Immerse yourself in the powerful and dramatic world of Modest Mussorgsky's "Boris Godunov" with this captivating album released on April 1, 1998, by Chandos. This orchestral masterpiece, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, is a highlight reel of Mussorgsky's renowned opera, offering a glimpse into the turbulent reign of Tsar Boris Godunov. The album features a stellar cast of vocalists and a full orchestra, bringing to life the rich tapestry of characters and the intense political intrigue of the story.
From the triumphant coronation scene to the haunting death scene, each track is a testament to Mussorgsky's genius for blending music and drama. The album includes standout performances such as Varlaam's Song, Boris's introspective moments, and the choral pieces that underscore the opera's historical and political context. The orchestration is rich and evocative, perfectly capturing the mood and atmosphere of each scene.
This album is a must for fans of classical music and opera, offering a concise yet comprehensive overview of one of Mussorgsky's most significant works. The Chandos label ensures high-quality recording and production, making this a valuable addition to any classical music collection. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or new to the genre, "Boris Godunov" promises an engaging and memorable listening experience.
1998 Chandos Records1998 Chandos Records
Tracks
Boris Godunov (Highlights), Coronation Scene: Long life to our Tsar Boris Feodorovich! (Shuisky, Boyar, Chorus)Modest Mussorgsky, Paul Daniel, English Northern Philharmonia, Stuart Kale, Brian Cookson, Opera North Chorus
Boris Godunov (Highlights), Coronation Scene: My soul is sad (Boris, Chorus)Modest Mussorgsky, Paul Daniel, English Northern Philharmonia, John Tomlinson, Opera North Chorus
Boris Godunov (Highlights), Varlaam's Song: By the walls of Kazan the mighty fortress (Varlaam)Modest Mussorgsky, Paul Daniel, English Northern Philharmonia, Clive Bayley
Boris Godunov (Highlights), Apartments Scene: Ah, my dear betrothed (Boris, Xenia, Feodor, Nurse)Modest Mussorgsky, Paul Daniel, English Northern Philharmonia, John Tomlinson, Joan Rodgers, Susan Parry, Yvonne Howard
Boris Godunov (Highlights), Apartments Scene: I stand supreme in power (Boris)Modest Mussorgsky, Paul Daniel, English Northern Philharmonia, John Tomlinson
Boris Godunov (Highlights), Apartments Scene: What is it? (Boris, Boyar, Shuisky, Feodor)Modest Mussorgsky, Paul Daniel, English Northern Philharmonia, John Tomlinson, Stuart Kale, Brian Cookson, Susan Parry
Boris Godunov (Highlights), Apartments Scene: Ugh! Give me air! (Boris)Modest Mussorgsky, Paul Daniel, English Northern Philharmonia, John Tomlinson
Boris Godunov (Highlights), St. Basil Scene: What, has the service finished? (Mitiukha, Simpleton, Chorus)Modest Mussorgsky, Paul Daniel, English Northern Philharmonia, Edward Thornton, Mark Curtis, Opera North Chorus
Boris Godunov (Highlights), St. Basil Scene: Merciful, gracious Tsar (Simpleton, Boris, Shuisky, Chorus)Modest Mussorgsky, Paul Daniel, English Northern Philharmonia, John Tomlinson, Stuart Kale, Mark Curtis, Opera North Chorus
Boris Godunov (Highlights), Death Scene: Sad, Shuisky is not with us (Boyar, Shuisky, Shchelkalov)Modest Mussorgsky, Paul Daniel, English Northern Philharmonia, Stuart Kale, Brian Cookson, Stephen Dawson
Boris Godunov (Highlights), Death Scene: A humble hermit (Pimen, Boris)Modest Mussorgsky, Paul Daniel, English Northern Philharmonia, John Tomlinson, Matthew Best
Boris Godunov (Highlights), Death Scene: Farewell, my son (Boris, Feodor, Chorus)Modest Mussorgsky, Paul Daniel, English Northern Philharmonia, John Tomlinson, Susan Parry, Choristers of Leeds Parish Church