Boris Shtokolov- Prince Gremin's aria

Boris Timofeevich Shtokolov (1930-2005) is a name unfamiliar to most music aficionados in the West. Although he was an extremely popular singer in the former Soviet Union (and my personal favorite bass), his exposure to audiences beyond the Iron Curtain was limited- his tours abroad were not frequent, and recordings are relatively sparse for an artist of his stature. A graduate of the Ural State Conservatory in Ekaterinburg, he was THE leading bass at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg for much of his 30 year tenure there (1959-89) and is still considered the finest interpreter of old Russian romances and folk songs.

His voice was a genuine basso profondo- very dark, rotund, and powerful, but at the same time perfectly controlled, even, and flexible throughout its entire range, with an effortless top. The timbre is smooth as velvet, never harsh, and instantly recognizable (a characteristic of many great singers, it seems), and Shtokolov's trademark diminuendos and floated pianissimos are nothing short of miraculous, unmatched by any other bass in my listening experience.

Since I have already posted a few videos of Shtokolov in old Russian romances and folk songs, I thought it time to present him in opera. In the early 1970's, Shtokolov made a number of aria recordings with conductor Fuat Mansurov and the Bolshoi Theater Orchestra. One of these was an absolutely superlative version of Prince Gremin's aria ('Lyubvi vse vozrasty pokorny') from Tchaikovsky's "Evgeniy Onegin", which I have chosen for Shtokolov's Youtube opera "debut". And he truly breathes new life into this old warhorse of a piece. For once, the aria sounds like a heartfelt confession instead of a public address or a dull recitation from the telephone book. Shtokolov's incomparable voice and dignified, yet utterly sincere approach make him the best Prince I've ever heard, BY FAR. He even manages to outdo Reizen, Mikhailov, and Petrov, all of whom recorded solid, but otherwise unremarkable Gremins. And Shtokolov is light years removed from the woofy-voiced Sergei Aleksashkin in the MET's 2007 broadcast of the opera. Shtokolov's artistry simply defies criticism, and I hope that this recording proves to be a wonderful discovery for those unfamiliar with his singing.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Boris
• Shtokolov
• Борис
• Штоколов
• basso
• profondo
• Russian
• opera
• aria
• Eugene
• Onegin
• Prince
• Gremin
• Peter
• Tchaikovsky
• Aleksandr
• Pushkin

[elrodfk]

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?

[khankonchak]

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.

[biperzed]

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

[khankonchak]

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.

[soren476]

great sound, but too much of a wobble for my taste. Maybe this was recorded later in his career, so the wobble is permissible.

[khankonchak]

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.

[Kievest]

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.

[Pirova152]

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.

[cavatina36]

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.

[VMelnikov1]

Борис,ты был ВЕЛИКИМ ПЕВЦОМ ! Горжусь что был знаком с тобой! ТАЛАНТИЩЕ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BigglesWatch]

This is magnificent singing and his interpretation brings out all the pathos that we need from a Gremin.

[Tehomet]

The range and control is astounding. Thank you again for posting these wonderful pieces.

[Yitzhakhazak]

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?

[basenjidiva]

@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]

@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.

[k0it123]

so beautiful singing, have few in my channel - hope you like :))

[elainebmack]

I can't get over the beauty of Shtokolov's voice and interpretation. Please find more of his performances, and thank you for sharing.