Ivan Alchevskii

Born Dec. 15 (27), 1876, in Kharkov; died Apr. 27 (May 5), 1917, in Baku. Russian operatic artist (dramatic tenor). Graduated from the University of Kharkov. Studied voice with his brother, G. A. Alchevskii, and later in Paris. After becoming a soloist, Alchevskii studied with the voice teacher and producer O. Palechek, among others.

Alchevskii first appeared on the operatic stage in 1901 at the Mariinskii Theater in St. Petersburg, where he sang until 1905. From 1908 to 1910 he appeared at the Grand Opera in Paris, and from 1910 to 1914 at the Bol’shoi Theater in Moscow. He also appeared as a guest artist in various opera houses in Russia, Western Europe, and the USA. His roles included Sabinin (Ivan Susanin by Glinka), Don Juan (The Stone Guest by Dargomyzhskii), Sadko (Sadko by Rimsky-Korsakov), Raul (The Huguenots by Meyerbeer), Faust (Faust by Gounod), and José (Carmen by Bizet). One of his best achievements was the part of Hermann (The Queen of Spades by Tchaikovsky). Alchevskii had the ability to create polished vocal and theatrical images. His performances were distinguished by a high level of artistic culture, great dramatic force, and expressiveness. He had a voice with a large range and a beautiful timbre. Alchevskii was also an outstanding performer of chamber music.