Boris Christoff; Bass Virtuoso on Operatic Stage

Boris Christoff, one of opera’s greatest basses and a renowned interpreter of Mussorgsky’s “Boris Godunov,” died Monday. He was 79.

He died at home from the effects of a stroke suffered six years ago, his wife, Franca, said.

Christoff brought deep psychological insight and meticulous phrasing to his many roles. His voice was focused and rich, and he was comfortable singing in Italian, German and Russian.

Above all, he combined the characteristic lushness and majesty of the Slavic voice with the purity of vocal line and refinement of the best of Italian singing.

Aside from Godunov, he specialized in Verdi’s grand old men and kings, including King Philip in “Don Carlo” and Fiesco in “Simon Boccanegra.” He was also a master of music by Mozart, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.

Christoff was born in Bulgaria, where he earned a law degree. His country’s ruler, King Boris, heard him singing in an amateur choir and was so impressed he sent the young bass to study voice in Rome.

Christoff made his stage debut in Rome in 1946 and went on to sing around the world. He made his American recital debut at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in 1956. His last performance was eight years ago in a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Christoff became an Italian citizen and lived in Rome for the past 40 years.