Feodor Chaliapin

The Russian opera singer Feodor Ivanovich Chaliapin (Фёдор Ива́нович Шаля́пин) (February 13 (February 1, Old Style), 1873–April 12, 1938) was the most famous bass in the first half of the 20th century. Because of his powerful and flexible voice, together with his mesmerizing stage presence and his superb acting ability, he is considered one of the greatest performers in the history of opera, and he is credited with establishing the tradition of naturalistic acting in opera.