Feodor Chaliapin played around 70 roles in opera, including that of Don Quixote in the eponymous opera by the French composer Jules Massenet. The “Don Quixote” opera, created in 1910, was first staged in Monte Carlo. The role of the Knight was intended for the great Russian bass Feodor Chaliapin, who was interested in this character for years.

The singer arranged meetings with both the composer and the librettist in Paris during his summer tour of 1909. Chaliapin described those interactions to Gorky,

Fortunately, Chaliapin’s gloomy premonitions about his final role did not come true. “Don Quixote” was in fact Massenet’s last opera: he composed it while seriously ill, literally confined to his bed. The composer wanted the character of Don Quixote to be central in his work, he strove to express the hero’s suffering from the contradictory nature of his personality and the fact that his dreams and vision of the world completely clashed with reality. The tragedy of the Knight’s vulnerable romantic soul culminates in his death, which the composer showed on stage for the first time.

The opera premiered on February 6 (19), 1910. The most distinguished audience gathered in the Monte Carlo Opera House. The abundance of luxury did not overshadow Chaliapin’s triumphant performance. As soon as he set foot on the stage, all eyes were on him. One reviewer marveled at the production,