Ivan Skobtsov was a solist with the Moscow Bolshoi theatre for period of almost 30 years, 1930-1958. He was awarded the title of Honoured Arts Worker of the Russian Federation in 1976. Skobtsov entered the Moscow Conservatory in 1921 after finishing service in the Red Army. There he studied with professors N.G. Raisky and V.S. Tyutyunnik.
At the Bolshoi, he played roles such as Svat (Rusalka by Dargomyzhsky), Skula (Prince Igor by Borodin), Troekurov (Dubrovsky by Napravnik), Gryaznoi (Rimsky-Korsakov's Tsar's Bride), Riznichyi (Tosca), Dankairo (Carmen), Bonzo (Buterfly), Figaro (Nozze), Masetto (Don Giovanni), Wagner (Faust). He also played roles in Soviet operas such as "Quiet Flows the Don" by Dzerzhinsky. He appears in opera recordings, next to the greatest stars including Kozlovsky, Mikhailov, Reizen, Lemeshev, Pirogov and others, many of whom expressed their appreciation of his special talent.
Ivan Skobtsov is especially famous as one of the best performers of the Russian folk song. His warm velvety voice resounded on radio and in numerous recordings. His simple style denotes superior nusicianship and a great love for the rich folksong heritage of Russia. Here we present Ivan Skobtsov in Russian folk songs and Romances by Russian composers.
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Culture and Art 