Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Mark Reizen was a renowned Russian bass-baritone opera singer who was born on September 3, 1895, in Poltava, Ukraine. He was born into a family of musicians, and his father was a cantor in a local synagogue. Reizen's musical talent was evident from a young age, and he began singing in the synagogue choir at the age of six. Reizen's family moved to Kiev when he was a child, and he continued his musical education there. He studied at the Kiev Conservatory, where he was a student of the famous Ukrainian bass Feodor Chaliapin. Reizen's talent was recognized early on, and he made his professional debut at the age of 20, singing the role of Mephistopheles in Gounod's Faust at the Kiev Opera. Reizen's career took off quickly, and he soon became one of the most sought-after bass-baritones in Russia. He joined the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow in 1926, where he remained for the rest of his career. Reizen's powerful voice and commanding stage presence made him a favorite of audiences and critics alike. One of Reizen's most famous roles was that of Boris Godunov in Mussorgsky's opera of the same name. He first performed the role in 1929 and went on to sing it more than 700 times throughout his career. Reizen's interpretation of the role was considered definitive, and he was widely regarded as the greatest Boris of his time. Reizen also excelled in other roles, including Mephistopheles in Gounod's Faust, Don Basilio in Rossini's The Barber of Seville, and the title role in Verdi's Falstaff. He was known for his ability to convey the emotional depth of his characters through his singing, and his performances were often described as electrifying. Reizen's career was not without its challenges, however. He lived and worked during a tumultuous time in Russian history, and his career was often subject to the whims of the Soviet government. He was briefly imprisoned in the 1930s for allegedly making anti-Soviet remarks, and his career suffered as a result. However, he was eventually able to regain his standing and continued to perform throughout the Soviet era. Despite the challenges he faced, Reizen remained committed to his art and continued to perform well into his 80s. He was known for his dedication to his craft and his tireless work ethic. He was also a beloved teacher, and many of his students went on to have successful careers in their own right. Reizen received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was named a People's Artist of the USSR in 1937 and was awarded the Stalin Prize in 1941. He was also awarded the Order of Lenin, the highest civilian honor in the Soviet Union, in 1956. Reizen's legacy as one of the greatest bass-baritones of the 20th century is secure. His powerful voice and commanding stage presence continue to inspire new generations of opera singers. He died on March 28, 1992, at the age of 96, but his music lives on.

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