13 Facts About Leonid Sobinov

Leonid Sobinov's fame continued unabated into the Soviet era, and he was made a People's Artist of the RSFSR in 1923.

Leonid Sobinov's mother, who died early, was a keen singer, and due to her inspiration, he began singing himself.

Leonid Sobinov studied singing in Moscow with professors Alexander Dodonov and Alexandra Santagano Gorchakova, who, in 1897, suggested that he attend an audition at the city's Bolshoi Theatre.

Leonid Sobinov was impressed by the up-and-coming operatic bass Feodor Chaliapin, who was one year younger than he was, and they appeared together on stage in 1899.

Leonid Sobinov's performances were acclaimed not only in Russia but in other European countries, owing to the beauty of his voice and the polish of his singing style.

In 1917, after the Russian Revolution, Leonid Sobinov became the first elected director of the Bolshoi Theatre.

Leonid Sobinov undertook a theatrical trip to Ukraine in 1918 and found himself cut off temporarily from Russia.

Leonid Sobinov's other son, Boris, a music composer, emigrated to Germany.

Leonid Sobinov again became a director of the Bolshoi Theatre in 1921.

Leonid Sobinov made his last stage appearance in 1933 at a Bolshoi gala held in his honour.

Leonid Sobinov died in his sleep from a heart attack in Riga's Hotel Saint Petersburg on the night of 14 October 1934.

Leonid Sobinov's body was transported back to Moscow by special train.

Leonid Sobinov left a large legacy of recordings made prior to the 1917 Revolution.