Melnikov, Ivan - Signed Cabinet Photo

Legendary Russian baritone (1829-1906) who sang the title role in the first complete performance of Modest Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov. He also appeared in many other world premiere productions, creating the roles of Don Carlos in Dargomyshski's "The stone guest", Prince Tokmakov in Rimsky-Korsakov's "The Maid of Pskov", the title roles of Rubinstein's "The Demon" Borodin's "Prince Igor", as well as roles in four of Tchaikovsky's operas: Prince Vyazminsky in "Oprichnik" (1874), a devil from hell in "Vakula the Smith" (1876), Prince Kurlyatev in "The Enchantress" (1887) and Count Tomsky in "The Queen of Spades" (1890). 

Beautiful large cabinet photo, shown in role. Inscribed. Verso contains engraved name of photographer Charles Bergamasco, Imperial Theatres of St. Petersburg. Size is 4.25 x 6.5 inches, in excellent condition, beautifully well-preserved.