Alexander Pushkin
Other operas based on stories or poems by Alexander Pushkin:
Eugene Onegin - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
The Miserly Knight - Sergei Rachmaninov
The Queen of Spades (Pique Dame) - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
The Golden Cockerel (Zolotoy petushok, Le Coq d'Or) - Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Boris Godounov (Boris Godounoff, Boris Godunov) - Modest Mussorgsky
Information about the opera Boris Godounov by Modest Mussorgsky, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.
Following criticism of his original 1868 seven-scene version, Mussorgsky revised the opera in 1872 to add two scenes and a female role, and this revised version is the one generally performed today, becoming one of the most regularly performed Russian operas.
Recommended recordings on CD
Ermler/Nesterenko/Atlantov (Regis RRC 3006)
An authentic recording of the version reorchestrated by Rimsky-Korsakoff in 1896, and recommended.
Bolshoi Theatre Chorus, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Mark Ermler, 1982.
Cast: Evgeny Nesterenko (Boris Godounov), Vladimir Atlantov (Grigory), Elena Obraztsova (Marina).
Regis RRC 3006
Dobrowen/Christoff/Gedda (Naxos Historical 8.110242-44)
A very lively performance from 1952 with excellent sound, despite the mono recording.
Russian Chorus of Paris, French National Radio Orchestra, conducted by Issay Dobrowen, 1952.
Cast: Boris Christoff (Boris Godounov), Nicolai Gedda (Grigory), Eugenia Zareska (Marina).
Naxos Historical 8.110242-44 (mono)
Abbado/Kotcherga/Larin (Sony Classical S3K 58977)
A superb recording of the definitive 1872 version.
Berlin Radio Chorus, Slovak State Philharmonic Chorus, Tölz Boys Choir, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Claudio Abbado, 1993.
Cast: Anatoly Kotcherga (Boris Godounov), Sergei Larin (Grigory), Marjana Lipovsek (Marina).
Sony Classical S3K 58977
Gergiev/Vaneev/Galusin (Philips 462 230-2)
Contains lively performances of both Mussorgsky's original 1868 seven-scene version, and his 1872 substantially revised version which is the one generally performed today.
Kirov Theater Chorus, Kirov Theater Orchestra, conducted by Valery Gergiev, 1997.
Cast: Vladimir Vaneev (Boris Godounov), Vladimir Galusin (Grigory), Olga Borodina (Marina).
Philips 462 230-2
Recommended recordings on DVD
Noseda/Anastassov/Storey (Opus Arte OA 1053 D)
Tsar Boris reluctantly accepts the throne of Russia, despite his foreboding, at the beginning of Mussorgsky's opera Boris Godounov.
This traditional production is based on what is probably an ideal combination: Mussorgsky's original 1868 version with the addition of the final scene from the 1872 revision. Superb sound and outstanding performances, especially by Orlin Anastassov in the title role, make this the current version of choice.
Turin Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro Regio, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda, 2010.
Cast: Orlin Anastassov (Boris Godounov), Ian Storey (Grigory), Alessandra Marianelli (Marina).
Opus Arte OA 1053 D