Mask and Soul

Shalyapin became a phenomenon of Russian and world musical culture of such scale that his glory does not fade over time. Shalyapin's creativity continues to excite, and his personality and destiny still invoke lively interest. «Mask and Soul» is not... just an autobiography of the famous opera artist, a master who decided to share memories of his «forty years in theaters». This is a book of confession and at the same time a book of legacy. In it, Shalyapin reflects on the art of opera and the performing mastery of the actor-singer. The book recreates the scenes of theatrical life in Russia at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century and introduces us to the work of famous masters of opera art - composers, directors, set designers, and artists.