Leonid Sobinov was a legendary Russian operatic tenor who lit up stages in the early 20th century with his golden-age vocal prowess. Born in 1872, he became a star at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre, enchanting audiences with his refined lyric tenor voice and dramatic sensitivity. His recordings, captured between 1901-1911 (like those featured in *Russian Vocal School: Leonid Sobinov*), showcase his mastery of French and Russian repertoire, including showstopper arias from Massenet’s *Werther* and *Manon*. Known for his elegant phrasing and expressive power, Sobinov collaborated with icons like soprano Antonina Nezhdanova (check out *Nezhdanova in Opera and Song* for a taste of their era). He remained a pillar of Russia’s cultural scene until his death in 1934, leaving behind a treasure trove of recordings that preserve his status as one of the great tenors of the pre-revolutionary "Silver Age."
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