Description

MIKHAIL KARAKASH (SIMFEROPOL, UKRAINE, 24 SEPTEMBER, 1887 – BUCHAREST, ROMANIA, 15 OCTOBER, 1937)

His career began with studies at the St. Petersburg Conservatory under Stanislav Gabel from 1908 to 1910. He debuted at the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre in 1911, where he performed notable roles such as Onegin in Eugene Onegin and Grjaznoj in The Tsar’s Bride. He continued refining his technique in Milan with vocal teachers Vittorio Vanza and Nicolai during the summers, further honing his artistry.

Karakash’s performances extended beyond Russia. From 1915 to 1917, he appeared at the St. Petersburg Musical Drama Theatre and toured with various opera companies in Russia, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, and Berlin. Following the Russian Revolution, he shifted his career toward guest performances in Moscow, including at the famed Bolshoi Theatre and the S. Zimin Opera.

In 1921, Karakash embarked on an international tour, performing in Italy, Spain, and France, leaving behind his wife, Elisaveta Popova. Throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, he continued his career in Belgrade and with the Paris-based Russian Opera Company. During this time, he not only performed but also staged several operas and participated in recitals, showcasing his versatility as both a singer and an opera director.

From 1931, Karakash taught at the Rachmaninov Conservatory in Paris, passing on his knowledge to the next generation of singers. He was celebrated for his equal, ringing voice, metal-like timbre, clear diction, noble phrasing, and expressiveness. In addition to his vocal prowess, his dramatic abilities made him a remarkable actor on the opera stage.

Chronology of some appearances

1911-1918 St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theatre

1915-1917 St. Petersburg Musical Drama Theatre

TRACKLIST

1. Carmen (Bizet) Duet (Quelques ligues plus bas) (w. Vitting) 024086 2901c Gramophone, St Petersburg 1913-11-09
2. Demon (Rubinstein) Duo demon-angel (w. Sakhnovskaya) 2-24291 5769ae Gramophone, St. Petersburg 16-3-14
3. Don Juan Serenade (Napravnik) Unpubl. 5768ae Gramophone, St. Petersburg 16-3-14
4. Eugen Onegin (Tchaikovsky) A, vot oni (And here they are) (w. Vitting & Gulyaev) 024082 2900½c Gramophone, St Petersburg 1913-11-09
5. Eugene Onegin (Tchaikovsky) Finale scene Part2 (w. Popova) 024081 2887c Gramophone, St. Petersburg 30-10-13
6. Eugene Onegin (Tchaikovsky) Finale scene Part1 (w. Popova) 024080, 2886½c Gramophone, St. Petersburg 30-10-13
7. Eugene Onegin (Tchaikovsky) Mesdames, I have taken the liberty (w. Aleksandrovich, Popova & Sakhnovskaya) 024083
8. Eugene Onegin (Tchaikovsky) Should I decide on domesticity 022344 2878c Gramophone, St. Petersburg 25-10-13
9. Madama Butterfly (Puccini) Duet (Nei cieli bigi) (w. Vitting) 2-24217 17543 Gramophone, St Petersburg 1913-04-23
10. Na stalnom kone vzletaya, aviatzionnaya zastolnaya pesnya (Taking off on a horse of steel, Aviator’s drinking song) (Jakobson) 4-22725 5826ae Gramophone, St Petersburg 1914-03-21
11. Nero (Rubinstein) Epitalamium Glory to thee, god Hymen 4-22726 5771ae Gramophone, St. Petersburg 16-3-14
12. Prince igor (Borodin) No sleep, no rest 022358 297af Gramophone, St. Petersburg 16-3-14
13. The Queen of Spades (Tchaikovsky) I love you 022320 2744 ½c Gramophone, St. Petersburg 22-3-13