Search - Rimsky-Korsakov :: Mussorgsky: Boris Godunov (Bolshoi Theatre Production)

Great Boris returns at last.

Alan Montgomery | Oberlin, Oh USA | 10/18/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With this reissue the classic Boris of George London returns to the catalogue at last. I grew up on this recording, and have loved it since it was first issued. London towers above a strong cast. My preference is for his Boris over that of Christoff, but that is because Christoff always sounds like Christoff. Irina Archipova is a wonderful Marina. She isn't subtle, but she makes her point. Mark Reizen as Pimen is a smooth singer, and contrasts well with London's dark timbre. The other singers may have rough edges, but their vitality make up for some wobbles. Melik-Pashaev conducts a slightly cut performance of the Rimsky-Korsakov score, which blazes with intensity. Although I swear by the Mussorgsky original orchestration, I find this performance well worth the trip back to the Rimsky edition."

The Return of a Classic Boris

aleibo31 | Dobbs Ferry, NY USA | 01/14/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the recording of Boris that I grew up listening to, and much to my delight it still stands up very nicely against recent releases and other re-releases. George London makes a marvelous Boris, his singing is deeply moving and inciteful. In particular that "Clock" scene and the "Death Of Boris" scene are magnificent. The only negative I have is that London was not a true bass, he was a bass-bartione, so to me he always lacks that firm, dark bottom that is so important to the role. For examples of how I think this should sound (again, just my opinion)listen to Anatoly Kotcherga on the Abbado set and, in particular, the great Russian bass Mark Reizen on the Bolshoi set that was recently re-released. Other that the slight lack of "weight" London is perfect, his characterization of the role is absolutely moving and heartbreaking. The other singers are all excellent, particularly Irina Arkhipova are Marina (she seemed to sing this role for about thirty years, as she appears on virtually all recordings between the late fifties and the early eighties) The other two principle basses are very solid, as his the Shuisky and the Pretender.All in all I heartily reccomend this set."