Description

ALEXANDER ALEKSANDROVICH (NIZHNY NOVGOROD, 1881 – USA, 1959)

Aleksandrovitch, whose real surname was Pokrovski, was a distinguished Russian tenor. Initially pursuing studies in physics and mathematics at St. Petersburg University, he later shifted his focus to music. He studied voice with the renowned tenor I. Tomars and acting with A. Petrovski, preparing him for a career in opera.

Aleksandrovitch made his operatic debut in 1909 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, performing the role of Sinodal in Anton Rubinstein’s The Demon. He remained with the Mariinsky until 1919, building a solid reputation for his vocal and dramatic abilities. In 1913, following the advice of Sergei Diaghilev, he participated in the famed Russian Seasons in Paris and London, where he performed in Boris Godunov, further elevating his international profile.

In 1916, Aleksandrovitch expanded his career by debuting at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, where he took on key roles such as Lenski in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin and Berendei in Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Snow Maiden. After leaving Russia in 1919, Aleksandrovitch embarked on a successful international career, performing in concerts across Germany, Paris, and Barcelona. Notably, in 1922, he held a series of concerts in Paris dedicated to the history of Russian music, showcasing his commitment to Russian culture.

In the 1930s, Aleksandrovitch joined the Parisian Russian Opera, directed by Zeretelli, where he continued to sing and contribute to the preservation and performance of Russian opera abroad. His career was marked by both operatic and concert performances, and he remained an important figure in the Russian operatic diaspora.

TRACKLIST

1. Eugen Onegin (Tchaikovsky) Mesdames, I have taken the liberty (w. Karakash, Popova & Sakhnovskaya) 024083 2891c Gramophone, St Petersburg 1913-11-05
2. Fliegende Hollander (Wagner) Mit Gewitter und Sturm 4-22647 17392b Gramophone, St Petersburg 1913-04-02
3. How sweet to be with you (Glinka) 4-22487 17357b Gramophone, St Petersburg 1913-03-30
4. Life for the Tsar (Glinka) Trio, pt 1 Scene & Trio, pt 2 (w. Alexandrovich, Sibiryakov & chorus) 024084 2888c, 024085, 2910½c Gramophone, St Petersburg 1913-11-05, 14
5. O child, beneath your window (Serenade) (Tchaikovsky) 022313 2764c Gramophone, St Petersburg 1913-03-30
6. Orphée (Gluck) J’ai perdu mon Eurydice 022310 2770c Gramophone, St Petersburg 1913-04-02
7. Orphée (Gluck) Objet de mon amour 022311 2786½c Gramophone, St Petersburg 1913-04-05
8. Parting (Gurilev) 4-22488 17358b Gramophone, St Petersburg 1913-03-30
9. Pensée d’automne (Massenet) 022314 2765c Gramophone, St Petersburg 1913-03-30
10. Prince Igor (Borodin) Is it thou, my Vladimir (w. Zbrueva) 024072 2659c Gramophone, St Petersburg 1912-10-04
11. Prince Igor (Borodin) The Prince’s song (w. Grokholsky) 024093 2907c Gramophone, St Petersburg 1913-11-13