Maximilian Maksakov (Baritone) (M. A. Maks) (Chernivtsi, Bukovina 1869 – Moscow 1936)

                                                                  Jago

                                                       Merchant Kalashnikov

His real name was Max Schwarz. He studied singing with C. Everardi in St. Petersburg, then with A. Buzzi in Milan. Additionally he studied vocal art under K. Ryadnov in Tbilisi. He made his debut in 1889 in  Rostov-Na-Donu as Demon in A. Rubinstein’s opera ‘’Demon’’. From 1889 to 1897 and in 1900 Maksakov appeared at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre. From 1889 to 1897  he sang also at Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. He made guest appearances in Kazan (1894, 1897/1898), Moscow (Bolshoi Theatre 1895, Aquarium Theatre 1905-1907), St. Petersburg ( 1898-99, 1901; 1902), Saratov, Nizhny Novgorod (1906), Kharkov (1907), Odessa (1908/1909, 1924), Kiev (1909), Vienna (1911), Astrakhan (1920-1923) and Tbilisi (1929). He was a diminutive man with a dramatic voice, which was said to lack charm and flexibility. Like other Russian singers of his era, he became an impresario with visions of reforming opera. Ultimately, his efforts proved futile and after suffering financial loss he returned to the standard repertory. His recordings are extremely rare.

 Chronology of appearance

1889 Rostov-Na-Donu Opera House Demon (Demon) Debut

1897 Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre Aleko (Aleko) Creator in this opera house

1897 Kazan Opera House Tannh¤user (Wolfram) Creator in this opera house

1908/1909 Odessa Opera House Thais (Atanael) Creator in this opera house

RECORDINGS FOR SALE

Berliner, St Petersburg 1901-03

Queen of Spades (Tchaikovsky): If only darling  maidens 22284 2649G

Don Juan's Serenade (Napravnik) 22283 2650G

Prince Igor (Borodin): Oh, give me freedom 22282  2651G

Traviata (Verdi): Di Provenza il mar 22278 2652G

G&T, Moscow 1902-01

Faust (Gounod): Il etait temps 22871 543x

Demon (Rubinstein): Accursed world 22872 544x

G&T, St Petersburg 1903

Again with you, Gipsy song  2-22543 1276z

Gramophone, Moscow 1909-01

Iolanta (Tchaikovsky): Who can be compared with my Matilda 3-22942 8400½L

Eugene Onegin (Tchaikovsky): Alas, there is no doubt 3-22888 8401L

Mazeppa (Tchaikovsky): Three treasures 3-22943 8402L

Maccabeus (Rubinstein): What orders, Lord, do you give your slave? 3-22911 8403L