Background
Chaliapin, Fedor was born in 1873.
Chaliapin, Fedor was born in 1873.
The most famous bass in the world. Started his career in 1896 in Mamontov’s Private Opera Company in Moscow. Most famous parts were Boris, Ivan the Terrible and the miller in Rusalka by Dargomyzhskii.
In 1901, went to Milan. In America in 1908. Worked for Diaghilev in Paris, 1908-1909. In 1913, appeared at Drury Lane during the Russian Season organized by Sir Thomas Beecham.
Left Soviet Russia in 1921. Went to America again, 1922-1925. Continued to perform, although his health deteriorated.
Recognized as a bass of genius and a great operatic actor. The Soviet Government made several approaches to his children to allow him to be reburied in the Soviet Union but the requests were declined. After the death of his favourite daughter, Dasia Fedorovna, the request was granted by other relatives.
Re-buried with pomp in the exclusive Novodevich’e cemetery in Moscow, 62 years after his departure. Members of the government attended the ceremony.