Alexander Vedernikov leads the orchestra, soloists and chorus of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow on this first volume of Highlights From Russian Operas, including works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Glinka and others.
“Now here comes a compilation of excerpts from the present generation of Bolshoi artists, recorded less than a year ago in stunning SACD sound, rendering an impressive realism to the performances. The chorus and orchestra, always among the top contenders in the operatic world, are heard in their full glory with magnificent brass and silken strings. The chorus includes excellent voices, less vibrato-laden than earlier incarnations and with a punch that makes the Polovtsian dances really thrilling…There is an essay on the music in three languages and several fine colour photos from Bolshoi stagings but no texts. Playing time is generous and I wouldn’t mind a second issue, covering operas that are not included here and giving another opportunity to hear some of these singers again and maybe some others from the Bolshoi roster.” -Göran Forsling, Music Web
“This co-production of the Bolshoi Theatre (the word translates as “Great”) and Pentatone brings a sampling of the typical opera-goers’ experience in one of the great world centres of opera. And in exemplary surround sonics instead of the awful sound of Soviet-ear recordings or the so-so sound of many more recent Russian efforts….The last selection is one of the most energetic and dramatic versions of the orchestral Polovtsian Dances I’ve ever heard – making a grand audiophile wrap up to an interesting survey of the Bolshoi Experience. The acoustics of the huge venue are excellent and the 5.0 surround recreates them with much realism.” -John Sunier, Audiophile Audition
Tracklist:
Mikhail Glinka (1804-1857)
A Life for the Czar
1 Act 2: Bog vojnyi posle bitv… (After the battle the god of war) – Polonaise and chorus 4.39
2 Act 4: Tchujut pravdu! (They sense the truth!) – Ivan Susanin’s aria 5.08
Vladimir Matorin – bass
Alexander Dargomizhsky (1813-1869)
Rusalka
3 Act 3: Nevol’no k etim grustnyim beregam.. (Some unknown power) – Prince’s cavatina 6.00
4 Act 3: Chto eto znachit? (What does this mean?) – Mad scene 11.39
Mikhail Gubsky (Prince) – tenor; Alexander Naumenko (Miller) – bass; Male chorus
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Iolanthe
5 Net, charyi lask krasyi myatezhnoj… (No, the charms of a voluptuous beauty)(Vaudémont’s Romance) 4.14
Vsevolod Grivnov – tenor
Pique Dame (Queen of Spades)
6 Act 3: Uzh polnoch blizitsya (It is close on midnight already) – Lisa’s aria 5.14
Elena Zelenskaya – soprano
Mazeppa
7 Act 2: O Marija, Marija – Mazeppa’s arioso 5.12
Yuri Nechaev – baritone
Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943)
Aleko
8 Volšébnoy síloy pesnopén’ya (The magic power of song) – Old Gipsy’s Story 5.25
Taras Shtonda – bass; Male chorus
Alexander Borodin (1833-1887)
Prince Igor
9 Act 2: Ni sna ne otdykha (No sleep no rest) Prince Igor’s aria (orch. Rimsky-Korsakov) 6. 53
10 Act 2: Zdorov li, knyaz? (Are you in good health, Prince?) Konchak’ s aria 6.31
11 Act 2: Gey, privesti syuda! (Hey, bring the captive girls here!) Recitativo (orch. Rimsky-Korsakov) 2. 57
12 Act 2: Polovtsian Dances 11. 40
Yuri Nechaev (Prince Igor) – baritone; Valery Gilmanov (Konchak) – bass; Chorus
Personnel:
Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre Moscow
Alexander Vedernikov, conductor
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