New-York tribune., 1921-11-06
By Katharine Wright

this evening, does not concern himself
with the politics OF his own land or of
other countries.
"The- art and beauty of whatever
country in which J. happen to find my
self and, above all, that / sing we'll
these are nay preoccupations, my only
politics." he said the other day, when
seen in his rooms at the Waldorf
Astoria.
Chaliapinc, in fact, is. a slave to his
art. His voice comes first. A slight
cold and the doctor is instantly sum
moned; the singer keeps to the house
for days in order TO be in perfect con-
dition fos 8 forthcoming appearance.
He permits no engagements to inter
fere with the preservation of his
health. Wishing to keep his lines for
the operate stage, he has reduced his
diet to one meal day.
For a time it looked as though the
interview would not take place, that
It would be case OF "Hamlct" with
Hamlet left out. For Chaliapine is in
accessible, almost as inacce ssiblc as
his friend and former schoolnlate Serge
Rachmaninof, whose homs he visited
Immediately upon his arrival in New
York. The Russian singer is sur
rounded by Wallets, secretaries. man
ayers and w'ell-meaning friends, who
seek to protect his privacy Visitors,
even those with a professional mission,
must submit to 4 rigorous question
nairc, applied BY one or another OF
these fnnctionaries. before being ad-
mitted to his presence. Without the
proper password, entrance is barred.
A Russian friend having kindly vol
unteered to make the appointment for
the interview and to act as escort and
interpreter, we got as far as the
singers drawing room unmolested. The
door was opened BY Chaliapine's valet,
a polite and faithful attendant. as
small as his master is gigantic, and
who speaks only his masters tongue
When he disappeared TO announce the
visit our troubles began. A formidable
elderly man entered the room from the
door Of an inner chamber.
"What is it you wsnt?9' he asked
gruffly, and without waiting for al
answer added: al you wish to see
Chaliapine you must make an appoint
ment."
On being assured that an appoint
ment had already been arranged, he
still demurrcd.
"But Chaliapine is not in 4 position
to sec you now. He is rot up yet.
Besides, he is going out Immediately"
we were told.
Thereupon The singers friend Of
many years who had arranged the IN
terview, with no intention OF having
the plan frustrated, took command OF
the situation, which began to assume
a dubious aspect Brushing past the
obicctor, he entered the inner cham
her only to emerge with the news that
the singer would be visible III few
moments. Then came Chaliapine, hin-
self, scrupulously dressed ard wearing
a purple velvet housecoar: He wss
wholly un1utflcd by the intrusion ana
quite ready TO keep the appointment.
Like Ivan Turgeniev,
A Gentle Giant"
1t was at once apparent that tn"
singers inaccessibility is maintained
only by his encourage, for nc himself
is responsive, genial, kindly. The filst
impression upon a visitor is. Of course,
made by his towering height. In ap-
pearance he is fit subject for Rodin,
No other singer has his stride. his
stature. Tic second impression is one
of affability, for he is gentle giant,
en- cpithet first applied to him upon his
former American visit By Mr. fitts
Sanhorn. an epithet originally coined
4or Turgeniev, who was known among
his friends as see doux gsant." His
personality matches his size in force
fulness and vitality. His face is mo-
bile, interesting. No doubt man o.
violent emotions and many moods. Ger
tainly disciple OF realism in the the
ater, a rebel against tradition. as HIS
conception of Don Basilio in III Bas-
biere di Siviglia." in which he appeared
here in 1907. proved conclusivelg.
IN some respects Chaiiapine recall 8
the personality or the late Sir Herbert
Beerbohm Tree. lie has the English
actors way OF seeming absentminded-
ness, when in reality 10 detail OF a
conversation escapes him. But nc IS
without Trees consuming egotism, The
Russian singer is reticent about HIM
sell. He would rather speak Of art IN
general or quote Russian poetry. ess
which hewi S extravagantly fond, than
discourse about his own achievements
Having delivered himself of his
political views he waited silently for
questions. answering them in excellent
French or in s1ave and polished isai-
ian. Since appearing III America he has
sung in Paris, London and Russia. His
countrymen say he is the Idol CT the
Russian people.
Things are still diftieult Wit, US az
home." he said. shut artists have re-
ceived special consideration from the
revolutionists. and | believe the pres
cnt government is sincerelx Interested
in the cause OF music. l.myseR have
always been free to come and 50. upon
my return to Russia / will sing alter