Search - Mussorgsky - Boris Godunov / Nesterenko, Sinyavskaya, Piavko, Kudryashov, Vedernikov, Eizen, Lazarev, Bolshoi Opera on DVD

Improved Audio and Video Quality

Ben Franklin | USA | 05/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is essentially the same production as the other Kultur DVD of Boris, but made at a Bolshoi performance about 8 or 9 years later. I think it is preferable to the earlier version because of clearer visual and sound quality. The jackets of the 2 DVDs give 181 and 165 minutes as the respective timings, but my equipment says 175 and 170. The main reason that the earlier one is longer is the more extended curtain calls.



Evgeny Nesterenko and Vlasislav Piavko repeat their performances of Boris and the pretender, Dimitri, with not that much difference between the two versions. However, the intervening years seems to have dulled the edge in the vocal performance of Arthur Eizen's Varlaam. The other performers are different but quite comparable in the 2 versions. Costumes and scenery are basically the same. Alexander Lazarev conducts a bit snappier performance in the newer version than Boris Khaikin."

Boris Godunov Opera

Arthur G. Cullati | 01/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Bolshoi Opera produced an absolutely superb performance.

Nesterenko was compelling in his presentation of Boris. The development of his character was very moving. He was presented as a real person. Consistent with history, it is really unknown if Boris orchestrated the death of the tsarvich Dimitri. Eizen as the indolent holyman, Varlaam was very humerous, and his aria, "Kack vo gorode beelo vo Kazani" was wonderful. The love duet between Marina and Piavko was romantic, though filled with deception.

I would unequivocally recommend this CD."