Russian Temper

It is likely that Fyodor Chaliapin, famed Russian basso, Metropolitan star of the first magnitude, will not appear as soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra next season. Why not ? Because Serge Koussevitzky, the great Russian conductor, will lead the Bostonians.

Koussevitzky was conducting at the Paris Opera on the night of June 3. Chaliapin stalked out on the stage and took a deep breath for the first notes of his great aria. The eye of Fyodor met the eye of Serge. A glance of the eye was sufficient as Beau Brummell was fond of remarking. That glance was charged with vibrations not altogether harmonious. Koussevfeky threw down his baton and marched out in smothered rage. The audience tittered gleefully. Chaliapin stood his ground. A new conductor, De Posse, formerly of the Chicago Opera, was hustled to the desk. The opera went on. The buzz of perplexity is heard in Continental musical circles. The Russian temperament is difficult to understand