PHILIPS 462 230-2
1869 version, stars include:
Nikolai Putilin as Boris Godounov,
Olga Trifonova as Xenia,
Zlata Bulycheva as Fyodor,
Viktor Lutsuk as Grigory,
Nikolai Ohotnikov as Pimen,
Konstantin Pluzhnikov as Shuysky,
also included are :
Vassily Gerello, Fyodor Kuznetsov, Nikolai Gassiev, Liubov Sokolova,
Evgeny Akimov,
Evgenya Gorochovskaya, Grigory Karassev, Evgeny Nikitin, Yuri Laptev,
Yuri Schikalov.
1872 version, stars include:
Vladimir Vaneev as Boris Godounov,
Olga Trifonova as Xenia,
Zlata Bulycheva as Fyodor,
Vladimir Galusin as Grigory,
Nikolai Ohotnikov as Pimen,
Konstantin Pluzhnikov as Shuysky,
Olga Borodina as Marina Mnischek,
also included are :
Vassily Gerello, Fyodor Kuznetsov, Nikolai Gassiev, Evgeny Nikitin, Liubov
Sokolova,
Evgeny Akimov, Evgenya Gorochovskaya, Grigory Karassev, Yuri Laptev, Yuri
Schikalov,
Andrei Karabanov.
Kirov Opera & Orchestra
Mariinsky Theatre,
St Petersburg
Conducted by Valery Gergiev
MOUSSORGSKY
Boris Godounov
1869 & 1872 versions
Moussorgsky
- Boris Godounov
(Opera in a Prologue and 4 acts on a libretto by the composer, recorded
in the original Mariinsky, 1869 and 1872, versions)
Two Complete Versions (1869 & 1872) on 5 CDS.
Boris Godounov, was originally completed in 1869. Moussorgsky later adapted
this with a number of changes in 1872. Both Moussorgsky versions are included
on this release.
(Rimsky-Korsakov provided a third version soon after Moussorgsky’s
death)
The Basic plot of the opera is based on the life of a man who became Tsar
in 1598 after murdering his rival. A pretender, who knows of the murder,
tries to usurp him.
The original version of 1869, rarely recorded, was a dark, dramatically
tighter and uncompromising version, but was rejected by the authorities.
The revised 1872 version is a little lighter and adds a few extra scenes.
The main differences between the two versions are as follows:
Version I Starring: Nikolai Putillin as Boris, and Victor Lutsuk as Grigory
(the Pretender).
Ending with the death of Boris which is foreshadowed in the “St.
Basil’s scene” unique to this original version. This original
version provides a beautiful chorus as Boris leaves St. Basil’s and
the people beg for bread. There is also an additional song which perfectly
represents Boris’ guilt in the Chudov Monastery scene.
Nikolai Putilin plays a wonderful role in this first version which contains
higher writing for Boris, and is perfectly complimented by a fanatical
Grigory played by Victor Lutsuk.Version 2 Starring Vladimir Vaneev as
Boris, Vladimir Galusin as Grigory (the Pretender) and Olga Borodina as
Marina.
This 1872 adaptation of the original, contains different music in the
second act “Terem”. It also adds the “Polish Act”
and the “Revolution” scene set in the Kromi Forest.
The Polish Act sees the main tenor character “Grigory” developed
as a possible threat to Boris’ throne. Grigory is also developed
as the would- be lover of a new character (exclusive to version 2) “Marina”,
the cold and calculating princess (played perfectly by Olga Borodina).
The “Revolution” scene sees the people gather to support the
new pretender as he marches on Moscow to take the throne after Boris’
death. The Kirov chorus are unrivalled in this music.
An additional song (for the hostess) is added to the “Inn scene”.
Vladimir Vaneev is well cast with his darker bass as Boris . Vladimir
Galusin and Olga Borodina combine talents to show us different characteristics
(Grigory being more complex and volatile) in the broader plot of version
2.
The “All Russian” line up on this recording capture the spirit
of the story, which is as much about the Russian people as it is about
Boris himself.
The Bells in the Coronation scene are actually taken from the Kirov’s
Mariinsky Theatre itself.