Scenes from the emphatically Russian tragedy "Boris Godunov"(Large jpgs - 36/53K)
Scenes from the emphatically Russian tragedy "Boris Godunov"(Large jpgs - 36/53K)
And considering the controversy that has surrounded both the original version and subsequent variants, one could also ask, "What does it profit a production to gain love, if it then loses its tragic force?"
When Mussorgsky first wrote this opera, the main roles were those of the protagonists Godunov and Prince Shuskov and the monk Pimen -- there were no female roles of note and no love episodes in the plot. When the composer submitted the piece to the Mariinsky in 1870, they sent him away with a flea in his ear and told him that the opera must have a leading lady and treat the theme of love.
Four years later the opera premiered at the Mariinsky -- with 90 minutes of amour and a lead female role. Performed as it was first intended, the opera has been called the most emphatically Russian tragedy of all.
On Saturday, July 8, connoisseurs of the Russian soul can feast on the opera's fatal splendor in the restored glory of the Hermitage Theater, where it will be directed by Vadim Afanasjev.
Based on Pushkin's epic poem, the opera relates the history of a man so determined to rule he could countenance the murder of his own son to cling to power.
The role of Godunov will be performed by 27-year-old sensation Edem Umeirov, the youngest baritone ever to sing the part.
Riding the wave of history with Godunov is the hermit monk, Pimen, played by the experienced and powerful Victor Seldikov. Pimen acts as both an arbiter and chronicler of history in addition to being Godunov's conscience. Sergei Lyadev brings his bright, clear voice to the role of Prince Shuskov, the man destined to succeed the ambitious and flawed Godunov.
Afanasjev sees his work on this production and the forthcoming "Eugene Onegin" at this prestigious venue as a continuation of his fight against the "aggressive mediocrity" that has held sway in Russia for most of this century. He has culled the best St Petersburg has to offer to fill the roles for both productions and for the choir.
Both operas have already stimulated interest from promoters abroad. The production of an opera like "Boris Godunov," with its stress on the vitality, clarity and puissance of the male voice, is part of Afanasjev's ongoing love affair with the male singing voice.
He is the driving force behind the peerless Male Choir of St Petersburg. His first date at the Hermitage Theater was for a performance by the male choir, and it is perhaps no coincidence that he should be directing the masculine tour de force of "Boris Godunov."