Timbre exquisito, fraseo y tempo notables, afinación perfecta, puro sentimiento del hombre mayor que ha conseguido el amor de una mujer mas joven y lo comparte con un joven recién conocido, sin saber que aman a la misma mujer.
My introduction to this aria was a tape of Ghiarov recorded in the 60s, with the BBC symphony
conducted by Edward Downes, Sicilian vespers, the cavatina from Alecko, a couple others from Verdi, very much impressed by him, until now! Shtokolov is really in a different class, how very interesting it is to find after first hearing Nicolai 20 years ago, to strike gold.
Wobble? No! Open vowels as "o" and "a" at full voice have a vibrato in such a powerful dark voice. His "i" has less vibrato. He has the courage and the technique to sing big tones in the higher register whereas some singers would cover these a little more and be less generous. His low F# is secured anyway. The difference in this aria between his deep basso and Reizen´s melodious and more lyrical cantante is quite telling! Am I right?
@Aetion I disagree. I do believe that it is cultural. The Russian/Slavic culture merely values this sound. One could say that the inherent melancholy of the Russian culture (read almost any Russian author) would create the value of this type of voice. Most others value the tenor because of its beauty and in the higher registers where the voice threatens (and sometimes does) crack. I heard a broadcast from the Met and heard Pavarotti crack on a high C.
@45acppistolero . Thank you for your analysis. As a cellist, I have always been drawn to the dark, soulful, often melancholy sound of Russian music and singing. It feels very real to me. With all due respect to the "Three Tenors" phenomenon, I easily tire if that timbre, no matter how great the voice. These dark, Slavic voices draw you into a contemplative frame of mind. I think that's why I love them so much.
What an amazing bass. Again, it is a privilege to hear him. I was unfamiliar with this artist until a friend sent me a video. I wish I had heard Shtokolov long ago.
Hello Khankonchak. I have a vocal question. Is there a true "Russian" voice quality? I ask becasue it seems that so many Russian/Baltic singers (Finns, Bulgarians too) have these these wonderful, rich voices with a unique, dark quality. Is it from the languages they speak or something? Is it something in the culture? It is a sound that seems to be part of the psyche and soul of the people. I am a cellist, and drawn to this velvety, rich tone. Let me know what you think.
@stickershomeplus Good question but difficult to answer. I think that it’s a characteristic of the Slavs and has nothing to do with the language or the culture. The latter two do not form any type of voice, do they? Russians have an excellent ability to the dance as well. Think of ballet, which is not of Russian origin. They have taken it from the West. Notwithstanding who are the greatest ballet dancers not to speak of composers?
Thank you! Thank you! I can't thank you enough for sharing this force of nature with us. I love basso voices (my favorite in opera singers), but his is the greatest I've ever heard. I feel blessed to have discovered this. Once again, thanks!
I've been going to the opera and listening to opera for the past forty years this is the first time I have heard of Boris Shtokolov, this evening I have heard the most beautiful voice I have ever heard. I'm going out tomorrow and buying everything he ever recorded. Thank you very much khankonchak, what other gems were kept secret from us?
It IS a wondrous, awe-inspiring voice, isn't it? Shtokolov made relatively few recordings in his prime, and they are quite difficult to find. Melodiya has never reissued them on CD and doesn't seem in a particular hurry to do so. You're most welcome, however, to check out the Shtokolov uploads that I've posted on my YT page (and which I'll be adding to). Also be sure to visit the channels of muuha14, MusashiTzu, and Pustinnik25, who have contributed many rare recordings of his.
i am discovering Shtokolov !! a stupendous voice and formidable singing. completely unknown from me though i began to attend and to listen to operas since 1968 : forty years without even knowing he exists ,even though i have records with russian artists like reizen, koslowski, and many others thanks a lot
I am so glad you have made Shtokolov's acquaintance. Just a year and a half ago, he was completely absent from Youtube, and now there are 3 pages worth of videos. It's certainly a vast improvement, although I wish that he had made more recordings (and that companies like Melodiya would release them on CD). But I'm grateful for the treasures that DO exist, and I hope that you enjoy perusing them in this forum.
Yes,there is Reizen,there is Christoff,and maybe few others that might be of super performance with excellent voices ,but there is only one the greatest of them all Shtokolov...WOBLE here or woble there if that what some are trying to criticise_even if there would be which is out of question here -this is the finest bass singer EVER been.The warmth and colour of this spectacular voice and spectacular supperb control has yet to be surpassed....
With all the great Gremin's available for us to enjoy, I feel in my soul that Shtokolov's version is "definitive". Consider the artistry he brings to the role. He's essentially a younger man in his vocal prime singing the role of a much older one, and he makes it sound both convincing, touching, and true to life. While I shall always enjoy Christoff's version, and cherish the 90-year old Mark Reizen's, it is the version recorded here by Shtokolov that will resonate now and forever more.
A "wobble" entails indeterminate pitch; it's a problem whose audible consequence involves pitch insecurity. There is NO such issue here. Shtokolov DOES have a wide vibrato, but he stays squarely on pitch. If the vibrato isn't to your taste, then fine (even if your complaint is new to me). But if you're going to post critical remarks, you should know your terminology before you do so. This was recorded in his prime. It's hardly the sound of a bass in the throes of vocal decay, if you ask me.
With Shtokolov we hear him using an overly wide vibrato, and in doing so he covers the note he's supposed to be singing and some others. He clearly has no pitch problems, but WITHIN the vibrato he does go wide enough to sing outside the given notes! If you ask me it sounds like WOBBLE, as I wrote before. Don't get me wrong, great true bass sound.
A wobble is not the result of age, but of improper breath support. Maestro Shtokolov's technique is superb... beyond flawless! I cannot name a basso profundo with firmer or finer control than this.
A wobble is not the result of age, but of improper breath support. Maestro Shtokolov's technique is superb... beyond flawless! I cannot name a basso profundo with firmer or finer control than this.
Thank you for these fabulous postings. These are gifts of which were have been deprived, through our own ignorance, for far too many years. These are treasures. Bless you!
One more Great bass who continued the tradition of the " dark ' color , deep like velvet , huge range and amazing interpretation russian or slavian , if you like it better , voices !!!!
and for the non - russian speakers , i want to say that his accent is perfect !!
Each time I listen to this singer I 'rediscover' him. This (along with the 'instant recognizability' you mention) seems to be a hallmark of the greats: always something new in every 'performance' even if you've already listened dozens of times. Anyway, I have (for the first time) real good speakers on my computer, and playing this, it sounds as though Boris Shtokolov is standing 6 feet away. Thanks so much for posting this and for your erudite, informative commentary!
I don't understand Russian but agree with your info. that it "sounds like a heartfelt confession...". Thanks for uploading this great and amazing voice.
Timbre exquisito, fraseo y tempo notables, afinación perfecta, puro sentimiento del hombre mayor que ha conseguido el amor de una mujer mas joven y lo comparte con un joven recién conocido, sin saber que aman a la misma mujer.
Pirova152 2 weeks ago
My introduction to this aria was a tape of Ghiarov recorded in the 60s, with the BBC symphony
conducted by Edward Downes, Sicilian vespers, the cavatina from Alecko, a couple others from Verdi, very much impressed by him, until now! Shtokolov is really in a different class, how very interesting it is to find after first hearing Nicolai 20 years ago, to strike gold.
cavatina36 1 month ago
Борис,ты был ВЕЛИКИМ ПЕВЦОМ ! Горжусь что был знаком с тобой! ТАЛАНТИЩЕ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
VMelnikov1 2 months ago
This is magnificent singing and his interpretation brings out all the pathos that we need from a Gremin.
BigglesWatch 3 months ago
The range and control is astounding. Thank you again for posting these wonderful pieces.
Tehomet 6 months ago
Wobble? No! Open vowels as "o" and "a" at full voice have a vibrato in such a powerful dark voice. His "i" has less vibrato. He has the courage and the technique to sing big tones in the higher register whereas some singers would cover these a little more and be less generous. His low F# is secured anyway. The difference in this aria between his deep basso and Reizen´s melodious and more lyrical cantante is quite telling! Am I right?
Yitzhakhazak 7 months ago
so beautiful singing, have few in my channel - hope you like :))
k0it123 1 year ago
I can't get over the beauty of Shtokolov's voice and interpretation. Please find more of his performances, and thank you for sharing.
elainebmack 1 year ago
This has to be one of the most powerful voices I have ever heard. Awesome!
jorthyf 1 year ago
This has to be one of the most powerful voices I have ever heard. Awesome!
jorthyf 1 year ago
@Aetion I disagree. I do believe that it is cultural. The Russian/Slavic culture merely values this sound. One could say that the inherent melancholy of the Russian culture (read almost any Russian author) would create the value of this type of voice. Most others value the tenor because of its beauty and in the higher registers where the voice threatens (and sometimes does) crack. I heard a broadcast from the Met and heard Pavarotti crack on a high C.
45acppistolero 1 year ago
@45acppistolero . Thank you for your analysis. As a cellist, I have always been drawn to the dark, soulful, often melancholy sound of Russian music and singing. It feels very real to me. With all due respect to the "Three Tenors" phenomenon, I easily tire if that timbre, no matter how great the voice. These dark, Slavic voices draw you into a contemplative frame of mind. I think that's why I love them so much.
elainebmack 1 year ago 2
I always thought Chaliapin was the greatest. Now I may have to reassess my opinion. Wow.
45acppistolero 1 year ago
wow. . . . .absolutely gorgeous
BastaRoberti 1 year ago
Una bellissima registrazione... Come succede spesso una registrazione é una dolce illusione...
bodiloto 1 year ago
What an amazing bass. Again, it is a privilege to hear him. I was unfamiliar with this artist until a friend sent me a video. I wish I had heard Shtokolov long ago.
arpeggio1358 1 year ago
Bravo!!! Beautiful!!! Thank you : )
cyclesingsleep 1 year ago
une grande et magnifique découverte pour moi !
micky9321 1 year ago
Beautiful voice! wow
Alfruna 1 year ago
Did he ever recorded the complete opera?
deafussy 1 year ago
Absolutely fantastic!!!
russobasso 2 years ago
WHAT A VOICE!!!!!!!! What expression!!
this is the best performance of this i ever heard!
Nika666666666 2 years ago 2
The best version of this aria for me. What a colour!
deafussy 2 years ago
Hello Khankonchak. I have a vocal question. Is there a true "Russian" voice quality? I ask becasue it seems that so many Russian/Baltic singers (Finns, Bulgarians too) have these these wonderful, rich voices with a unique, dark quality. Is it from the languages they speak or something? Is it something in the culture? It is a sound that seems to be part of the psyche and soul of the people. I am a cellist, and drawn to this velvety, rich tone. Let me know what you think.
stickershomeplus 2 years ago
@stickershomeplus Good question but difficult to answer. I think that it’s a characteristic of the Slavs and has nothing to do with the language or the culture. The latter two do not form any type of voice, do they? Russians have an excellent ability to the dance as well. Think of ballet, which is not of Russian origin. They have taken it from the West. Notwithstanding who are the greatest ballet dancers not to speak of composers?
Aetion 1 year ago
I had never heard of this remarkable musician until 5 minutes ago while perusing You Tube for this aria. Amazing! Such a beautiful rich voice.
stickershomeplus 2 years ago 2
Thank you! Thank you! I can't thank you enough for sharing this force of nature with us. I love basso voices (my favorite in opera singers), but his is the greatest I've ever heard. I feel blessed to have discovered this. Once again, thanks!
Nanguyalai 2 years ago
I totally agree - this may very well be the finest rendering of Gremins aria I have heard. Just beautiful, even more so.
pjotrerling 2 years ago
Just try hearing it by Boris Christoff!!! This or even Ghiaurov is nothing compared to him
TBer50 2 years ago
I've been going to the opera and listening to opera for the past forty years this is the first time I have heard of Boris Shtokolov, this evening I have heard the most beautiful voice I have ever heard. I'm going out tomorrow and buying everything he ever recorded. Thank you very much khankonchak, what other gems were kept secret from us?
elrodfk 2 years ago 6
It IS a wondrous, awe-inspiring voice, isn't it? Shtokolov made relatively few recordings in his prime, and they are quite difficult to find. Melodiya has never reissued them on CD and doesn't seem in a particular hurry to do so. You're most welcome, however, to check out the Shtokolov uploads that I've posted on my YT page (and which I'll be adding to). Also be sure to visit the channels of muuha14, MusashiTzu, and Pustinnik25, who have contributed many rare recordings of his.
khankonchak 2 years ago
What a voice! Amazing!
lehava960 2 years ago
Why did it take me so long to discover this amazing singer?!
cfilipow86 2 years ago
Likewise! Extreme power with finesse.
rayrac 2 years ago
Shtiokolov gives us a verile, mature,
deeply contented and wonderfully sung
Prince Gremin. His dark beautiful voice
frames the portrait of this noble character.
Thank you.
Kievest 2 years ago 5
i am discovering Shtokolov !! a stupendous voice and formidable singing. completely unknown from me though i began to attend and to listen to operas since 1968 : forty years without even knowing he exists ,even though i have records with russian artists like reizen, koslowski, and many others thanks a lot
biperzed 2 years ago
I am so glad you have made Shtokolov's acquaintance. Just a year and a half ago, he was completely absent from Youtube, and now there are 3 pages worth of videos. It's certainly a vast improvement, although I wish that he had made more recordings (and that companies like Melodiya would release them on CD). But I'm grateful for the treasures that DO exist, and I hope that you enjoy perusing them in this forum.
khankonchak 2 years ago 2
Yes,there is Reizen,there is Christoff,and maybe few others that might be of super performance with excellent voices ,but there is only one the greatest of them all Shtokolov...WOBLE here or woble there if that what some are trying to criticise_even if there would be which is out of question here -this is the finest bass singer EVER been.The warmth and colour of this spectacular voice and spectacular supperb control has yet to be surpassed....
mysong42 3 years ago 2
With all the great Gremin's available for us to enjoy, I feel in my soul that Shtokolov's version is "definitive". Consider the artistry he brings to the role. He's essentially a younger man in his vocal prime singing the role of a much older one, and he makes it sound both convincing, touching, and true to life. While I shall always enjoy Christoff's version, and cherish the 90-year old Mark Reizen's, it is the version recorded here by Shtokolov that will resonate now and forever more.
rvronsky 3 years ago 2
This is just great, but a little bit younger Mark Reizen (not 90years old) was a great also!!!!!
mayflash67 2 years ago
The best Gremin aria on YouTube!
rayrac 3 years ago 2
great sound, but too much of a wobble for my taste. Maybe this was recorded later in his career, so the wobble is permissible.
soren476 3 years ago
A "wobble" entails indeterminate pitch; it's a problem whose audible consequence involves pitch insecurity. There is NO such issue here. Shtokolov DOES have a wide vibrato, but he stays squarely on pitch. If the vibrato isn't to your taste, then fine (even if your complaint is new to me). But if you're going to post critical remarks, you should know your terminology before you do so. This was recorded in his prime. It's hardly the sound of a bass in the throes of vocal decay, if you ask me.
khankonchak 3 years ago 4
With Shtokolov we hear him using an overly wide vibrato, and in doing so he covers the note he's supposed to be singing and some others. He clearly has no pitch problems, but WITHIN the vibrato he does go wide enough to sing outside the given notes! If you ask me it sounds like WOBBLE, as I wrote before. Don't get me wrong, great true bass sound.
soren476 3 years ago
@khankonchak
A wobble is not the result of age, but of improper breath support. Maestro Shtokolov's technique is superb... beyond flawless! I cannot name a basso profundo with firmer or finer control than this.
basenjidiva 10 months ago
@khankonchak
A wobble is not the result of age, but of improper breath support. Maestro Shtokolov's technique is superb... beyond flawless! I cannot name a basso profundo with firmer or finer control than this.
Thank you for these fabulous postings. These are gifts of which were have been deprived, through our own ignorance, for far too many years. These are treasures. Bless you!
basenjidiva 10 months ago
Great singing, wonderful tone, my favourite without a doubt.
rayrac 3 years ago
One more Great bass who continued the tradition of the " dark ' color , deep like velvet , huge range and amazing interpretation russian or slavian , if you like it better , voices !!!!
and for the non - russian speakers , i want to say that his accent is perfect !!
Phaidra69 3 years ago 4
Que voz!
Unica y maravillosa!
El comentario de Kankonchak es totalmente justo.
Como es posible que tales artistas no sean conocidos mundialmente?
WQA12345 3 years ago
удивительный голос....
потрясающий!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BachLoveNat 3 years ago
You only realise how great this is after comparing to Reizen and christoff
MusashiTzu 3 years ago
Each time I listen to this singer I 'rediscover' him. This (along with the 'instant recognizability' you mention) seems to be a hallmark of the greats: always something new in every 'performance' even if you've already listened dozens of times. Anyway, I have (for the first time) real good speakers on my computer, and playing this, it sounds as though Boris Shtokolov is standing 6 feet away. Thanks so much for posting this and for your erudite, informative commentary!
erasistratus1 3 years ago
My favourite bass aria in realy russian language,realy russian bass voice, very beautiful! Thank you!
lehava960 3 years ago
certainly my favorite bass, I had longed to hear his voice truely tested in opera, I only knew him from the folk songs you posted before this.
MusashiTzu 3 years ago
I don't understand Russian but agree with your info. that it "sounds like a heartfelt confession...". Thanks for uploading this great and amazing voice.
wolkowy1 3 years ago 2
looks like I will be updating my ipod yet again:) thanks for providing my only access to this great bass.
MusashiTzu 3 years ago