Chaliapin, Feodor Ivanovich, 1873-1938, Russian operatic bass. His powerful and supple voice, together with his tremendous physique, his gusto, and his superb ability as a naturalistic actor, made him one of the greatest performers in the history of opera. Taught by the singer Usatov, he first gained notice in 1894 in St. Petersburg; then he sang in Moscow and rapidly won an international reputation. After the Russian Revolution he was a lauded "artist of the people," but disagreement with the Soviet government caused him to remain outside Russia after 1921, although he maintained that he was not anti-Soviet. After an unspectacular American debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1907, he returned in 1921 and sang there with immense success for eight seasons. His most famous role was the lead in Moussorgsky's Boris Godunov, but he also won praise as Ivan the Terrible in Rimsky-Korsakov's Maid of Pskov, in the title role of Boito's Mefistofele, and as Mephistopheles in Gounod's Faust. His recitals, which included popular Russian music, were also highly successful wherever he performed.

or Fyodor Shalyapin

(born Feb. 13, 1873, near Kazan, Russia—died April 12, 1938, Paris, France) Russian singer. Born a peasant, he received little early musical training, but his talent led to his taking leading roles with a touring opera company in his teens. Coached by Dimitri Usatov (1847–1913), he had debuts in St. Petersburg (1894) and Moscow (1896), where he played Boris Godunov, the role he would be most associated with. These led to his triumphant 1901 La Scala debut as Mefistofele. His imposing stage presence and fine acting gave him a popularity second only to that of Enrico Caruso.

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or Fyodor Shalyapin

(born Feb. 13, 1873, near Kazan, Russia—died April 12, 1938, Paris, France) Russian singer. Born a peasant, he received little early musical training, but his talent led to his taking leading roles with a touring opera company in his teens. Coached by Dimitri Usatov (1847–1913), he had debuts in St. Petersburg (1894) and Moscow (1896), where he played Boris Godunov, the role he would be most associated with. These led to his triumphant 1901 La Scala debut as Mefistofele. His imposing stage presence and fine acting gave him a popularity second only to that of Enrico Caruso.

Learn more about Chaliapin, Feodor (Ivanovich) with a free trial on Britannica.com.

See Feodor Chaliapin