"Those of us who saw, as well as heard, Chaliapin, know that his like can never happen again. There are times, indeed, when nature, having produced a masterpiece, really does break the mould." (Neville Cardus)
A portrait in words and music of the great Russian singer, perhaps the greatest operatic artist there has ever been. He was born 100 years ago, on 11 February 1873.
Brewster Mason reads extracts from the autobiography, and there are recollections of Chaliapin by his daughter MARFA HUDSON-DAVIES, SIR NEVILLE CARDUS. IVOR NEWTON. LYDIA SHERWOOD and the late ODA SLOBODSKAYA.
Narrator HUGH DICKSON
Compiled by PEGGY BRANFORD
Producer ALAN HAYDOCK
(Brewster Mason is a member of the Royal Shakespeare Co)