Lutfiyar Imanov (1928)

Born on 17^th of April in the city of Petropavlovka (now Sabirabad). People’s artist of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan (1977).

First started to sing in school, and sang with its chorus in Sabirabad State Theater of Drama. In the age of 18 he created his own dramatic group.

In 1943 made his first amateur debut in Sabirabad State Musical Theater in the drama “A bride for five pennies”.

In 1948 started working as an art director in the Sabirabad City Culture Hall.

In 1957 graduated from the vocal department of the Zeinalla Baku city Musical College after three years of studies (class of A.Milovanov).

In 1954-56 he was a soloist of the Azerbaijani Radio Society, in 1956-57 - a soloist of Azerbaijani State Stage Orchestra, and in 1956-59 - a soloist of the Theater of Musical Comedy. In 1959 he also made his professional operatic debut in the main role in a play “Kerogly” by Uzeir Gadzibekov in Moscow.

From 1958 to his death he was a soloist of the Azerbaijani State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet.

In 1962 he enrolled into the Faculty of Theatrical Studies of the Azerbaijani University of Culture and Arts, graduating from it in 1968.

In 1965 he underwent an apprenticeship in the Bolshoi Theater and in 1975 – in La-Scala.

Starting from 1968 he sang in the main roles in more than 30 operas. Some of his best roles were Rhadames, Jose, Herman, Manrico, Othello, Duke, Faust, Cavaradossi.

In 1980 and 1985 he was elected to be a member of the High Soviet of the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialistic Republic.

In 1987-1991 he was the chairman of the Azerbaijani Society of Theater Artists.

Along with his singing career, he was also teaching in Azerbaijani State Conservatory, where he was a professor, and in 1991-1995 – in the Musical schools of Istanbul and Izmir.

During the 1990-ies went to tours in Italy, Germany and Iran.

Was given the highest award of the Republic of Azerbaijan – the “Istiglal” sign.

Died in January 2008.

 

Murtuza Mamedov (1897)

Born on June 22nd in the village of Hanbagy, near the town of Shusha, Elizavetpolskaya province. Lyric-dramatic tenor. People’s artist of the Soviet Union (1938).

Born into a family of a tanner.

Already in his childhood for his exceptional voice and musical talent he received the nickname Bülbül, which means “nightingale” in Azeri, which stayed with him for his whole life.

In 1915 he was invited to sing in Tiflis, and astonished the famous Georgian singer Vano Saradjashvili. By 1916 he was already renown all over the Caucasus region. The same year he also sang in his first opera role.

He received his musical education in the Moscow conservatory (class of N.Speranski), also studied with V.Nikolskiy, finishing his studies in 1927. Then went to La-Scala, where he studied with G.Anselmi and R.Grani for four years.

The Italian journal “Arte Nostra” published an article about him, the “Colombia” record company approached him for recordings, many opera theaters around the world invited him to perform with them. It was said that his Italian pronunciation was perfect.

He had the opportunity to hear the legendary Russian tenor Sobinov when being in Moscow, and “could not get enough of him”, according to his words. When being in Italy he once spent all his money to go and hear Chaliapin sing. According to his words, after that experience he could not sleep the whole night and had profound visions of the essence of vocal art.

In the 1920ies he was one of the founders of the Azerbaijani national musical theater and opera, as well as its soloist, and also a folk singer.

One of the characteristic traits of his style was the combination of Azerbaijani folk motives with the traditions of Italian classical operatic singing. He was said to have a very gentle, light, swift, silver-like voice with a beautiful timbre. He could sing in both lyrical and dramatic roles.

He also was a very successful and colorful dramatic stage actor.

Became a laureate of the First all-USSR Competition of pianists, violinists, cellists and vocalists in Moscow in 1933.

From 1932 to 1961 - taught in Azerbaijani State Conservatory (from 1940 – professor).

His contribution to the gathering, studying and development of Azerbaijani folk music is enormous. For example, his articles are to this day being used as a basis for study books for Azerbaijani folk music, and the first study books for playing on the Azerbaijani folk instruments as tara, kemancha and balaban were written by him.

He also consulted the most prominent Azerbaijani composers in their work, and was many times the first and the main soloist in their operatic works. He has done a great deal to spread the Azerbaijani musical culture all over USSR.

In addition to that, he was one of the founders of the Azerbaijani Institute of Arts and Architecture.

Was also a deputy in first, second and third convocation of the High Soviet of the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialistic Republic.

Received the Stalin Premium (1950). The Medal of Lenin (1946, 1956), The Red Banner of Labor (1936, 1958), The Honor Sign (1938) and the Italian sign “Garibaldi Star”.

Died on 26th of September 1961 in Baku.

 

Avak Petrosyan (1912)

Born on March 29th in the village of Gyamrez (now the Abovyan region of Armenia). Lyric-dramatic tenor. People’s Artist of the Armenian Soviet Socialistic Rebublic (1956) and the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialistic Republic (1962).

Studied in the Moscow conservatory in 1940-1941 (class of K.N.Dorliak), and in Erevan conservatory (class of N.G.Kardyan), finishing his studies in 1942.

Starting from 1941 – soloist of the Opera and Ballet Theater of Armenia.

Among his roles: Manrico, Cavaradossi, Radames, Raoul, Saro (“Anush” by Tigranyan), Santur (“David-Bek” by Tigranyan), Ashug and Sheikh (“Almast” by Spendiarov), Tirit ("Arshak II" by Chuhadzhyan), Seyran (“Namus” by Hodza-Einatov).

Toured throught USSR.

Also gave concerts, and among his concert repertoire were more than 200 pieces, including Armenian folk songs and classical compositions.

Received the Stalin Premium (1951) for the part of Vagan in the play “Heroine” by Stepanyan.

Gave concerts abroad.

Died on 2^nd of November in Yerevan.

 

Ivan Shvedov (1898)

Born on December 25th in the village of Liptsi, near the city of Kharkov. Acclaimed Artist of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialistic Republic (1940).

Studied in Kharkov Musical-Dramatic Institute in 1926-1931 (class of M.Chemezov).

In 1929-33 – soloist of the Kharkov Opera Theater, in 1933-36 – Odessa Opera Theater, 1936-43 – Kiev Opera Theater.

Had a beautiful and very musical voice of wide diapason, even in all registers, a very expressive artistic performance on stage.

Sang with the most famous Ukrainian soloists, like the legendary Oksana Petrusenko, and was one of the idols of the Ukrainian opera lovers.

Was one of the few carefully selected Ukrainian artists to go to Moscow for the “Celebration of the Ukranian Art” jubilee, where he was received with great enthusiasm.

Among his roles: Cavaradossi, Andriy (“Zaporozhez za Dunaem” by Gulak-Artemovsky), Petro, Andriy (“Natalka Poltavka”, “Taras Bulba” by Lysenko), Andriy (“Mazeppa” by Tchaikovsky), Davydov (“Podnyataya Zelina” by Dzerzhinskiy), Pavlo (“Perekop” by Rybalchenko, Meytus, Tiz), Enik (“The Bartered Bride” by Smetana).

In the beginning of the World War II he stayed at the German occupied territory, and continued to sing at the Kiev Opera Theater along with his wife, also a soloist of the Kiev Opera Theater – Sofia Yudina, even forced to sing in German. But he decided to leave the theater and went to Germany, and then to Italy. When he was there, he met with the professor Evgeniy Onatskiy, who was one of the most prominent figures of the Ukrainian community in Italy. When being there Shvedov gave a single concert, together with the other artists that escaped with him, and it had amazed Evgeniy Onatskiy to such a level that he begged him to go to trials in Rome’s Opera Theater. But Shvedov completely rejected that idea.

In 1950 Shvedov and his wife went to Argentina, where they gave some concerts from time to time, but this great singer never again enjoyed an operatic career.

Because of what happened during the World War II, the name and the recordings of Shvedov were completely erased from all Soviet books and archives.

Died on 28 of July 1959.

 

Sergey Danielyan (1929)

Born on 31st of July in Baku. People’s Artist of the Armenian Soviet Socialict Republic (1967).

In 1957 graduated from Baku Musical College.

In 1969 graduated from the Faculty of Directing of Yerevan Theatrical Institute.

In 1974 graduated from Yerevan conservatory.

In 1956 made his debut in Baku Opera Theater.

In 1957, for having extraordinarily beautiful voice he was invited to the Armenian Theater of Opera and Ballet, where he quickly turned one of its leading singers.

Among his roles: Herman, Manrico, Rhadames, Othello, Don Carlos, Richard, Canio, Cavaradossi, Jose, Tannhauser, Oedipus rex (“Oedipus rex”, I.Stravinsky), Ovod (“Ovod”), Alexey (“Optimisticheskaya tragediya”), Mindia (“Mindia”), Abovyan (“Abovyan”).

Gave concerts.

Made many tours abroad and received countless honorary awards and prizes.

From 1968 taught in the Komitas Yerevan State conservatory (professor), where among his students were many of the most famous present Armenian opera singers.

Died on 4^th of December 2009 in Yerevan, and the ceremony of his burial was carried with state honors.

 

Tigran Levonyan (1936)

Born on December 14th in Beirut (Lebanon). People’s Artist of Armenia. 

Singer, actor and producer.

In 1958 graduated from Yerevan city Theatrical Institute. Also studied singing with his wife, the famous Armenian singer Goar Gasparyan.

Was a soloist of the Armenian Theater of Opera and Ballet and also gave concerts.

During his career he performed in leading roles in classical European and Armenian operas, among which were “Pagliacci”, “Troubadour”, “David Bek”, “Anush”, “Arshak the II”, “Siberian barber”.

Perfected his skills in La-Scala.

From 1991 was the director of the Erevan Theater of Opera and Ballet.

Was a professor in the Komitas Erevan State conservatory.

Died on 25^th of June 2004 in Yerevan.

 

Kazis Gutauskas (1909)

Born on 4^th of September in the village of Kitlyarishkay, Lithuania. Lyric-dramatic tenor. People’s artist of the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic (1959)

In 1939 graduated from Kaunas city conservatory (classes of of S.Marinisis and E.Vilinis).

In 1939-41 -  soloist of the opera troupe of the Big Theater in Caunas.

In 1941-44 - soloist of the opera troupe of Vilnius City Theater.

In 1944-64 – leading tenor of the Lithuanian Theater of Opera and Ballet. Also took part in some stagings during 1980-1990.

As a visiting singer he performed in the Opera Theaters of Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, Minsk, Riga, and different theaters of the Caucasus Republics of the USSR.

Among his roles: Andrey (“Mazepa”), Shuyskiy (“Boris Godunoff”), Don Karlos, Alfred, Rhadames, Cavaradossi, Rudoph (“The Boheme”), Jose, Faust, Lutauras (“Grazhina” by Karnavichius), Vashkis (“Marite” by Rachunas).

As a concert singer participated in the performance of the 9-th symphony by Beethoven,  the Requiem by Verdi, Stabat Mater by Rossini, the cantatas “Soviet Lithuania” by Rachunas, “Marina Melnikayte” by Klenickis.

From 1963 – taught in the Vilnius Musical School of U.Talyat-Kalpshi.

Died on 10th of October in Vilnius.

Tengiz Zaalishvili (1928)

Acclaimed artist of the Georgian Soviet Socialistic Republic.

His parents were of noble descent, and during the period of Stalin's mass terror were first sent to jail in 1937 and then driven out of their home, having to survive in harsh conditions.

His father had a tenor voice, and his mother was a soprano. They had a habit to sing together and invite quests to their house, even during the hardest of times.

When he was a child, Tengiz was surrounded by traditional Georgian music, and many new Soviet-style songs.

While in school he was the school’s choir soloist, and when the choir participated in an important contest, his singing drew the attention of some prominent figures.

After that he went to a special school for musically gifted children, where he studied with many future famous singers, such as Lamara Chkonia, Mamia Khatelishvili, Nodar Kvernadze.

In 1956 he graduated from the Tbilissi city conservatory (class of S.Inashvili), and started to sing on the Radio. Becoming very famous, he tried his luck in operatic singing, but his first attempts were not very successful. Nevertheless, after some work, he finally reached his goal and became one of the stars of Georgian Opera, singing there from 1959. His favorite plays were "La Traviata" and "Eugene Onegin".

Made tours abroad, including the USA.

 

Rauf Atakshiev (1925)

Was born on July 15th in the city of Geokchay. People’s artist of the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic (1967).

In the age of 8 started studying piano, and in 1943 graduated from Baku city Musical School and entered Azerbaijan state conservatory.

In 1946 entered Moscow State Conservatory (class of K.Igunnov) and studied vocal with the legendary singers A.Nezhdanova and V.Barsova.

In 1952 finished graduate school and went back to Baku, where he performed as pianist and soloist of the Azerbaijani Theater of Opera and Ballet.

From 1953 – started to teach in Azerbaijani conservatory, and from 1969 was the head of the piano department. In 1972 he received the title of professor.

Received the medal of Lenin (1970) and the medal of the Friendship of Peoples (1980), honorary certificates of the presidium of the Higher Soviet of the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic and Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic.

Died on the 3rd of February 1994.

 

Boris Geft (1902)

Acclaimed artist of the Russian Soviet Socialist Republic (1939)

Graduated from Odessa and Saint-Petersburg conservatories. Studied with Konstantin Isachenko.

Started his career in 1928.

In 1928-49 was a soloist of the Saint-Petersburg Maliy Opera Theater.

Among his roles: Marcena and Santangel (“Columb”), Hoffman (Hoffman’s Tales), Cavaradossi (“Tosca”), Jaryshkin (“The Nose”), The commissar (“The Front and the Home Front”), Zinoviy Borisovich (“Lady Macbeth”), Walter (“Meistersingers”), Jose (“Carmen”), Alfred (“Traviata”), The Duke (“Rigoletto”), Pinkerton (“Chio-Chio-San”), Enek (“The bartered bride”), Pashkov (“The peasant from Komarin), The Old man (“The flourishing virgin soil”), Gambi (“Cola Breugnon”), Karavaev (“Mutiny”), Pavel (“Mother”).

Also sang Italian songs.

His records were mainly issued in Saint-Petersburg.

Was also the art director of the Gypsy Folk Ensemble.

Petr Zasetskiy (1899)

People’s Artist of the Belorussian Soviet Socialist Republic.

Learnt in Saratov city conservatory.

Till 1920 worked in the opera studio of the Bolshoi Theater (under the guidance of Stanislavcky) and the Bolshoi Theater itself.

In 1920 made his debut on stage in Rostov-on-the-Don city Opera Theater.

In 1924-1937 – was a soloist of different theaters in Saint-Petersburg. From 1937 – soloist of the Belorussian Theater of Opera and Ballet.

 

Mihail Mikisha (1885)  

Born on 25^th of May in Mirgorod, Ukraine. Dramatic tenor. People’s Artist of the Ukranian Soviet Socialistic Republic (1971).

Father of the pianist and composer Taras Mikisha.

Born into a poor peasant family. As a child sang in school and church choirs.

In 1903 graduated from the Mirgorod Art and Industry College with the diploma of painter and sculptor.

Took part in revolutionary movement and was arrested in 1903.

In 1904-10 studied vocal in N.V.Lysenko Kiev Musical-Dramatic School (class of M.Zotova, from 1906 – A.Mishuga). During his studies lived in the home of the compoer Nikolay Lysenko where he had met the famous writers M.Kocybinsky, I.Franko, L.Ukrainka, the composer N.Stycenko, the actors M.Zankoveckaya, P.Saksagansky, N.Sadovsky and other prominent cultural figures of Ukraine.

During the Russian Civil War sang before Red Army soldiers.

In 1910 made his debut in the role of Jontek (“Halka”, S.Monyushko) on the scene of N.K.Sadovsky Kiev Ukraine Musical-Dramatic Theater, where he performed till 1914.

In 1914 made his debut in the role of Faust on the scene of Kiev Opera Theater, where he performed till 1923.

From 1919 – director of the Ukraine Theater of Musical Drama.

In 1923-30 – soloist of the Bolshoi Theater. In 1930-31 – soloist of the Baku Opera Theater.

In 1931-41 – soloist of the Kharkov Opera Theater. In 1942—44  – soloist of the Kiev Opera Theater.

Among his roles: Imposter-King, German, Duke, Vakula, Grishka Kuterma, Canio, Rhadames, Jose, Cavaradossi.

Had a beautiful, powerful voice of wide diapason, good breathing, had fine style and was dramatically gifted, paid great attention to the intricacies of acting. Started with performing in lyric roles, but from 1919, acting on the advice of the legendary Russian tenor Leonid Sobinov started performing in dramatic roles only.

Had more than 50 roles in his repertoire.

Performed alongside such singers as F.Chaliapin, T.Ruffo, M.Battistini, O.Boronat, K.Derzhinskaya, A.Didur, M.Litvinenko-Volgemut, N.Obukhova, P.Cesevich.

Such figures as R.Gliere, A.Melik-Pashaev, I.Kozlovskiy, M.Reizen, A.Yablochkina, M.Rylskiy gave high appraise to his singing.

Also gave concerts.

In 1944 stopped performing.

From 1919 - taught in N.V.Lysenko Kiev Musical-Dramatic School, from 1937 – Kharkov city conservatory, from 1944 – Kiev conservatory (from 1946 – professor).

Among his pupils: V.Budnevich, Z.Gayday, A.Grigoriev, S.Kogan, F.Maksimenko, K.Malashenko, G.Pavalovskaya, M.Rybalkin, A.Serdyuk, M.Stefanovich, A.Syrovatko, N.Chubenko.

Died on 20^th of November 1971 in Kiev.

Viktor Guryev (1914)

Born in Riga, Latvia. Lyric-dramatic tenor. People’s Artist of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic (1960).

During World War I his family moved to the city of Narva, where his parents started working in the weaving industry. His family was very poor and as a small child, the youngest of five, he had to work as a delivery boy and later as a mechanic and locksmith assistant. As he was working in a factory he participated in amateur musical activities, playing mandolin and guitar and at some point started singing. In 1937 he was invited to play in the popular Kirillov mandolin quintet.

     In 1940, in spite of great competition, was accepted to the vocal faculty of the Tallinn State Conservatory, where he studied with the famous Estonian baritone Tiit Kuusik. His studies were interrupted by the start of World War II.

In 1942-45 he sang in an ensemble, and in 1945-1950 was the soloist of the Academic Choir of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic.

Graduated from Tallinn city conservatory in 1951 (class of M.Pats).

In 1949-1970 was a leading soloist of the “Estonia” Opera Theater. Among his roles: The Yurodiviy ("Boris Godunov"), Imposter Prince ("Boris Godunov"), Lenskiy ("Eugene Onegin"), German ("Queen of Spades"), Paolo ("Francesca da Rimini"), Alfred ("Traviata").

     In 1956-1963 was teaching in Tallinn Musical School, and in 1963-1985 - in the Tallinn State Conservatory, serving as the head of the Vocal Department from 1968 to 1970 and from 1970 to 1982 - the rector of the Conservatory. Among his disciples were Ivo Spruce, Anu Weight and Voldemar Kuslap.

Laureate of the all-USSR competition of performers of soviet songs (1^st premium, 1956).

Had very warm relations with the famous Estonian baritone Georg Ots and frequently sang with him.

Died on 14th of October 1985 in Narva.