Incognito CHALIAPINE is in Paris

He leaves tomorrow to come back in May.

Chaliapin has been in Paris for ten days, but the great Russian singer, wishing to keep the strictest incognito, refuses any interview and automatically turns away visitors who do not have a pass.

It is therefore not a question of having Boris Godunov's address in order to flatter oneself with seeing him, or even hearing him. However, I had this unexpected opportunity.

The hotel porter picked up the phone. My heart was beating.
"Hello, Mr. Chaliapin?"
—!
The face of the interesting, bugging young man reflected only bored indifference. He put the receiver down.
- SO ?
- Nothing to do. Mr. Chaliapin does not receive.

I take my turn telephone handset with a trembling hand
“Hello, Mr. Chaliapin!

I hear the voice of the illustrious singer. The membrane of the microphone vibrates under the action of a powerful organ, generous waves tickle my eardrum, I do not listen to the words that are spoken, I only hear the voice, the voice of a bright copper, of unalterable bronze.

Let me see you, if only for a few minutes,
- Impossible.
The ancient value of this word "impossible" is impossible to describe.
"Why did you come to Paris?"
- I can not tell. In truth, I have been here for ten days.
- Ten days !
— Yes... but I'm leaving tomorrow,
- Tomorrow ! And or ?
- Can't tell you
But... and at this moment the words crowd on my lips, the arguments mount in droves; I find them irresistible. But Latin stubbornness once again comes up against Slavic impassiveness...
— Listen, Moussié, I'll be back in France next year, in May So, there, whatever you want, projects, achievements, hopes... the Parisians, whom I love, will know everything. Limit yourself, for today, to paying them my best compliments.

The powerful voice of the Russian bass has fallen silent. The device is insensitive, it's only me who still vibrates, moved by this incomparable and free hearing.

G. Le Fevre