Description

IOAKIM TARTAKOV (ODESSA, 2 NOVEMBER, 1860 – PETROGRAD, 23 JANUARY, 1923)

 

 

 

 

Ioakim Tartakov was a distinguished Russian baritone born in Odessa into a family with strong cultural roots. He pursued his musical education at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where he graduated in 1881 under the tutelage of the renowned vocal teacher C. Everardi. Following his graduation, Tartakov joined the Odessa Opera Company as the first baritone, making his debut in the title role of Verdi’s Rigoletto.

Tartakov’s career quickly expanded, and after performing in various provincial opera houses, he became a prominent soloist with the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg from 1882 to 1884 and again from 1894 until 1923. His return to the Mariinsky Theatre also marked his debut in Rigoletto, a role that became one of his signature performances.

Throughout his illustrious career, Tartakov performed over a hundred roles, showcasing his versatile and powerful voice. His notable roles included the title characters in Anton Rubinstein’s The Demon, Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, and Verdi’s Rigoletto, as well as Iago in Verdi’s Otello and Tonio in Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci. His performances were celebrated not only in Russia but also in major European cities, including Berlin and Copenhagen.

In addition to his singing career, Tartakov served as the principal director of the Mariinsky Theatre beginning in 1909, further contributing to the theater’s artistic direction and legacy. His work was characterized by a velvety yet powerful voice, sincere acting, and a commanding stage presence. He also performed art songs by P. I. Tchaikovsky in concert, adding to his reputation as a versatile and emotionally expressive artist.

From 1920 to 1923, Tartakov dedicated himself to teaching as a professor at the Petrograd Conservatory, where he passed on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of singers. In recognition of his contributions to Russian art and culture, he was honored with the title of Honoured Artist of the RSFSR in 1923.

Ioakim Tartakov’s legacy remains as one of the great baritones of his era, remembered for his exceptional performances and his dedication to the development of Russian opera.

 

Chronology of some appearances

 

1881 Odessa Opera House

1882-1884 St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theatre

1894-1923 St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theatre

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

1. We three (Rubinstein) 22454 2901G G&T, Moskva 1901-06-19
2. Asra (Rubinstein) 22503 251G G&T, Moskva 1901-06-19
3. Demon (Rubinstein): Do not weep, child 22501 252G G&T, Moskva 1901-06-19
4. In the long grey twilight (Ippolitov-Ivanov) 22511 249G G&T, Moskva 1901-06-19
5. At the ball (Tchaikovsky) 22522 246 G&T, Moskva 1901-06-19
6. Disappointment (Tchaikovsky) 22529 247G G&T, Moskva 1901-06-19
7. Carmen (Bizet): Kuplety Toreadora  22469 2902G G&T, Moskva 1901-06-19
8. Barbiere di Siviglia (Rossini): Largo al factotum 22520 250G G&T, Moskva 1901-06-19
9. Demon (Rubinstein): I am he whom you heard 22530 275 G&T, Moskva 1901-06
10. Ty ne sprashivay (Do not ask), romans (Davydov) 22451 2900G G&T, Moskva 1901-06-19
11. Serenada Don Zhuana Op 38 No 1 (Tchaikovsky) 22487254G G&T, Moskva 1901-06-19
12. Demon (Rubinstein): Prologue 21896 Pathé cylinders & discs, St Petersburg 1903
13. Barcarolle (Gounod) 21898 Pathé cylinders & discs, St Petersburg 1903?
14. Pagliacci (Leoncavallo): Prologo 21892 Pathé cylinders & discs, St Petersburg 1903?
15. Eugen Onegin (Tchaikovsky): Arioso, act 3 21893 Pathé cylinders & discs, St Petersburg 1903?