the group?
– Jasmine and Sandra were good colleagues when we worked together, but we are all very different in character, so each of us lived our own lives and careers. The Arabesque group was created in 1977, it included me along with two other girls, so I was the only one left from the previous lineup as a founding member. After we had our first big success in Japan with our first single "Hello, Mr. Monkey" (and first gold disc), two other girls got pregnant, one of them was replaced by Jasmine and the other by another girl, and then she also became pregnant and was replaced by Sandra in 1979. We remained together in this composition until 1985. - – Do you now keep in touch with your former colleagues Sandra Cretu and Jasmine Fetter?
– Since the group Rouge broke up in 1985, we have practically not maintained contact. For several years we talked a little with Jasmine, but then she went to Egypt and we never saw each other again. - – The Rouge group recorded several successful singles in Europe, such as “I wanna take your body”, “Hold on”, “Love line operator”. Why was the full album never released at that time?
“At that time we changed record companies and producers, so the full album was never released. - – In the repertoire of “Arabesque” there are simply dance songs, and slow lyrical compositions, and rock and roll oriented things. Which Arabesque songs do you personally like the most?
– These are: “Marigot Bay”, “Rock me”, “Sunset in NY”, “Why no reply”... - – Is there any nostalgia for the time when you were a member of the previous “Arabesques”?
– Every time is good in its own way. Without a doubt, I have the best memories of those times. For me, a young girl, it was an amazing time. It gave me the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally. - – What are you planning to sing for Krasnoyarsk residents today? Will there be any new singles?
– Today we will sing many songs from the old repertoire, but we have also prepared a surprise for Krasnoyarsk residents - our new single, which we want to present here on Siberian soil. - - Do you like to travel? Are you tired of your busy work schedule?
– Due to the nature of our work, we are forced to travel a lot, and this is quite tiring. Especially when it comes to touring Russia: you have such long distances! We are forced to return to the Moscow airport to fly to another city. And it's so painful! - – What do you think the success of a group and a singer depends on?
– Everyone has their own secret of success. In my opinion, the success of "Arabesque" lies in its high energy. Any work must be from the heart, come from the heart. Only then will you be able to receive feedback. And we really love our work, songs, and our fans. We like to be in contact with the public, to feel their warmth. And we are ready to share the same. We even learned a little Russian to be closer to our Russian fans. - – What do you do in your free time, if any?
– Yes, sometimes we have it... (laughs) Personally, I am very passionate about spiritual things. I have studied and am practicing the method of relaxation of soul and body - Reiki (translated from Japanese "Rei" - God, king; "ki" - energy), massage, Tarot cards. Other hobbies include traveling. I really love traveling to different countries, especially Asia. - – What is your life credo?
– It is very important for me not to cause pain and harm to other people. This is my main life principle. And also, probably, learn from other people’s mistakes. - – What is the most significant and unforgettable event in your life?
– Oh, there were so many of them... We once had an incident in Russia. As you now know, I am very into spiritual things. One day we came to a Russian church, and the priest who came out to meet us said: “Oh, I know you!” Father showed us the church, it was an amazing sight, amazing beauty. But the most important thing happened next: he sanctified us. For us, this truly became one of the most unforgettable events... Now, when we come to Russia, we feel absolutely protected. - – Do you remember what city it was in? Maybe the name of the church?
– It was in Ufa, and the temple was, as far as I remember, Sergei of Radonezh. (He pronounces the name of the temple in Russian almost clearly.) - – Do you believe in God?
- Yes, definitely. - – Do you have a musical artist or group that you admire?
– I adore the work of Elton John. Among contemporary performers, I admire the work of Shakira. On one of our tours in Russia, I heard a song by your young performer, very popular... I forgot his last name... (sings the tune of Dima Bilan's song "I know for sure: the impossible is possible...") We performed together at a concert and were fascinated by his performance. Energy-filled, alive. Only, unfortunately, due to ignorance of the language, I did not understand the full meaning of the song. But judging by the motive, it was something lyrical. - – Is your husband interested in music?
– My life partner is a jazz pianist... - – Your favorite time of year. If you were offered, could you move to a harsh climate like Siberia?
- A very tricky question. I still prefer warmth. We were in Sochi, there is a wonderful climate, sea, warmth. Although we also like to travel around Siberia. There's a lot to see here. We were here in winter too, and we can’t say we didn’t like it. You see, your frost is dry, and you don’t feel it that much. - – Do you live in Frankfurt now?
- Yes. - - How's the weather there?
- About the same as yours. Fifteen degrees plus. - – Which Russian dish do you like best?
– We once came to Russia during Maslenitsa. We tasted delicious dumplings and pancakes with various fillings. Delicious! (the word “tasty” is spoken in pure Russian.) - – Your wishes to the people of Krasnoyarsk.
– We wish all Krasnoyarsk residents to always remain healthy and in a good mood. So that they love us and do not forget our songs. Let's have fun! (Mikhaela also speaks the last phrase in Russian.)
Arabesque were one of the favorite groups at Soviet discos. The popularity of the group was so great that in 1984 the Melodiya company released a record with ten songs from different albums. The record very quickly became, as they said then, “in short supply”, and it could only be bought with a huge overpayment. Basically, the group’s songs were distributed throughout the country in tape recordings...
"Arabesque" is a German pop group that worked in the disco genre with high-energy elements - one of the most striking phenomena in “disco” music.
The Arabesque group was created in 1977 (registered in the German city of Offenbach in a studio owned by Frank Farian, famous in the disco world). At that time in Europe there was a fashion for “lady bands” or groups in which female vocals were dominant: Baccara, ABBA, Boney M.
Created with the light hand of the master of "disco" - the famous producer of "Boney" M, composer Frank Farian - this group since 1978 began to methodically bomb the dance floors of Europe with their singles and albums.
The original trio consisted of Michaela Rose (12/19/1958), Karen Ann Tepperis, who later continued her career in the group Shakira, and Mary Ann Nagel.
This lineup recorded only one single, “Hello, Mr. Monkey” (1978), and Mary Ann was replaced by Jasmin Elizabeth Vetter (02/22/1956), who had previously been involved in sports and was a member of the German women’s gymnastics team.
With this lineup, the group recorded their first album, "Friday night", after which Karen was replaced by Heike Rimbeau. Having recorded half of the second album "City cats" (1979), Heike leaves, and in her place appears the still unknown seventeen-year-old Sandra Lauer (Sandra Ann Lauer, 05/18/1962).
In this composition (Sandra, Jasmine and Michaela) the group will exist until the end of its career. Sandra immediately became the informal leader in the group - in the vast majority of songs, the main vocals belonged to her.
It must be said that the girls from the group complemented each other surprisingly accurately: they seemed to represent “three elements”, three different types - the dark-skinned southerner Michaela, the blond northerner Jasmine and, finally, Sandra with her “Japanese” eye shape.
The band was produced by Wolfgang Mewes of Hansa International and all songs (except "Hello, Mr Monkey" and "Squaw") were written by Jean Frankfurter and John Moering.
But something strange happened to the band's popularity: their first album, "Friday Night", was a complete failure in Germany, and since then the band was simply ignored in Europe. They were practically unnoticed in their homeland - out of their 9 studio albums, only 5 were published in Germany, and their biggest achievement was the single “Marigot bay” from the 1980 album of the same name, which took third place in the German charts.
For unknown reasons, Europe gave preference to much weaker and less prolific groups in all respects like “Luv” and “A La Carte.” But in Japan and other Asian countries, “Arabesque” were as popular as the pop quartet “ABBA” " in Europe!
Even during their performance in Cannes in 1978, Mr. Kito, the producer of the Japanese company Jhinko Music, really liked them, and he made efforts to promote them in the Land of the Rising Sun.
The trio annually visited Japan with concerts, one of which in 1982 was even filmed and released on records and cassettes. In addition, in 1982, a video of the group "Greatest hits" was filmed and released in Japan.
During their career, the group visited Japan 6 times, the number of records they sold in Japan alone exceeds 10 million! ( The Japanese at one time bought all the rights to publish the group’s works, so there are many Japanese editions- approx. author)
At the turn of the 70-80s, "Arabesques" were also the No. 1 group in Argentina and some other countries in Asia and South America; they were no less popular in the USSR (in 1983, the Melodiya company even released their record called " Arabesque").
In the Scandinavian countries, as well as Italy and France, their records were released, which hit the charts, and only in Germany their work was still viewed coolly.
All along the way, the group was not plagued by creative failures - the enthusiasm and creative potential of this group was truly inexhaustible, new compositions multiplied like mushrooms after rain.
To get an idea of this group, it is enough to remember at least some of their wonderful popular compositions: "Hello, Mr Monkey" (1978), "Six times a day" (1978), "In the heat of a disco night" (1979) , "Rock me after midnight" (1979), "Once in a blue moon" (1980), "Midnight dancer" (1980), "In for a penny, in for a pound" (1981), "Indio Boy" ( 1981), "Caballero" (1981), "Don't fall away from me" (1982), "Zanzibar" (1982), "Sunrise in your eyes" (1983), "Time to say good-bye" (1984 ).
Their repertoire includes simply dance songs, slow lyrical compositions, and rock and roll oriented songs. Their sound is very light and playful and does not have the primitiveness inherent in many “girl bands” of those years.
"Arabesques" are popular to this day, the Japanese branch of "BMG" - the company "Victor" still re-releases all the trio's albums with enviable consistency, thanks to which finding them does not present any problems, and in 2002 they released a DVD disc " "Greatest hits".
After the group disbanded in 1984, Sandra began a solo (and very successful) career (she also took part in the Enigma project in the 1990s), and Michaela and Jasmine created the duet "Rouge", which released several singles in Europe and one album in Japan in Japanese with very beautiful and strong compositions.
Working in this duet revealed the vocal abilities of Jasmine, who in “Arabesques” was promoted to the role of a backing vocalist. Unfortunately, the duo ceased operations in 1988 due to mismanagement of the people working with the duo, especially in the financial field.
On December 16, 2006, 22 years after the cessation of their activities, "Arabesque" returned to the stage and performed in Moscow at the extraordinary show "Legends of Retro FM". This was their first appearance in Russia. The 20,000-strong “Olympiysky” watched with bated breath the revival of the cult group of the 80s.
Currently, the Arabesque group, consisting of Michaela Rose and two new singers Sabine Kaemper and Silke Brauner, is giving concerts in Russia, officially called Arabesque feat. Michaela Rose and performs old Arabesque songs.
Speaking about the Arabesque group, two more interesting facts should be mentioned, which, although not directly related to the history of the group, are nevertheless worthy of attention.
Firstly, contrary to the generally accepted pronunciation tradition, the name of the group when translated into Russian sounds in the singular - Arabesque. The fact is that for the name of the group the designation of a ballet figure called arabesque was chosen, and the word arabesque in the plural is the designation of one of the types of ornament.
Secondly, there is another small oddity, it is not so important and not so obvious, but I noticed that in any official Arabesok album (and any re-release) there are always exactly 10 songs - apparently this is a lucky number for the group.
