Feodor Chaliapin Sr. was an American actor known for his remarkable operatic performances and significant contributions to the art of singing and acting. He is best recognized for his roles in “Boris Godunov,” “Don Quichotte,” and “Maid of Pskov.”
Personal and Family Life
Feodor Chaliapin Sr. was born on February 13, 1873, in Omet Tawi, near Kazan, Russia. He experienced a difficult childhood filled with hardships. In his personal life, he was married twice; his first wife was Iola Tornaghi, with whom he had six children. His second partner was Maria Valentinovna Petzhold, with whom he had three daughters.
Career Highlights
Chaliapin began his career in the opera at the Tbilisi Opera in 1893 and later performed at renowned venues such as La Scala and the Bolshoi Theatre. He was celebrated for his powerful bass voice and ability to act convincingly on stage, revolutionizing the expectations of operatic performances. His legacy includes numerous recordings and a distinguished career that influenced future generations of opera singers.
Death and Legacy
Feodor Chaliapin Sr. passed away on April 12, 1938, in Paris, France, due to complications from a kidney ailment. He is buried in Novodevichy Monastery Cemetery in Moscow. Chaliapin’s work left a lasting impact on opera, and he is remembered as one of the greatest basses of the early 20th century, combining remarkable singing with genuine acting.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Tsar Ivan Vasilevich Groznyy | 1915-10-20 | tsar Ivan IV the Terrible |
| Don Quichotte | 1933-03-25 | Don Quichotte |
| Элегия | 1986-12-31 | Himself |
| Dark Eyes | 2021-12-31 | Self (archive footage) |
| Синема в России | 1979-08-27 | Film footage |