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Although he is litle-known in the West, the powerful, magnetic basso Boris Timofeevich Shtokolov (1930-2005) was for many years one of the most popular opera singers (based at the Mariinsky Theater of St. Petersburg) and recitalists in the former Soviet Union. He is still revered there as the finest interpreter of old Russian romances and folk songs. Many of these are included in this playlist, in addition to opera arias, film excerpts, and concert footage. There are a total of 22 videos, 8 of my own, and 14 more from other Youtube contributors. Shtokolov's voice was a genuine basso profondo- very dark and rotund, with the weighty, cavernous sonority typical of the best "black" basses. At the same it was perfectly controlled, even, and flexible throughout its entire range, with an effortless top. The timbre is smooth as velvet, never harsh, and instantly recognizable. Shtokolov's trademark diminuendos and floated pianissimos are nothing short of miraculous, unmatched by any other bass in my listening experience.