Russian Opera

[OperaTenor]

We're opening Boris Godunov tomorrow night. We're doing Mussorgsky's original 1869 version(shorter, less glossy musically).

One thing I didn't know previously about Russian opera: No arias? It's like one long tone peom from start to finish.

[bignaf]

no all Russian opera. Mussorgsky is not typical.
Tchaikovsky has arias etc.

[OperaTenor]

Got it.

The use of folk tune themes reminded me very much of the Rachmaninov Vespers, however.

[Trumpetmaster]

Good Luck!!!!!

[shostakovich]

We're opening Boris Godunov tomorrow night. We're doing Mussorgsky's original 1869 version(shorter, less glossy musically).

One thing I didn't know previously about Russian opera: No arias? It's like one long tone peom from start to finish.

Several "songs" are considered arias. Boris sings "I have Attained the Highest Power" and the "Clock Scene" (death of Boris). "Varlaam's song about Kazan, and the final "Fool's Song" have also come out on highlight discs. I love the "Coronation Scene" (not an aria). I have the Rimsky-Korsakov version, but I imagine they are all in the 1869 version. It's my second favorite opera. Wish I could be there.
Shos

[barfle]

Lots of arias in Prince Igor, too, as well as (dare I say it?) Mazeppa.

[piqaboo]

Hi Shos! I wish you and Mrs Shos could be here for it too. It would be fun to compare notes after the show.

[GreatCarouser]

I attended opening night. I enjoyed the music. Furlanetto is a great talent. Easily heard from the crow's nest while other voices occasionally failed that test. This is an ensemble work to a great extent. the chorus is most prominent after the main character. This version is presented in 7 scenes. The final scene is the death of Boris. I understand in later versions an additional scene with the Simpleton is added.

My biggest complaint is the dead spots between the scenes while scenery moves and characters get costume changes. In Die Frau Ohne Schatten by R. Strauss the composer solved that problem with incidental music connecting the scenes. That would have been a welcome addition here.

[shostakovich]

Hi GC. I guess, from your remarks, the simpleton --- and probably the 2 ne'er-do-wells (Shkola and Eroshka?) --- are Rimsky's inventions. I think he wrote an entire 3rd act, which is largely boring, except for a great polonaise.

And Piq and Mr Piq, I'm sure I would have been thrilled. Take care.
Shos

[bignaf]

the simpleton is definitely not Rimsky's invention.

[GreatCarouser]

Hi GC. I guess, from your remarks, the simpleton --- and probably the 2 ne'er-do-wells (Shkola and Eroshka?) --- are Rimsky's inventions. I think he wrote an entire 3rd act, which is largely boring, except for a great polonaise.

And Piq and Mr Piq, I'm sure I would have been thrilled. Take care.
Shos

No shos. The Simpleton has a major part/arioso in scene 4 or 5 outside the cathedral when he tells Boris that The Virgin has forbidden prayers for 'Herod'. A highly dramatic moment from the original. Definitely not RK's invention. If you are speaking of the two drunks in the Lithuanian Inn right before the Pretender shows up there, they are also Mussorgsky's. I'm not familiar with the other versions of this opera. How bad can anything by RK be? (I'm sure *ig will tell me )

[piqaboo]

My biggest complaint is the dead spots between the scenes while scenery moves and characters get costume changes. In Die Frau Ohne Schatten by R. Strauss the composer solved that problem with incidental music connecting the scenes. That would have been a welcome addition here.

Theatre often manages this by using minimal sets, thus minimizing the time required for changes. IMLE (in my limited experience), opera doesnt go for this approach. SDO usually does a good job with timing intermissions to major scenery changes. I'm looking forward to the show Friday, my inner organizer will be thinking of ways to make the deadspots go away! (If I notice any).

A friend from work is also in this chorus, so its not only OT I shall have to find on stage. My friends voice is not huge, so I shant be hearing him from among the crowd. Rumor has it OT's voice can be identified in at least one scene.... Not sure if this is a good thing, but it always makes ME smile!

[barfle]

Anything happening with Solstice?

[OperaTenor]

Anything happening with Solstice?

No, sadly. It passed away some years ago, never to be revived.

PS. You got that URL bookmarked or something? I can't even google it.

[OperaTenor]

A couple of reviews from opening night:

Opera West

The Sandy Eggo Union/Tribune

And yes, both reviewers went to the same opera on the same night.

[OperaTenor]

Hey, I finally remembered to take my camera tonight!

The first photo is of me in my peasant costume:


The guy on the right gets the unanimous "Coolest Peasant Hat" award:


The next two are me in my "Boyar"(think Russian duke) costume. This is one of my favorite costumes so far:

[Catmando]

Awesome costumes and make-up, OT!

Thanks for posting those!

[barfle]

PS. You got that URL bookmarked or something? I can't even google it.

Yes, I added it to my favorites when either you or piq first posted it. So who's paying for the site? I'm pretty sure it's not you, since you seem to have forgotten all about it.

Also, do you appear in any of the videos on the Union review? Since there were cameras, will there be a DVD?

[Shapley]

Cool Costumes, OT!

[jamiebk]

OT...that must be fun! The costumes are great. You look perfect in the Duke's role

(you look too happy to be a poor peasant )