Russian Influence

There has been a lot written about Diaghelev's production of Russian Opera and Ballet in Paris in 1908. Prior to that, the world outside Russia had not really experienced, Pavlova, Njijinski, Chaliapin, etc. It hadn't really paid much heed to Stravinsky and so Petrouschka, and Riot of Spring burst upon Parisian audiences like a storm. This infusion of the best of Russian Artists had an enormous influence on the Western World and gave rise to new appreciation of music by Ravel, Massenet, Puccini and others which was reflected in their compositions from that time on. Puccini's works, for instance, although already strong in symphonic orchestral character took on a much richer form of orchestration. Harmonic invention became more venturesome. But certainly the greatest theatrical sensation was caused by Chaliapin's performances. In the first presentation of Boris Goudonov, the audience completely got carried away. People were swooning. Many became so distressed that they started breaking up their seats. Apparently all the ambulances in Paris were tied up taking away members of the audience who were in deep shock. Believe me, when Chaliapin died on stage, he really died. Alexander Kipnis, a great basso, and also, in an entirely different and individual way, a great Boris, said of Chaliapin: "Those who have never seen him, have never really heard him. For the voice, the actions and the atmosphere he created for each and every role was a total overwhelming experience that invaded the very soul." Therefore, I think it is important that you take your time to read and fully comprehend his method of working. Probably, many of you know that Stanislavsky based his "Method" of acting on his observations of Chaliapin. Marlon Brando was an exponent of the Method. However, Stanislavsky's "Method" is rather shallow and does not range over the enormous research and from that research, the real preparation, that goes into a role. It's a great pity he didn't take the time to discuss acting with Chaliapin or read his works.