Few singers have impacted music in the way that Feodor Chaliapin did in the early 1900's. A largely self-taught basso, he was the most famous Russian singer of the first part of the 20th century, and made a significant career out of the bass and bass-baritone rep. His most stunning and well-known role was that of Boris Godunov. He had stiff competition from two other Russian basses, but his unique timbre (quality) of voice and striking stage presence and personality gained him worldwide fame. Even though he was personally affected by the Russian Revolution in 1917, he had a significant career, with hundreds of performances, dozens of recordings, and a legacy that has been passed down through the ages to modern bass singers.
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