Zara Dolukhanova

Zara Dolukhanova is often cited as the greatest Soviet mezzo-soprano of her time. Her powerful, flexible voice was usually categorized as a coloratura mezzo, but her vocal range also allowed her to sing convincingly as an alto. Dolukhanova was as much a star in the Soviet Union in the mid-20th century as Callas and Tebaldi were in the West. She commanded a huge repertory inclusive of works ranging from J.S. Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi to Mozart, Rossini and Tchaikovsky and on to Prokofiev, Shostakovich, and Khachaturian. She sang folk and traditional songs as well, and was best ...