Music

Russian singer Feodor Chaliapin monument

06.03.201709.04.2020 by Elena

Monument to Feodor Chaliapin at his house-museum on Novinsky Boulevard in Moscow, established July 30, 2003. Sculptor Vadim Tserkovnikov — Russian singer Feodor Chaliapin monument at his house-museum on Novinsky Boulevard in Moscow, established July 30, 2003. Sculptor Vadim Tserkovnikov

Monument to Feodor Chaliapin at his house-museum on Novinsky Boulevard in Moscow, established July 30, 2003. The author of the monument – sculptor Vadim Mikhailovich Tserkovnikov. According to the author, he planned to portray the singer reclining, leaning on a tree torn up from the ground. In particular, in the same position in which famous Russian painter Ilya Repin portrayed Chaliapin in 1915 in his painting. Unfortunately, the portrait has not survived. Meanwhile, lopped tree symbolizes eternal peace and eternal memory, as it is portrayed in the Polish gravestones. However, in this monument torn roots show that despite emigration soul of great Russian singer stayed at home. The height of the monument with the pedestal is 2.5 meters.
However, there are many people who do not like the composition of the monument. According to them, Fedor reminds them “an alcoholic searching for troubles.” In addition, the land on which the singer sits, too, in their view, looks too naturally, that creates the impression that the singer is in the pile of dirt, washed out by rain.

Bauman street, Kazan. Russia. Monument to Chaliapin

Meanwhile, memory of Chaliapin keep other cities in Russia. In particular, 29 August 1999 monument to Chaliapin appeared in Kazan. It is next to the bell tower of the Cathedral of the Epiphany, in which he was baptized February 2, 1873 (sculptor A. Balashov). Besides, monuments to Chaliapin is in Ufa (installed 12 June 2007. Sculptor Rustem Khasanov) and in Kirov (August 2014). Besides, the name of Feodor Chaliapin immortalized by a star on the Hollywood “Walk of Fame” for his contribution to the recording industry.

Also, noteworthy are monuments in Ufa and Kirov.

Marble sculpture of Fyodor Chaliapin in Ufa installed near Ufa State Academy of Arts on Lenin Street, in front of the Bashkir Opera and Ballet Theatre, where the singer debuted December 18, 1890.

According to the sculptor, he created the image of a talented bass, reflecting his youth. When Chaliapin began performing in Ufa theater, he was young and unknown to date. Therefore, marble figure paused in trembling expectation of the public reaction. The artist wanted to depict not popular and confident actor, but at the start of his creative way, which, by the will of fate, Chaliapin began in Ufa.

Another interesting monument to Chaliapin – five meters tall, stately and majestic, installed in the city of Kirov (2014). The author of the sculpture became a member of the Artists’ Union Viktor Boriskin.

Working on his own portrait, Chalapin as a sculptor — Working on his own portrait, Chaliapin as a sculptor

Feodor Chaliapin (February 13, 1873 Kazan – April 12, 1938, Paris) – Russian opera and chamber singer (high bass). At various times, the soloist of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters, as well as the Metropolitan Opera House. Noteworthy, he was the first People’s Artist of the Soviet Republic. In 1918-1921 he was the artistic director of the Mariinsky Theatre. He has the reputation of artist combining in his work “innate musicality, vibrant vocals, and extraordinary acting skills.” He had a great influence on the world opera.

However, that the talent of Chaliapin was not limited by music and acting activities. Interestingly, Feodor Chaliapin was a remarkable draftsman, dabbled in painting and in sculpture. Preserved many portraits, self-portraits, drawings and caricatures of his work.