Music: In Chicago

Satan loomed tall as a tower; his eye was a jewel, his voice was thunder. On the stage of the Chicago Auditorium he stood, for the first time this year. He was Feodor Chaliapin, giant Russian basso, appearing in Boito's Mefistofele. Louder than ever boomed the great voice; the mountainous man, lithe for all his bulk, stalked, the incarnation of sinister and engaging evilness upon the boards. In one of his greatest roles he outdid himself. He suited his bones to the music of his throat, executed a physical fugue; in the...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!