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Chan 3007 MUSSORGSKY CHANDOS Highlights O PERA IN BORIS GODUNOV ENGLISH

JOHN TOMLINSON

C H O R U S O F O P E R A N O R T H • E N G L I S H N O R T H E R N P H I L H A R M O N I A PAUL DANIEL PETE
MOO
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Modest Mussorgsky (1839–1881)

Boris Godunov (based on the initial version of 1869) Libretto by the composer, based on Pushkin’s historical tragedy of the same name and Karamzin’s History of the Russian State English translation by David Lloyd-Jones AKG Prince Shuisky ...... Stuart Kale tenor Boris, Tsar of Russia...... John Tomlinson bass Varlaam, a vagabond monk ...... Clive Bayley bass Xenia, Boris’s daughter ...... Joan Rodgers soprano Feodor, Tsarevich ...... Susan Parry mezzo-soprano The old Nurse ...... Yvonne Howard mezzo-soprano Simpleton ...... Mark Curtis tenor Pimen, monk and chronicler ...... Matthew Best bass Boyar ...... Brian Cookson tenor Mitiukha ...... Edward Thornton baritone Shchelkalov ...... Stephen Dawson baritone Chorus of Opera North Martin Fitzpatrick chorus master Choristers of Leeds Parish Church Modest Mussorgsky Simon Lindley chorus master English Northern Philharmonia David Greed leader Paul Daniel

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Coronation Scene [page 36] 8:04 1 Shuisky ‘Long life to our Tsar Boris Feodorovich!’ 4:05 Modest Mussorgsky: Boris Godunov 2 Boris ‘My soul is sad’ 3:59

Varlaam’s Song [page 37] Few operas have had such a remarkable history (arguably the most Russian of operas) on the 3 Varlaam ‘By the walls of Kazan the mighty fortress’ 2:30 as Mussorgsky’s masterpiece Boris Godunov. It French stage. exists in no less than three complete versions The work on which Mussorgsky based his Apartments Scene [page 38] 27:59 by the composer himself, as well as Boris Godunov was the drama (1825) of the 4 Xenia ‘Ah, my dear betrothed’ 7:26 posthumous editions and orchestrations by same name by the great Russian national poet 5 Boris ‘I stand supreme in power’ 5:14 Rimsky-Korsakov, Shostakovich and others. Alexander Pushkin. For six years, publication 6 Boris ‘What is it?’ 11:53 In Mussorgsky’s own lifetime (i.e. until 1881) of the play was forbidden by the censor, and the opera was staged just twenty-one times, the first staging had to wait until 1870, i.e. the 7 Boris ‘Ugh! Give me air!’ 3:26 and then for more than a decade it languished very time that Mussorgsky had just completed St Basil Scene [page 42] 11:16 almost totally neglected, despite a notable the first draft of his opera; in fact, some of the revival at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow in sets originally designed for the play were later 8 Men ‘What, has the service finished?’ 6:12 1888 with the then-celebrated bass Bogomir re-used for the opera. Pushkin had set out to 9 Women ‘Merciful, gracious Tsar’ 5:04 Korsov in the title role. The opera’s meteoric write a realistic drama on Shakespearean lines: rise to fame began with the publication of the three unities of French classical drama Death Scene [page 44] 24:20 Rimsky-Korsakov’s edition of the opera in were abandoned entirely, so too was the lofty 10 Boyars ‘Sad, Shuisky is not with us’ 6:39 1896, followed two years later by a production tone of Racine and Corneille, and the usual 11 Pimen ‘A humble hermit’ 7:10 given at the Moscow Private Opera with the lines of Alexandrine verse were replaced by 12 Boris ‘Farewell, my son’ 10:31 young Fyodor Shalyapin. From this moment blank verse. Many contemporaries believed TT 74:43 onwards, the tragic figure of the tormented that Pushkin’s Boris Godunov was a bold tsar became inextricably linked with the name experiment – a dramatic work not actually of the legendary bass, and the opera scored a intended for the stage. The excerpts featured on this disc are taken from Opera resounding success in the opera theatres of The radical aspects of Pushkin’s work almost North’s highly successful production of Boris Godunov, Russia, and then at the Grand Opéra in Paris certainly attracted Mussorgsky, but in a Russia first performed in 1989. during Diaghilev’s Saison Russe in 1908. just emerging from the strictly authoritarian Perhaps even Mussorgsky himself would have era of Nicholas I, the subject was still been surprised at the triumph of his work something of a political ‘hot potato’.

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Mussorgsky composed the first draft of Boris to go back in time to the reign of Ivan IV (Ivan historical events. The action unfolds in a series Scene 2 Godunov (consisting of seven scenes) in the Terrible), who had sought to consolidate of loosely assembled scenes, which take us The square of the Moscow Kremlin, 1868–69, but it was rejected by the the power of the throne by ruthlessly curbing from Moscow to the Lithuanian frontier. One between the two Cathedrals of the Directorate of Imperial Theatres. He made the influence of the boyars. When Ivan died in of Mussorgsky’s greatest achievements in this Assumption and the Archangel Michael. radical changes, but the opera was turned 1584 he was succeeded by his feeble-minded opera is that he created a realistic drama: it is Six months later down a second time in 1871. Only in January son Fyodor, who had married Irina Godunova peopled not merely by the great and the Boris is crowned and makes his first 1874 did the opera finally see the footlights of (the sister of Boris). As Fyodor was childless, famous, but also by ordinary folk, vagabond appearance as Tsar. He acknowledges the the Maryinsky Theatre in St Petersburg, where conspiracies among the boyars to secure the monks and Jesuits. This gives the work a people’s acclamation, but his soul is filled with it received a mixed reception and bitterly succession were rife, but the real power was feeling of breadth and panoramic foreboding. (Tracks 1 - 2 ) divided Russian musical opinion. already concentrated in the hands of Boris, inclusiveness, but more importantly, through The appearance of the opera coincided who effectively ruled as regent. The death of the quality of the music and a striving for Scene 3 with a wave of nationalism, which became Fyodor in 1598 cleared the way for Boris to lay psychological truth, Mussorgsky creates for us A cell in the Chudov Monastery in the apparent in populist literature and, above a legitimate claim to the throne of Muscovy, characters who come to life, and have the Kremlin. Six years later all in the music of the ‘Mighty Handful’. for the only other possible claimant, Prince capacity to move and fascinate us. Russia has suffered famine and intrigue during For Mussorgsky and the other nationalist Dmitry, had died in mysterious circumstances Boris’s reign. An old monk, Pimen, is composers Russian history became a kind in May 1591. The principal historical source © 1998 Philip Taylor completing his chronicle of Russian history. of irresistible magnet. Through it they were for Pushkin’s play had been Karamzin’s History His novice, Grigory, is tormented with dreams able to express Russian traditions and values, of the Russian State. In this work, Karamzin Synopsis of greatness. Pimen recalls his eventful past, and above all, the uniqueness of their had chosen to ignore contemporary reports the battles and the tsars he has known, and perception of the world and their place concerning the death of the young prince Scene 1 tells how the Tsarevich Dimitri was murdered, in it. In particular, they were drawn to one Dmitry (the official report stated that he had A courtyard of the Novodyevichy Monastery Grigory discovers that Dimitri would have of the most dramatic and bloody periods in accidentally cut his own throat during an outside Moscow. February 1598 been his own age, had he lived. Russian history – the late sixteenth century, epileptic fit) and makes Boris the instigator Boris is in retreat in the monastery. The covering a period roughly from the reign of his murder. In following this version of apathetic people are exhorted to beg him to Scene 4 of Ivan the Terrible to the so-called Time events Mussorgsky created a charismatic assume the throne, first by the police and then An inn on the Lithuanian border. A few days of Troubles. character both strong and ruthless on one by the Boyar Shchelkalov, who prays that God later No full appreciation of the opera is possible hand, yet human and guilt-ridden on the may bring guidance to the troubled land. A Grigory has fled from the monastery and is without a proper understanding of the events other. procession of pilgrims enters the monastery. making for the border, intending to set himself which led up to the accession of Boris The opera charts the rise to power and the The people comment cynically on up as the Tsarevich Dimitri and lead a rising Godunov in 1598. In order to do this we have death of Boris against a background rich in developments. against Boris. With two vagabond monks, 6 7 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 8

Varlaam and Missail, he arrives at a lonely inn Scene 6 witty characterizations of a host of diverse (Siegfried), Titurel and Gurnemanz (Parsifal) close to the frontier. Varlaam sings the song of Outside the Cathedral of St Basil in Moscow. roles have been unanimously acclaimed and as King Mark (Tristan und Isolde). He has Ivan the Terrible’s conquest of the Tartar’s at A year later throughout the world. also sung at the Festivals of Aix-en-Provence the battle of Kazan (track 3 ). Soldiers arrive Boris is praying within the Cathedral. Outside He studied at the Guildhall School of and Salzburg, and the Maggio Musicale, and with a warrant for Grigory’s arrest. He reads some children taunt a simpleton and steal his Music and the London Opera Centre. On in Geneva, Lisbon, San Francisco, San Diego, out the order, substituting Varlaam’s kopek. Boris pities the simpleton and asks for graduating he joined Welsh National Opera Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich and description for his own. As the deceit is his prayers, which are denied. (Tracks 8 - 9 ) and then English National Opera, where he Vienna. discovered Grigory escapes through the remained for eight years singing such roles as John Tomlinson has a large concert window. Scene 7 Don Ottavio, Michael (Giulietta) and Nanki- repertoire and has sung with all the leading The Granovitaya Palace in the Moscow Poo. Since leaving English National Opera he British orchestras and in Germany, Italy, Scene 5 Kremlin. 14 April 1605 has performed at the Royal Opera House, the Belgium, Holland, France, Spain, Denmark The Tsar’s apartments in the Moscow An emergency meeting of the Council of Châtelet, State Opera of South Australia, and the USA, working with such conductors Kremlin. A few months later Boyars is in progress to decide on action Canadian Opera Company, and in as Daniel Barenboim and Bernard Haitink. He Boris’s daughter, Xenia, mourns the death of against the pretender. Shuisky interrupts with Drottningholm, Cologne, San Francisco and has taken part in many recordings including her betrothed. Her brother Feodor and her old a description of the frenzied Boris, who Karlsruhe. Recordings include Bob Boles Talbot (Mary Stuart) and Achilles (Julius nurse try to console her. Boris enters. He is himself follows, driving away his vision of the (Peter Grimes), Weill’s Seven Deadly Sins, Dr Caesar) (both of which were supported by the tender towards Xenia, and proud of Feodor’s dead Dimitri. Shuisky brings in Pimen, who Suda (Osud) and Mr Upfold (Albert Herring). Peter Moores Foundation), Don Alfonso (Così knowledge of his future kingdom. He tells the story of the miraculous cure effected fan tutte), the title roles in The Marriage of meditates on his crime and on the sufferings at the tomb of Dimitri. Boris collapses and John Tomlinson was born in Lancashire, and Figaro and Bluebeard’s Castle, Beethoven’s of his family and of Russia, which have demands to be left alone with his son. He studied Civil Engineering at Manchester Choral Symphony, Messiah and Verdi’s poisoned his enjoyment of the power he has advises Feodor on the government of Russia, University before winning a scholarship to the Requiem. attained. Prince Shuisky is announced. He and prays for God’s protection for his Royal Manchester College of Music. He has brings news that a pretender to the throne has innocent son. As the funeral bell tolls and sung regularly with English National Opera Clive Bayley sang the role of Claggart (Billy risen in Lithuania, calling himself Dimitri, the monks intone his last rites, Boris dies, begging since 1974, and with the Royal Opera since Budd) whilst still a student at the Royal resurrected Tsarevich. Boris forces from forgiveness for his crimes. (Tracks 10 - 12 ) 1976. He has also appeared with Opera Northern College of Music, where he was a Shuisky a description of Dimitri as he lay in North, both Glyndebourne Festival and Peter Moores Scholar. He is already well state in the cathedral of Uglich, his features Stuart Kale has long since established himself Touring Operas and Kent Opera. He has sung established with the major opera companies corrupted by death. Boris breaks down, as one of the most accomplished and versatile at the Bayreuth Festival every years since 1988, throughout this country and he regularly sings haunted by the vision of the murdered child. singing actors currently appearing in opera where he has been heard as Wotan (Das in concert. He made his debut with the Royal (Tracks 4 - 7 ) anywhere in the world. His intelligent and Rheingold und Die Walküre), the Wanderer Opera in 1991 in the premiere of Birtwistle’s 8 9 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 10

Gawain, and has also had notable successes Giovanni, Beethoven’s Choral Symphony and Suzuki. She also appears as a guest artist with From 1980–86 he was a principal with with Opera North (Verdi’s Jerusalem), English Haydn’s Creation. Opera North and has appeared in São Paulo, The Royal Opera and he has also worked National Opera (Billy Budd, Wozzeck and Paris, Nantes and Tel Aviv. Her recordings extensively with Opera North, Scottish Dr Faust) and Opera Factory (Don Giovanni). Susan Parry studied at Birmingham University include Handel’s Messiah, Walton’s Troilus and Opera, Welsh National Opera and He also appears with Netherlands Opera. and the Royal Academy of Music and is now a Cressida and Verdi’s Requiem. Netherlands Opera. In 1997 he made his Appearances with Opera North include member of English National Opera where her debut with English National Opera as the Sparafucile (Rigoletto), the Referee (Playing roles have included Nicklausse (The Tales of Born in Hertfordshire, Mark Curtis studied at Dutchman (The Flying Dutchman). Matthew Away), and the title role in The Marriage of Hoffmann), Brangäne (Tristan and Isolde), the Royal Northern College of Music under Best also appears on the concert platform Figaro. Recordings include Michael Berkeley’s Octavian, the Composer and the Fox (The Frederic Cox and then at the National Opera throughout Europe, working with many Baa Baa Black Sheep, Landi’s Il Sant’Alessio, Cunning Little Vixen). Other appearances Studio with a scholarship from the Friends of of the world’s leading orchestras and Candide and Troilus and Cressida. include debuts in 1996 with the Royal Opera Covent Garden and the Arts Council. conductors. As a conductor he is artistic in the Covent Garden Verdi Festival, and at Appearances include Fenton (Falstaff ) and director of the Corydon Orchestra and Joan Rodgers in one of Britain’s best-loved the Proms. With the Orchestra of the Age of Jacquino (Fidelio) for Glyndebourne Touring Corydon Singers. singers and is equally established in opera, Enlightenment she has sung the title role in a Opera, Beppe (Pagliacci) for the Royal Opera, concert and as a recitalist. She studied with concert performance of Gluck’s Iphigénie en Monostatos (Die Zauberflöte) for Kent Opera, Since its formation in 1978 the Chorus of Joseph Ward at the Royal Northern College of Tauride. Susan Parry has appeared with Welsh and Steersman (The Flying Dutchman), Rector Opera North has established a reputation Music, where she won a Peter Moores National Opera, with the BBC Philharmonic, (Peter Grimes), Arv (Maskarade), Hermes (King which puts it at the forefront of the world’s Scholarship, and with Audrey Langford. In the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Priam) and Vasˇek (The Bartered Bride) for opera choruses. As well as regular opera 1981 she won the Kathleen Ferrier Memorial BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra Opera North. Recordings include The Merry performances the Chorus gives a wide range of Scholarship. In the UK Joan Rodgers sings Widow, Madama Butterfly, Manon Lescaut and concerts, both with the English Northern regularly for all the principal opera companies Yvonne Howard began her busy and versatile The Force of Destiny. Philharmonia and independently, including in including English National Opera (the concert career whilst studying at the Royal 1990 the world premiere of Takemitsu’s My Countess and Ginevra (Ariodante)), the Royal Northern College of Music and early roles Matthew Best pursues a dual career as a Way of Life with the City of Birmingham Opera (Governess in The Turn of the Screw), included appearances with English Touring conductor and singer. Educated as a choral Symphony Orchestra and Simon Rattle. Glyndebourne Festival Opera (Susanna, and Opera, Glyndebourne Festival and Touring scholar at King’s College, Cambridge and at Overseas performances have been many and the title role in Theodora), Opera North (title Operas and City of Birmingham Touring the National Opera Studio, in 1982 he won various, including performances at La Fenice, role in Iolanta), Scottish Opera and Welsh Opera. In 1991 she made her debut with the the Decca–Kathleen Ferrier Prize. He was a Venice, at the Wiesbaden May Festival, in National Opera. Recordings include Das Royal Opera as Mercedes (Carmen). Since pupil of the late Otakar Kraus and of Robert Dortmund, Rotterdam and at the world klagende Lied and Rachmaninov songs for then she has appeared there regularly in roles Lloyd and currently studies with Patrick premiere in Munich of Benedict Mason’s Chandos, The Marriage of Figaro, Don such as Karolka (Jenu˚fa), Marcellina and McGuigan. Playing Away. 10 11 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 12

The English Northern Philharmonia is the generation and is in great demand with both resident orchestra of Opera North, and since opera companies and orchestras worldwide. In its formation in 1978 has established itself as September 1997 he took up his new one of the country’s leading operatic appointment as Music Director of English Stephen Vaughan Stephen orchestras. In addition to playing for all the National Opera and in his first season he has Company’s performances in Leeds and on conducted Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, tour, the English Northern Philharmonia Janáˇcek’s From the House of the Dead and enjoys an independent existence as a Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann. From 1990 symphony orchestra, giving concerts to 1997 he held the post of Music Director at throughout Yorkshire and the surrounding Opera North where he attracted critical area. The orchestra has appeared with acclaim for his exciting and fresh performances numerous international guest conductors of Dukas’s Ariane et Barbe-Bleue, Tippett’s and soloists, as well as with David Lloyd- King Priam, Shreker’s Der ferne Klang, Boris Jones, its Founder Conductor, and Paul Godunov (with which Opera North made its Daniel, who was Opera North’s Music Proms debut in 1992) and Britten’s Gloriana Director and Principal Conductor from amongst others. 1990 to 1997. Apart from its full-scale As Principal Conductor of the English symphonic concerts the English Northern Northern Philharmonia Paul Daniel has Philharmonia gives chamber concerts, conducted concerts throughout the UK accompanies the region’s choral societies and has taken the orchestra to many festivals. and has also gained considerable acclaim for its Other opera engagements have included operatic gala concerts with singers on Opera Factory (where he was Music international status. Director from 1987 to 1990), Opera de Nancy, the Royal Opera House, Théâtre Paul Daniel is widely regarded as one of the de la Monnaie, Brussels and the Bayerische most exciting and talented conductors of his Staatsoper.

John Tomlinson as Boris in Opera North’s production of Boris Godunov. 12 13 CHAN 3007BOOK.qxd15/10/0710:17amPage14 role. made hisstagedebutinaspoken the Rome Opera where healso Naples, theGeneva Festival and at theSan CarloOpera House, by performances Viennese artists and assistantproducer of Vienna State Opera forthree years production studentwiththe ofLucretiaRape Viennese premiere ofBritten’s Music where heproduced the study atthe Vienna Academy of administrator. He laterwent onto to work asabehind-the-scenes he went toGlyndebourne in1952 and German. Oxford, where hestudiedItalian College andChristChurch, football poolsgroup –Britain’s largestprivate company. Moores mailorder, CBE,founderofthegiant Littlewoods chainstore and Peter Moores wasborninLancashire in1932,thesecondsonofSir John Furthering hisinterest inopera, He waseducated atEton The Peter Moores Foundation andPeter Moores CBE,DL . He wasa The 14 Peter Moores, CBE,DL.

Christina Burton/PMF Festival Opera. Festival, Welsh National Opera, Opera North, ScottishOpera andGlyndebourne including theRoyal Opera House, English National Opera, The AlmeidaOpera established singers. also awarded tostudentsstudyabroad roles andtowork with onparticular have helpedthecareers ofmanytalentedsingersintheirstudies there. Grants are opera singersthrough theRoyal Northern CollegeofMusic. These scholarships the originallanguageandwouldliketoknow whatisgoingon. English-speaking peoplewhoare interested inoperabut whomaynotunderstand but here recorded inEnglish translation. The aimisto provide for theopportunity recordings are ofpopularoperas,intherepertoire ofmosttoday’s companies, nineteenth-century 1964 theFoundation hasdispersed£33millionintoday’s money. Youth, RaceRelations; Social/Health/Environment; andone-offProjects. Since –subdividedintoMusic TheArts and Visual Art; cover five broad categories: was onopera,buttheFoundation’s objectives have sincewidenedandtoday field.Initially,and extendhispersonalwork intheculturalandarts theemphasis totheArts. services became aDeputy LieutenantofLancashire. The Foundation hasalsofinancedoperaproductions atUKoperacompanies, numberoftheseare of It therecordings hassupported operas.A ofthirty-nine Peter Moores establishedthePeter Moores Foundation on in1964tocarry He wasmadea CBE inthe1991New Years Honours Listforhischaritable From 1981to1983Peter Moores wasaGovernor oftheBBC.In May 1992,he The Peter Moores Foundation alsoawards scholarshipstopromising young bel canto works whichhave sincebecomeunfashionable.Other 15 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 16

Godunow als kühnes Experiment – als ein Werte zu vermitteln, speziell die Modest Mussorgski: Boris Godunow Drama, das eigentlich nicht für die Bühne Einzigartigkeit ihrer Wahrnehmung der Welt gedacht war. und des Standorts, den sie darin einnahmen. Es waren höchstwahrscheinlich die Insbesondere fühlten sie sich zu einer der Nur wenige Opern hatten eine so Diaghilews Saison Russe 1908 rauschende radikalen Aspekte von Puschkins Werk, die dramatischsten und blutigsten Epochen bemerkenswerte Vorgeschichte wie Modest Erfolge. Möglich, daß Mussorgski selbst über Mussorgski interessierten, doch in einem russischer Geschichte hingezogen – dem Mussorgskis Meisterwerk Boris Godunow. Es den Triumph seines Werks (der wohl Rußland, das soeben die streng diktatorische ausgehenden 16. Jahrhundert, dem ungefähren liegt in nicht weniger als drei vom russischsten aller Opern) auf der französischen Ära Nikolaus’ I. hinter sich gelassen hatte, war Zeitraum zwischen der Herrschaft Iwans des Komponisten selbst verfassten vollständigen Bühne überrascht gewesen wäre. der Stoff in politischer Hinsicht immer noch Schrecklichen und der sogenannten Zeit der Versionen vor, außerdem in postumen Das Werk, auf das Mussorgski seinen Boris eine “heiße Kartoffel”. Mussorgski Wirren. Bearbeitungen und Neuorchestrierungen von Godunow gründete, war die gleichnamige komponierte den (aus sieben Bildern Keine volle Würdigung der Oper ist Rimski-Korsakow, Schostakowitsch und dramatische Chronik (1825) des großen bestehenden) ersten Entwurf zu Boris möglich ohne rechtes Verständnis für die anderen. Zu Mussorgskis Lebzeiten (also bis russischen Nationaldichters Alexander Godunow 1868/69, doch er wurde vom Ereignisse im Vorfeld der Thronbesteigung 1881) wurde die Oper nur 21mal aufgeführt Puschkin. Sechs Jahre lang war die Direktorium der Kaiserlichen Theater Boris Godunows im Jahre 1598. Dazu müssen und blieb dann über ein Jahrzehnt lang fast Veröffentlichung des Stücks von der Zensur abgelehnt. Er nahm radikale Änderungen vor, wir uns in die Zeit Iwans IV. (des völlig unbeachtet. Daran änderte auch eine verboten, und die Erstaufführung mußte bis doch die Oper wurde 1871 erneut abgewiesen. Schrecklichen) zurückversetzen, der sich denkwürdige Wiederaufnahme 1888 am 1870 warten, also genau bis zu dem Erst im Januar 1874 erblickte die Oper das bemüht hatte, die Macht des Throns zu Bolschoitheater in Moskau mit dem damals Zeitpunkt, an dem Mussorgski den ersten Rampenlicht des Marinski-Theaters in St. festigen, indem er rücksichtlos den Einfluss berühmten Bass Bogomir Korsow in der Entwurf seiner Oper fertiggestellt hatte; einige Petersburg, wo sie mit gemischten Gefühlen der Bojaren beschnitt. Als Iwan 1584 starb, Titelrolle nichts. Der meteorhafte Aufstieg der der Kulissen, die man für das Stück gebaut aufgenommen wurde und in den trat sein schwachsinniger Sohn Fjodor, der Oper begann mit der Herausgabe von Rimski- hatte, wurden sogar später für die Oper maßgeblichen Kreisen der russischen Musik Irina Godunowa (Boris’ Schwester) geheiratet Korsakows Bearbeitung im Jahre 1896, der wiederverwendet. Puschkin hatte es darauf bittere Kontroversen auslöste. hatte, seine Nachfolge an. Da Fjodor kinderlos zwei Jahre später eine Inszenierung an der abgesehen, ein realistisches Drama nach dem Die Premiere der Oper fiel mit einer Welle blieb, grassierten von den Bojaren angezettelte Moskauer Privatoper mit dem jungen Fjodor Vorbild von Shakespeare zu schreiben: Die des Nationalismus zusammen, die sich in Verschwörungen zur Sicherung der Schaljapin folgte. Von diesem Augenblick an drei Einheiten des klassischen französischen populistischer Literatur und vor allem in der Thronfolge, doch die wahre Macht war bereits war die tragische Figur des gepeinigten Zaren Dramas wurden ganz aufgegeben, ebenso der Musik des Mächtigen Häufleins äußerte. Für in den Händen von Boris Godunow untrennbar mit dem Namen des legendären hochtrabende Tonfall von Racine und Mussorgski und die übrigen nationalbewußten konzentriert, der als Reichsverweser praktisch Basses verbunden, und die Oper feierte erst an Corneille, und die üblichen Alexandriner Komponisten wurde die russische Geschichte allein regierte. Fjodors Tod im Jahre 1598 den Theatern Rußlands und dann an der wurden durch Blankverse ersetzt. Viele seiner eine Art unwiderstehlicher Magnet. Über sie machte für Boris den Weg frei, rechtmäßigen Grand Opéra in Paris im Rahmen von Zeitgenossen empfanden Puschkins Boris vermochten sie russische Traditionen und Anspruch auf den russischen Thron zu 16 17 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 18

erheben, denn Fürst Dimitri, der einzige verleiht dem Werk den Eindruck von epischer Erzengel-Michael-Kathedrale, sechs Monate Warlaam und Missail trifft er auf eine einsame andere Anwärter, war unter ungeklärten Breite und einem allumfassenden Panorama. später Schenke in der Nähe der Grenze. Warlaam Umständen im Mai 1591 ums Leben Noch wichtiger ist jedoch, daß Mussorgski Boris wird gekrönt und zeigt sich zum ersten singt das Lied vom Sieg Iwans des gekommen. Die wichtigste historische Quelle durch die Beschaffenheit der Musik und das Mal als Zar. Er nimmt den Jubel des Volkes Schrecklichen über die Tataren in der Schlacht für Puschkins Chronik war Nikolai Karamsins Streben nach psychologischer Genauigkeit für entgegen, doch seine Seele ist von bösen um Kasan (Spur 3 ). Soldaten erscheinen Geschichte des russischen Reiches. In diesem uns Figuren erstehen lässt, die zum Leben Vorahnungen erfüllt. (Spuren 1 - 2 ) mit einem Haftbefehl für Grigori. Er liest Werk hat Karamsin zeitgenössische Berichte erwachen und die Fähigkeit haben, uns zu das Dokument vor, ersetzt jedoch die über den Tod des jungen Prinzen Dimitri bewegen und zu faszinieren. 3. Bild Beschreibung seiner Person durch die bewußt außer Acht gelassen (offiziell hieß es, In einer Zelle des Tschudow-Klosters im Warlaams. Als sein Täuschungsmanöver er habe sich während eines epileptischen © 1998 Philip Taylor Kreml, sechs Jahre später entdeckt wird, ergreift er durchs Fenster die Anfalls selbst die Kehle durchgeschnitten) und Übersetzung: Anne Steeb/Bernd Müller Rußland hat unter Boris’ Herrschaft Flucht. macht Boris zum Anstifter seiner Ermordung. Hungersnot und Unfrieden erlitten. Ein alter Indem er diese Version des Geschehens Inhaltsangabe Mönch namens Pimen legt letzte Hand an 5. Bild übernahm, hat Mussorgski eine charismatische seine Chronik der russischen Geschichte. Sein In den Gemächern des Zaren im Moskauer Figur ins Leben gerufen, die einerseits stark 1. Bild Novize Grigori wird im Traum von Kreml, einige Monate später und unbarmherzig, andererseits aber human Auf einem Innenhof des Klosters Machtphantasien geplagt. Pimen gedenkt Boris’ Tochter Xenia beklagt den Tod ihres und von Schuldgefühlen geplagt ist. Nowodewitschi bei Moskau, Februar 1598 seiner ereignisreichen Vergangenheit, an die Bräutigams. Ihr Bruder Fjodor und ihre alte Die Oper zeichnet Boris Godunows Boris hat sich in die Abgeschiedenheit des Schlachten und die Zaren, die er gekannt hat, Amme versuchen sie zu trösten. Boris tritt auf. Aufstieg zur Macht und seinen Tod vor einem Klosters zurückgezogen. Das apathische Volk und berichtet von der Ermordung des Er gibt sich Xenia gegenüber liebevoll und ist Hintergrund nach, der reich an historischen wird ermahnt, ihn um die Thronübernahme Zarensohns Dimitri. Grigori stellt fest, daß stolz auf Fjodors Kenntnisse über sein Ereignissen ist. Die Handlung schreitet in zu bitten, erst von der Polizei und dann von Dimitri, hätte er überlebt, so alt wäre wie er. künftiges Königreich. Er denkt über sein einer Folge locker zusammengestellter Szenen dem Bojaren Schtschelkalow, der darum betet, Verbrechen, über das Leid seiner Familie und voran, die uns von Moskau an die litauische daß Gott die Geschicke des geplagten Landes 4. Bild Rußlands nach, das ihm den Genuß der Grenze führt. Eine von Mussorgskis größten lenken möge. Eine Pilgerschar hält Einzug ins Eine Schenke an der litauischen Grenze, errungenen Macht verdorben hat. Das Leistungen in Bezug auf diese Oper besteht Kloster. Das Volk äußert sich zynisch über die wenige Tage später Erscheinen des Fürst Schuiski wird darin, dass er ein realistisches Drama Ereignisse. Grigori ist aus dem Kloster entlaufen und auf angekündigt. Er überbringt die Nachricht, daß geschaffen hat: Sie wird nicht nur von den dem Weg zur Grenze. Er hat vor, sich als sich in Litauen ein Thronbewerber erhoben Großen und Mächtigen bevölkert, sondern 2. Bild Zarensohn Dimitri auszugeben und einen habe, der von sich behaupte, Dimitri zu sein, auch von gewöhnlichem Volk, Auf einem Platz im Moskauer Kreml Aufstand gegen Boris anzuzetteln. Zusammen der wiederauferstandene Zarewitsch. Boris vagabundierenden Mönchen und Jesuiten. Das zwischen der Himmelfahrts- und der mit zwei vagabundierenden Mönchen namens zwingt Schuiski, Dimitri zu beschreiben, 18 19 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 20

wie er in der Kathedrale von Uglitsch regieren solle, und bittet Gott, seinen hat er unter anderem Bob Boles (Peter Spanien, Dänemark und den USA gesungen aufgebahrt war, mit vom Tode entstellten unschuldigen Sohn zu beschützen. Als die Grimes), Weills Sieben Todsünden, Dr. Suda und dabei mit Dirigenten wie Daniel Gesichtszügen. Boris bricht zusammen, Totenglocke läutet und die Mönche die (Osud) und Mr. Upfold (Albert Herring) Barenboim und Bernard Haitink gepeinigt von der Vision des ermordeten Sterbesakramente intonieren, stirbt Boris, aufgenommen. zusammengearbeitet. Er war an vielen Kindes. (Spuren 4 - 7 ) nachdem er ein letztes Mal Vergebung Aufzeichnungen beteiligt, beispielsweise als für seine Verbrechen erfleht hat. John Tomlinson wurde in der nordenglischen Talbot (Maria Stuarda) und als Achilles 6. Bild (Spuren 10 - 12 ) Grafschaft Lancashire geboren und hat an der (Giulio Cesare) – beide wurden mit Vor der Basilius-Kathedrale in Moskau, ein Universität Manchester Hoch- und Tiefbau Unterstützung der Peter Moores Foundation Jahr später Übersetzung: Anne Steeb/Bernd Müller studiert, ehe er ein Stipendium zum Besuch vorgenommen. Er hat Don Alfonso (Così fan Boris ist zum Gebet in der Kathedrale. Eine des Royal Manchester College of Music tutte) aufgenommen, die Titelpartien von Le Kinderschar hänselt einen Einfältigen und Stuart Kale hat sich seit längerem als einer der errang. Er singt seit 1974 regelmäßig an der nozze di Figaro und König Blaubarts Schloß, raubt ihm seine einzige Kopeke. Boris erbarmt weltweit vollendetsten und vielseitigsten English National Opera, seit 1976 auch an der Beethovens Neunte Sinfonie, den Messias und sich des Einfältigen und bittet, er möge für singenden Schauspieler durchgesetzt, die Royal Opera. Außerdem hat er bei der Opera Verdis Requiem. ihn beten, wird jedoch zurückgewiesen. derzeit in Opern auftreten. Seine intelligente, North gastiert, beim Glyndebourne Festival (Spuren 8 - 9 ) geistreiche Darstellung einer Vielzahl und der Glyndebourne Touring Opera sowie Clive Bayley hat die Rolle des Claggart (Billy unterschiedlicher Rollen hat weltweit an der Kent Opera. Er ist ab 1988 jedes Jahr Budd) gegeben, als er noch als Peter-Moores- 7. Bild einmütigen Beifall gefunden. bei den Bayreuther Festspielen aufgetreten und Stipendiat am Royal Northern College of Im Facettenpalast des Moskauer Kreml, Er wurde an der Guildhall School of Music war dort als Wotan (Rheingold und Walküre), Music studierte. Inzwischen ist er an allen 14. April 1605 und am London Opera Centre ausgebildet. der Wanderer (Siegfried), Titurel und wesentlichen Opernhäusern in Großbritannien Der Rat der Bojaren hält eine Sondersitzung Nach seinem Studienabschluß trat er dem Gurnemanz (Parsifal) und König Marke bekannt und tritt außerdem regelmäßig in ab, um über sein Vorgehen gegen den Ensemble der Welsh National Opera und (Tristan und Isolde) zu hören. Des weiteren hat Konzerten auf. Er debütierte 1991 bei der Thronprätendenten zu beschließen. Schuiski der English National Opera bei, wo er acht er bei den Festspielen in Aix-en-Provence und Uraufführung von Birtwistles Gawain an der unterbricht die Sitzung mit der Nachricht, daß Jahre blieb und Rollen wie Don Ottavio, Salzburg sowie beim Maggio Musicale Royal Opera und hat außerdem beachtliche Boris von Sinnen sei. Boris folgt, immer noch Michael (Giulietta) und Nanki-Poo sang. gesungen, in Genf, Lissabon, San Francisco, Erfolge an der Opera North (Verdis Jerusalem), bemüht, die Spukgestalt des toten Dimitri zu Seit er die English National Opera verlassen San Diego, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, der English National Opera (Billy Budd, vertreiben. Schuiski holt Pimen hinzu, der von hat, war er am Royal Opera House, am München und Wien. Wozzeck und Dr. Faust) und der Opera der wundersamen Heilung am Grabe Dimitris Théâtre du Châtelet, an der State Opera of John Tomlinson verfügt über ein großes Factory (Don Giovanni) verzeichnet. Er singt erzählt. Boris bricht zusammen und verlangt, South Australia und der Canadian Opera Konzertrepertoire, hat mit allen führenden an der Nederlandse Opera und hat an der mit seinem Sohn alleingelassen zu werden. Er Company au sehen, in Drottningholm, Köln, Orchestern in Großbritannien, Deutschland, Opera North außerdem als Sparafucile erteilt Fjodor Ratschläge, wie er Rußland San Francisco und Karlsruhe. Auf Tonträger Italien, Belgien, den Niederlanden, Frankreich, (Rigoletto), der Schiedsrichter (Playing Away) 20 21 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 22

und in der Titelrolle von Le nozze di Figaro Susan Parry hat an der Universität Marcellina und Suzuki. Sie singt außerdem als Decca–Kathleen Ferrier Prize. Er war Schüler gastiert. Zu seinen Aufnahmen auf Tonträger Birmingham und an der Royal Academy of Gastsolistin mit der Opera North, und hat in bei dem verstorbenen Otakar Kraus und bei gehören Michael Berkeleys Baa Baa Black Music studiert und gehört heute dem São Paulo, Paris, Nantes und Tel Aviv gastiert. Robert Lloyd und nimmt zur Zeit Unterricht Sheep, Landis Il Sant’ Alessio, Candide und Ensemble der English National Opera an, wo Zu ihren Einspielungen auf Tonträger zählen bei Patrick McGuigan. Waltons Troilus and Cressida. sie unter anderem Nicklausse (Hoffmanns Händels Messias, Waltons Troilus and Cressida Von 1980 bis 1986 war er Solist an der Erzählungen), Brangäne (Tristan und Isolde), und Verdis Requiem. Royal Opera und hat außerdem häufig an der Joan Rodgers ist eine der beliebtesten Oktavian, den Komponisten und den Fuchs Opera North, der Scottish Opera, der Welsh Sängerinnen Großbritanniens und auf der (Das schlaue Füchslein) gesungen hat. 1996 Mark Curtis, der in der englischen Grafschaft National Opera und der Nederlandse Opera Opernbühne, im Konzert und als debütierte sie anläßlich des Covent Garden Hertfordshire geboren wurde, hat erst am gastiert. 1997 gab er als der Holländer (Der Recitalkünstlerin gleichermaßen etabliert. Festivals an der Royal Opera und trat bei den Royal Northern College of Music bei Frederic fliegende Holländer) sein Debüt an der English Sie wurde von Joseph Ward am Royal BBC-Promenadenkonzerten auf. Mit dem Cox studiert, und dann mit einem Stipendium National Opera. Matthew Best tritt in ganz Northern College of Music ausgebildet, wo sie Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment hat sie der Friends of Covent Garden und des Arts Europa auf dem Konzertpodium auf und ein Peter-Moores-Stipendium errang, sowie die Titelrolle einer konzertanten Aufführung Council am National Opera Studio. Er ist arbeitet mit vielen führenden Orchestern und von Audrey Langford. 1981 wurde ihr ein von Glucks Iphigénie en Tauride gesungen. unter anderem als Fenton (Falstaff ) und Dirigenten der Welt. Als Dirigent ist er Kathleen-Ferrier-Gedenkstipendium Susan Parry hat an der Welsh National Opera Jaquino (Fidelio) bei der Glyndebourne künstlerischer Leiter des Corydon Orchestra zuerkannt. In Großbritannien gastiert Joan gastiert, beim BBC Philharmonic und Royal Touring Opera aufgetreten, als Beppo und der Corydon Singers. Rodgers regelmäßig bei allen führenden Philharmonic Orchestra sowie beim BBC (Pagliacci) an der Royal Opera, als Monostatos Opernensembles, zum Beispiel bei der Scottish Symphony Orchestra. (Die Zauberflöte) an der Kent Opera sowie als Seit seiner Gründung 1978 hat sich der English National Oper (die Gräfin und Steuermann Daland (Der fliegende Holländer), Chorus of Opera North einen Ruf erworben, Ginevra in Ariodante), der Royal Opera (die Yvonne Howard begann ihre arbeitsreiche und der Pfarrer (Peter Grimes), Arv (Maskarade), der ihn in den ersten Rang der Opernchöre Gouvernante in The Turn of the Screw), der vielseitige Karrier noch während ihres Hermes (King Priam) und Vasˇek (Die verkaufte der Welt erhebt. Neben regelmäßigen Glyndebourne Festival Opera (Susanna und Studiums am Royal Northern College of Braut) an der Opera North. Zu seinen Opernaufführungen gibt der Chor vielfältige die Titelrolle in Theodora), der Opera North Music, und zu ihren frühen Verpflichtungen Aufnahmen auf Tonträger gehören Die lustige Konzerte, sowohl mit der English Northern (die Titelrolle in Iolanta), der Scottish Opera zählten Auftritte mit der English Touring Witwe, Madama Butterfly, Manon Lescaut und Philharmonia als auch unabhänging davon, und der Welsh National Opera. Zu ihren Opera, beim Glyndebourne Festival und La forza del destino. zum Beispiel 1990 die Uraufführung von Toru Aufnahmen auf Tonträger gehören Das dessen Tourneetruppe, und mit der City of Takemitsus May Way of Life mit dem City of klagende Lied und Rachmaninow-Lieder für Birmingham Touring Opera. 1991 gab sie ihr Matthew Best ist als Dirigent und als Sänger Birmingham Symphony Orchestra unter Chandos, Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, Debüt an der Royal Opera als Mercédès tätig. Er wurde als Chorschüler am King’s Simon Rattle. Zu seinen zahlreichen Beethovens Neunte Sinfonie und Haydns (Carmen). Seither ist sie dort regelmäßig College in Cambridge und am National Opera Gastspielen in Kontinentaleuropa zählen Schöpfung. aufgetreten, in Rollen wie Karolka (Jenu˚fa), Studio ausgebildet und gewann 1982 den Aufführungen am Teatro La Fenice in 22 23 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 24

Venedig, bei den Wiesbadener Maifestspielen, Paul Daniel gilt weithin als einer der in Dortmund, Rotterdam und bei der interessantesten und begabtesten Dirigenten Modest Moussorgski: Boris Godounov Uraufführung von Benedict Masons Playing seiner Generation und ist auf der ganzen Welt Away in München. an Opernhäusern und bei Orchestern sehr gefragt. Im September 1997 trat er sein neues Rares sont les opéras dont l’histoire est aussi Saison russe de Diaghilev en 1908. Die English Northern Philharmonia ist das Amt als Musikdirektor der English National remarquable que celle du chef-d’œuvre de Moussorgski aurait peut-être lui-même été Hausorchester der Opera North und hat sich Opera an und dirigierte in seiner ersten Saison Moussorgski Boris Godounov. Il en existe au surpris du triomphe de son œuvre (sans doute seit ihrer Gründung 1978 als eines der den Fliegenden Holländer, Janáˇcek’s Aus einem moins trois versions complètes de la main du le plus russe de tous les opéras) sur la scène führenden Opernorchester des Landes Totenhaus und Hoffmanns Erzählungen von compositeur lui-même, ainsi que des éditions française. etabliert. Die English Northern Philharmonia Jacques Offenbach. Von 1990 bis 1997 war er et orchestrations posthumes de Rimski- L’œuvre sur laquelle Moussorgski a basé son spielt nicht nur bei allen Vorstellungen der Musikdirektor der Opera North, wo er die Korsakov, Chostakovitch et d’autres Boris Godounov est le drama homonyme Operntruppe in Leeds und auf Tournee, Kritik mit seinen spannenden und compositeurs. Du vivant de Moussorgski (1825) du grand poète national russe sondern wirkt unabhängig davon als erfrischenden Darbietungen unter anderem (c’est-à-dire jusqu’en 1881), l’opéra n’a été Alexandre Pouchkine. Pendant six ans, la Sinfonieorchester, das Konzerte in ganz von Dukas’ Ariane et Barbe-Bleue, Tippetts monté que vingt-et-un fois, puis, pendant publication de la pièce a été interdite par la Yorkshire und den umliegenden Regionen King Priam und Schrekers Der ferne Klang plus d’une décennie, il a été presque censure et il a fallu attendre jusqu’en 1870 gibt. Das Orchester hat nicht nur mit David beeindruckte, mit Boris Godunow (dem Debüt totalement négligé, malgré une reprise pour qu’elle soit montée pour la première fois, Lloyd-Jones, seinem Gründungsdirigenten, der Opera North 1992 bei den Londoner importante au Théâtre Bolchoï de Moscou c’est-à-dire l’année même où Moussorgski und Paul Daniel gespielt, der von 1990 bis Proms) und Brittens Gloriana. en 1888 avec la célèbre basse de l’époque venait de terminer la première esquisse de son 1997 sein Erster Dirigent und Musikdirektor Als Chefdirigent der English Northern Bogomir Korsov dans le rôle titre. L’ascension opéra; en fait, certains décors conçus à der Opera North war, sondern auch mit Philharmonia hat Paul Daniel in ganz fulgurante de l’ouvrage vers la renommé a l’origine pour la pièce ont été réutilisés plus zahlreichen internationalen Gastdirigenten Großbritannien Konzerte geleitet und ist mit commencé avec la publication de la version tard pour l’opéra. Pouchkine avait commencé und -solisten. Neben ihren großangelegten dem Orchester zu vielen Festspielen gereist. de cet opéra réalisée par Rimski-Korsakov à écrire un drame réaliste suivant des lignes Sinfoniekonzerten gibt die English Northern Weitere Opernverpflichtungen hat er unter en 1896, suivie deux ans plus tard d’une shakespeariennes: les trois unités du drame Philharmonia auch Kammerkonzerte, begleitet anderem an der Opera Factory erfüllt (wo er production donnée à l’Opéra privé de Moscou classique français étaient entièrement die Chorvereinigungen der Region und hat von 1987 bis 1990 Musikdirektor war), an der avec le jeune Feodor Chaliapine. Dès lors, abandonnées, tout comme le ton élevé de sich für seine Operngalas mit Sängern von Opéra de Nancy, am Royal Opera House, am le personnage tragique du tsar tourmenté Racine et de Corneille; les vers habituels en internationalem Rang einen hervorragenden Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brüssel und an der est resté lié de façon inextricable au nom alexandrins étaient remplacés par des vers Ruf erworben. Bayerischen Staatsoper. de la basse légendaire et l’ouvrage a remporté blancs, non rimés. Beaucoup de un succès retentissant dans les théâtres lyriques contemporains croyaient que le Boris de Russie, puis à l’Opéra de Paris durant la Godounov de Pouchkine était une expérience

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audacieuse – une œuvre dramatique pas particulièrement attirés par l’une des périodes rendus contemporains sur la mort du jeune L’argument réellement destinée à la scène. les plus dramatiques et sanglantes de l’histoire prince Dimitri (selon le rapport officiel, il se Les aspects radicaux de l’œuvre de de la Russie – la fin du XVIe siècle, couvrant serait accidentellement tranché la gorge au Premier tableau Pouchkine ont certainement attiré une période qui s’étend à pru près du règne cours d’une crise d’épilepsie et fait de Boris Une cour du monastère de Novodievitchi Moussorgski, mais dans une Russie qui d’Ivan le Terrible au Temps des troubles. l’instigateur de son meurtre. En suivant cette près de Moscou. Février 1598 émergeait à peine de l’ère strictement Il est impossible d’apprécier pleinement cet version des événements, Moussorgski a créé un Boris s’est retiré au monastère. La police, puis autoritaire de Nicholas Ier, le sujet était encore opéra sans bien comprendre les événements personnage charismatique à la fois fort et cruel le boyard Tchelkalov qui prie pour que Dieu politique et brûlant. Moussorgski a composé la qui ont abouti à l’accession au trône de Boris d’une part, mais humain et hanté par sa guide ce pays troublé, haranguent le peuple première version de Boris Godounov (qui se Godounov en 1598. Pour ce faire, il faut culpabilité d’une autre. apathique pour qu’il supplie Boris de monter compose de sept scènes) en 1868–1869, mais remonter dans le temps au règne d’Ivan IV L’opéra dépeint la montée au pouvoir et la sur le trône. Une procession de pèlerins entre elle a été rejetée par la Direction des Théâtres (Ivan le Terrible), qui avait cherché à mort de Boris sur un arrière-plan riche en dans le monastère. La foule commente les impériaux. Il a opéré des changements consolider la puissance du trône en bridant événements historiques. L’action se déroule événements avec cynisme. radicaux, mais l’opéra a été rejeté une seconde impitoyablement l’influence des boyards. A la dans une série de scènes vaguement reliées fois en 1871. Ce n’est qu’en janvier 1874 mort d’Ivan IV en 1584, son fils Feodor, entre elles, qui nous emmènent de Moscou à Deuxième tableau que l’opéra a finalement essuyé les feux simple d’esprit qui avait épousé Irina la frontière lituanienne. L’une des très grandes La place du Kremlin à Moscou, entre la de la rampe du Théâtre Mariinski de Saint- Godounova (la sœur de Boris), lui a succédé. réussites de Moussorgski dans cet opéra est cathédrale de l’Assomption et la cathédrale de Pétersbourg, où il a reçu un accueil mitigé Comme Feodor n’avait pas d’enfant, les d’avoir créé un drame réaliste: il est non l’Archange Michel. Six mois plus tard et a sévèrement divisé l’opinion musicale conspirations se sont multipliées parmi les seulement peuplé de personnages grands et Boris est couronné et fait sa première russe. boyards pour assurer la succession, mais le célèbres, mais également de gens ordinaires, de apparition de tsar. Il répond aux acclamations L’apparition de cet opéra a coïncidé avec véritable pouvoir était déjà concentré entre les moines errants et de jésuites. Ceci donne à du peuple, mais l’esprit lourd d’appréhension. une vague de nationalisme, qui s’est manifestée mains de Boris, qui gouvernait en réalité l’ouvrage un souffle et un coup d’œil (Plages 1 - 2 ) dans la littérature populiste et surtout dans la comme régent. La mort de Feodor en 1598 a panoramique, mais, ce qui est plus important musique du Groupe des Cinq. Pour laissé la voie libre à Boris pour prétendre encore, Moussorgski crée pour nous, par la Troisième tableau Moussorgski et les autres compositeurs légitimement au trône de Moscovie, car le seul qualité de la musique et la recherche de la Une cellule du monastère de Choudov au nationalistes, l’histoire russe était devenue une autre prétendant possible, le prince Dimitri, vérité psychologique, des personnages qui Kremlin. Six ans plus tard sorte d’aimant irrésistible. Au travers de cette était mort dans des circonstances mystérieuses prennent vie et qui sont capables de nous Pendant le règne de Boris, la Russie a enduré histoire, ils ont pu exprimer des traditions et en mai 1591. La principale source historique émouvoir et de nous fasciner. famine et complots. Un vieux moine, Pimène, des valeurs russes et, par dessus tout, le de la pièce de Pouchkine est L’histoire de l’Etat met la dernière main à sa chronique de caractère unique de leur perception du monde russe de Karamzine. Dans cet ouvrage, © 1998 Philip Taylor l’histoire russe. Son novice, Grigori, est ainsi que leur place dans ce monde. Ils ont été Karamzine ignore délibérément les comptes- Traduction: Marie-Stella Pâris tourmenté par des rêves de grandeur. Pimène 26 27 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 28

se remémore son passé mouvementé, les essaient de la consoler. Boris entre. Il se prendre contre le prétendant. Chouiski prend Welsh National Opera, puis de l’English batailles auxquelles il a assistées et les tsars qu’il montre tendre envers sa fille et fier de la la parole pour décrire l’état de délire dans National Opera où il resta pendant huit ans. a connus, et raconte le meurtre du tsarévitch connaissance qu’a son fils de son futur lequel Boris se trouve. Celui-ci arrive sur ces Là, il chanta des rôles tels que ceux de Don Dimitri. Grigori découvre que, s’il vivait royaume. Il médite sur son crime et sur les entrefaites, chassant la vision du défunt Ottavio, Michael (Giulietta) et Nanki-Poo. encore, Dimitri aurait le même âge que lui. souffrances endurées par sa famille et la Russie: Dimitri. Chouiski fait entrer Pimène. Le vieux Depuis qu’il a quitté l’English National Opera, son plaisir d’être arrivé au pouvoir en a été moine raconte l’histoire de la guérison Stuart Kale s’est produit au Covent Garden de Quatrième tableau complètement gâté. On annonce l’arrivée du miraculeuse qui s’est opérée près de la tombe Londres, au Théâtre du Châtelet à Paris, au Une auberge à la frontière lituanienne. prince Chouiski. Il apporte la nouvelle qu’un de Dimitri. Boris s’effondre et demande à ce State Opera of South Australia, avec la Quelques jours plus tard prétendant au trône est apparu en Lituanie, se qu’on le laisse seul avec son fils. Il donne des Canadian Opera Company, et à Grigori qui s’est enfui du monastère se dirige faisant passer pour Dimitri, le tsarévitch conseils à Feodor pour gouverner la Russie, et Drottningholm, Cologne, San Francisco et vers la frontière, avec l’intention de se faire ressuscité. Boris force Chouiski à faire la prie Dieu de protéger son fils qui est innocent. Karlsruhe. Parmi ses enregistrements figurent passer pour le tsarévitch Dimitri et de mener description du corps de Dimitri exposé dans la Tandis que le glas sonne et que les moines Bob Boles (Peter Grimes), Les sept péchés l’insurrection contre Boris. Il arrive en cathédrale d’Ouglitch, les traits décomposés psalmodient les derniers sacrements, Boris capitaux de Kurt Weill, Dr Suda (Osud) et Mr compagnie de deux moines vagabonds, par la mort. Boris s’effondre, hanté par la meurt, implorant que ses crimes lui soient Upfold (Albert Herring). Varlaam et Missail, dans une auberge isolée, vision de l’enfant assassiné. (Plages 4 - 7 ) pardonnés. (Plages 10 - 12 ) proche de la frontière. Varlaam chante une John Tomlinson est né dans le Lancashire. Il chanson racontant la victoire remportée par Sixième tableau Traduction: Marianne Fernée fit d’abord des études d’ingénieur à Ivan le Terrible sur les Tartares à la bataille de Devant la cathédrale Saint-Basile à Moscou. l’Université de Manchester avant de remporter Kazan (plage 3 ). Des soldats arrivent avec un Un an plus tard Stuart Kale est depuis longtemps reconnu une bourse pour étudier la musique au Royal mandat pour l’arrestation de Grigori. Celui-ci Boris prie dans la cathédrale. Dehors des comme étant l’un des chanteurs–acteurs les Manchester College of Music. Depuis 1974, il lit à voix haute le document, substituant la enfants se moquent d’un innocent et lui volent plus accomplis et aux talents les plus divers se chante régulièrement à l’English National description de Varlaam à la sienne. Comme la son kopeck. Boris prend pitié de l’innocent et produisant actuellement sur les scènes d’opéra Opera, et depuis 1976 à Covent Garden. Il supercherie est découverte, Grigori s’enfuit par lui demande de prier pour lui, mais l’innocent internationales. Ses interprétations vives et s’est également produit à l’Opera North, au la fenêtre. refuse. (Plages 8 - 9 ) pleines d’intelligence d’un grand nombre de festival de Glyndebourne et avec le rôles ont été unanimement acclamées dans le Glyndebourne Touring Opera, et au Kent Cinquième tableau Septième tableau monde entier. Opera. Depuis 1988, il chante chaque année Les appartements du tsar au Kremlin de Le palais Granatovitaya au Kremlin de Il a fait ses études à la Guildhall School of au festival de Bayreuth où il s’est fait entendre Moscou. Quelques mois plus tard Moscou, le 14 avril 1605 Music and Drama de Londres et au London dans les rôles suivants: Wotan (Das Rheingold La fille de Boris, Xenia, pleure la mort de son Le conseil des Boyards est en séance: il s’est Opera Centre. Après avoir obtenu son et Die Walküre), le Voyageur errant (Siegfried), fiancé. Son frère Feodor et sa vieille nourrice réuni d’urgence pour décider des mesures à diplôme de fin d’études, il devint membre du Titurel et Gurnemanz (Parsifal), et le roi Mark 28 29 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 30

(Tristan und Isolde). Il s’est également produit au Covent Garden de Londres en 1991 dans la Screw), le Glyndebourne Festival Opera Music. Elle chanta ses premiers rôles avec dans les festivals d’Aix-en-Provence et de création mondiale de Gawain de Harrison (Susanna et le rôle titre de Theodora), l’Opera l’English Touring Opera, le festival de Salzbourg, au Maggio Musicale, et à Genève, Birtwistle. Il a remporté d’importants succès North (dans le rôle titre de Iolanta), le Scottish Glyndebourne, le Glyndebourne Touring Lisbonne, San Francisco, San Diego, Paris, avec l’Opera North (dans Jerusalem de Verdi), Opera et le Welsh National Opera. Ses Opera et le City of Birmingham Touring Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich et Vienne. l’English National Opera (dans Billy Budd, enregistrements comprennent Das klagende Opera. En 1991, elle fit ses débuts au Covent John Tomlinson maîtrise un vaste répertoire Wozzeck et Doktor Faust) et l’Opera Factory Lied et des mélodies de Rachmaninov pour Garden de Londres dans le rôle de Mercedes de pièces de concert, et s’est produit avec tous (dans Don Giovanni). Il se produit également Chandos, Le nozze di Figaro et Don Giovanni, (Carmen). Depuis cette date, elle s’est produite les grands orchestres anglais, ainsi qu’en au Netherlands Opera. Parmi ses prestations la Neuvième symphonie de Beethoven et régulièrement dans des rôles tels que ceux de Allemagne, en Italie, en Belgique, aux Pays- avec l’Opera North, on peut noter Sparafucile La création de Haydn. Karolka (Jenu˚fa), Marcellina et Suzuki. Elle est Bas, en France, en Espagne, au Danemark et (Rigoletto), le Referee (Playing Away), et le rôle également régulièrement invitée par l’Opera aux Etats-Unis, chantant sous la direction de titre dans Les Noces de Figaro. Parmi ses Susan Parry a étudié à l’Université de North, et a chanté à São Paulo, Paris, Nantes chefs aussi éminents que Daniel Barenboim et enregistrements figurent Baa Baa Black Sheep Birmingham et à la Royal Academy of Music et Tel Aviv. Parmi ses enregistrements figurent Bernard Haitink. Il a participé à de nombreux de Michael Berkeley, Il Sant’Alessio de Landi, de Londres. Elle est aujourd’hui membre de le Messie de Haendel, Troilus and Cressida de enregistrements, notamment dans les rôles de Candide de Leonard Bernstein, et Troilus and l’English National Opera où elle a chanté William Walton et le Requiem de Verdi. Talbot (Mary Stuart) et Achilles (Julius Caesar) Cressida de William Walton. Nicklausse (Les contes d’Hoffmann), Brangäne (ces deux enregistrements ont été sponsorisés (Tristan und Islode), Octavian, le Compositeur Né dans le Hertfordshire, Mark Curtis a fait par la Peter Moores Foundation), Don Alfonso Joan Rodgers est l’une des chanteuses anglaises et le Renard (Le petit renard rusé). En 1996, ses études au Royal Northern College of Music (Così fan tutte), dans les rôles titres des Noces les plus appréciées, et jouit d’une importante elle fit ses débuts au Covent Garden de sous la direction de Frederic Cox, puis au de Figaro et du Château de Barbe-Bleue, dans réputation à l’opéra, au concert et en récital. Londres dans le cadre du Festival Verdi, et aux National Opera Studio grâce à une bourse la Neuvième symphonie de Beethoven, le Elle a fait ses études avec Joseph Ward au Proms. Elle a chanté le rôle titre d’Iphigénie en offerte par les Amis de Covent Garden et par Messie de Haendel et le Requiem de Verdi. Royal Northern College of Music, où elle Tauride de Gluck en version de concert avec l’Arts Council. Il s’est produit avec le obtint une bourse d’étude (Peter Moores l’Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Glyndebourne Touring Opera dans les rôles de Clive Bayley chanta le rôle de Claggart (Billy Scholarship), et avec Audrey Langford. En Susan Parry s’est produite avec le Welsh Fenton (Falstaff ) et de Jacquino (Fidelio), avec Budd) tandis qu’il était encore étudiant au 1981, elle remporta le Kathleen Ferrier National Opera, le BBC Phiharmonic, le le Royal Opera dans celui de Beppe (Pagliacci), Royal Northern College of Music où il avait Memorial Scholarship. En Grande-Bretagne, Royal Phiharmonic Orchestra et le BBC et avec le Kent Opera dans celui de obtenu une bourse (Peter Moores Scholar). Sa Joan Rodgers se produit régulièrement avec les Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Monostatos (Die Zauberflöte). Avec l’Opera réputation est déjà fermement établie auprès principales compagnies d’opéra, notamment North, il a chanté les rôles suivants: le Pilote des grandes compagnies d’opéra en Grande- l’English National Opera (dans la Comtesse et Yvonne Howard commença une carrière très (Le vaisseau fantôme), Rector (Peter Grimes), Bretagne. Par ailleurs, il se produit Ginevra (Ariodante)), le Covent Garden de active et multiple à l’époque où elle était Arv (Maskarade), Hermes (King Priam) et régulièrement en concert. Il a fait ses débuts Londres (la Gouvernante dans The Turn of the encore étudiante au Royal Northern College of Vasˇek (La fiancée vendue). Ses enregistrements 30 31 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 32

comportent La veuve joyeuse, Madama de concerts avec l’English Northern Philharmonia donne des concerts de musique North où il reçut les louanges de la critique Butterfly, Manon Lescaut et La forza del Philharmonia et indépendamment, de chambre, accompagne les sociétés chorales pour ses interprétations passionnantes et destino. notamment en 1990 quand il créa My Way of de la région, et s’est également attiré des originales, notamment Ariane et Barbe-Bleue Life de Toru Takemitsu avec le City of louanges pour ses concerts de gala avec des de Dukas, King Priam de Tippett, Der ferne Matthew Best mène une double carrière de Birmingham Symphony Orchestra sous la chanteurs de notoriété internationale. Klang de Schreker, Boris Godounov (œuvre avec chef d’orchestre et de chanteur. Il a fait ses direction de Simon Rattle. Le Chœur de laquelle l’Opera North fit ses débuts aux études au King’s College de Cambridge et au l’Opera North a donné de nombreux concerts Paul Daniel est considéré comme l’un des Proms de Londres en 1992) et Gloriana de National Opera Studio. En 1982, il remporta à l’étranger, notamment à La Fenice de Venise, chefs d’orchestre les plus passionnants et les Britten. le Decca–Kathleen Ferrier Prize. Il a été l’élève au Festival de Mai de Wiesbaden, à plus talentueux de sa génération, et mène une En sa qualité de chef principal de l’English de Otakar Kraus et de Robert Lloyd. Il Dortmund, Rotterdam, ainsi qu’à Munich lors intense activité à travers le monde dans le Northern Philharmonia, Paul Daniel a dirigé poursuit actuellement ses études avec Patrick de la première mondiale de Playing Away de domaine de l’opéra et à la tête des grands des concerts dans toute la Grande-Bretagne, et McGuigan. Benedict Mason. orchestres symphoniques. En 1997, il a été dans de nombreux festivals. Dans le domaine De 1980 à 1986, il fut soliste au Covent nommé directeur musical de l’English de l’opéra, il a travaillé également avec l’Opera Garden de Londres, et travailla également avec L’English Northern Philharmonia est National Opera, et au cours de sa première Factory (dont il fut le directeur musical de l’Opera North, le Scottish Opera, le Welsh l’orchestre résident de l’Opéra North, et saison, il a dirigé Le Vaisseau fantôme de 1987 à 1990), l’Opéra de Nancy, le Covent National Opera, et le Netherlands Opera. En depuis sa fondation en 1978, il s’est imposé Wagner, La maison des morts de Janacek, et Les Garden de Londres, le Théâtre de la Monnaie 1997, il fit ses débuts avec l’English National comme l’un des meilleurs orchestres d’opéra contes d’Hoffmann d’Offenbach. De 1990 à de Bruxelles, et le Bayerische Staatsoper de Opera dans le rôle du Hollandais (Le vaisseau d’Angleterre. L’English Northern Philharmonia 1997, il fut le directeur musical de l’Opera Munich. fantôme). Matthew Best se produit également accompagnee non seulement la compagnie en concert à travers toute l’Europe, et chante dans toutes ses représentations à Leeds et en avec la plupart des grands orchestres et des tournées, mais mène également une activité chefs du monde entier. En tant que chef indépendante d’orchestre symphonique, d’orchestre, il est le directeur du Corydon donnant des concerts dans le Yorkshire et dans Orchestra et des Corydon Singers. les alentours. Il s’est produit avec de nombreux solistes et chefs de réputation internationale, Depuis sa fondation en 1978, le Chœur de ainsi qu’avec David Lloyd-Jones, son chef l’Opera North s’est fait une réputation qui le fondateur, et Paul Daniel qui a été le directeur place à la tête des chœurs d’opéra musical et le chef principal de l’Opera North internationaux. Outre ses prestations régulières de 1990 à 1997. Parallèlement à ses concerts à l’opéra, le Chœur donne un grand nombre symphoniques, l’English Northern 32 33 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 34 Stephen Vaughan Stephen Stephen Vaughan Stephen

John Tomlinson as Boris in Opera North’s production of Boris Godunov.

John Tomlinson as Boris in Opera North’s production of Boris Godunov. 34 35 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 36

Coronation Scene (The Tsar’s procession comes out of the Cathedral of head in prayer. Raising his head sternly) Now let There he tunnell’d out a trench beneath the A square in Moscow Kremlin. Facing the audience, the Assumption. The Police Officers marshal the us kneel and pay our homage at the tombs of broad river bed. up-stage, the Great Staircase of the Imperial Palace. people into rows.) Russia’s monarchs. (majestically) And then our All the time the wicked Tartars felt as safe as Right, downstage, the crowd is kneeling in the space (Trumpeters take places facing the audience, in people all shall feast, yea, ev’ry man, from boyar before. between the Cathedral of the Assumption (right), front of the crowd.) Long live our sovereign! Tsar, down to serf; all shall we greet, all gladly shall we Little did they know that Tsar Ivan had in and the Cathedral of the Archangels, (left, distant). our guardian! Lift your voices, people! Now exult welcome! store; The porches of both cathedrals are visible. Solemn How they’d shout and roar! and rejoice, people! Faithful Christian people! (Boris, accompanied by Shuisky and Vorotinsky, peals of bells. Loud chimes on the stage. From the Let all hail our Tsar Boris and rejoice! comes down the steps. The boyars and Strelstsy (drinks) Great Staircase boyars in solemn procession start follow. The procession proceeds towards the towards the Cathedral of the Assumption; in front Boyars (from the Cathedral porch, to the crowd ) Now Ivan puts on his well-known frown. Cathedral of the Archangels.) are guards, Strelstsy, and boyar children; then comes All hail to thee, Tsar Boris Feodorovich! (They Head on shoulder, our Tsar is busy working out Shuisky, carrying the crown of Monomach on a come down the steps.) Crowd a plan. cushion. Behind him boyars, Shchelkalov carrying Crowd (bowing deeply to the boyars) Glory, glory, glory! Long live our sovereign, Tsar All at once he calls his gunner boys, the Imperial sceptre; then more Strelstsy, the chief All hail to thee! (Schelkalov and the boyars follow of Russia! (The people rush towards the Cathedral. And he bids them stand with fuse in hand, boyars, the secretaries etc. The procession passes the procession and form a semi-circle line extending The police maintain order.) Honour and glory to Stand with fuse in hand! among the crowd and enters the Cathedral of the from the Cathedral of the Archangels to the you our Father! As the sun shines supreme in its Now the fuses of candle-wax are set alight. Assumption. The Strelstsy stand in files on both Cathedral of the Assumption.) Over Russia Tsar glory! Over Russia Tsar Boris now reigns in One young gunner goes up and gives the casks a sides of the steps. Boris now reigns in glory! Praise him! glory, and long may he prosper! (Tumult. The push. police struggle with the crowd. Boris comes out of Shuisky (appearing in the porch of the Cathedral See the barrels full of powder start to roll and roll. (Boris appears in the Cathedral porch. Shuisky, the Cathedral of the Archangels and proceeds of the Assumption; to the crowd) Hoy! down the tunnel see them tumbling to behind the Tsar’s back, signals to the people to keep towards the Palace.) Glory, glory, glory! 1 Long life to our Tsar Boris Feodorovich! silence, and with Vorotinsky takes his place behind their goal, Boris. The chimes cease.) With a bang explode! (The crowd stands up.) Varlaam’s Song Boris (from the porch; his children, Feodor and Varlaam (bottle in hand ) (drinks) Crowd Xenia, are behind him.) 3 By the walls of Kazan the mighty fortress, Long live our sovereign, Tsar of Russia. How they howl, those wicked Tartars as they’re 2 Tsar Ivan made a celebrated conquest. My soul is sad. A secret terror haunts me; with blown on high! There the Tartars took a beating, (The chimes cease.) evil presentiments my heart is stifled. (in a mood How they shriek and yell with all their might! There began their long retreating. of exaltation) O Lord above, O Thou Almighty Tartar bodies strew the fortress far and wide. Shuisky (re-enters the Cathedral ) Russia was free once more! Father! From Heaven’s throne behold my Corpses numbered twenty hundred score, Hail Him! contrite tears, and with Thy blessing grant me (drinks) And three thousand more! Crowd holiness and strength, that they may guide me. Like the sun in the skies, supreme in its glory, (with humility) O make me just and merciful as Tsar Ivan advanced his army to the town of Such was the fate of Kazan the mighty fortress! Over Russia our Tsar Boris now reigns in glory! Thou; in glory let me rule my land… (Bows his Kazan; Yeh! 36 37 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 38

Apartments Scene mouth the width is seven versts. The distance chamber now and talk with your companions, daughter as a bride, my sweet Tsarevna, my The Imperial apartments in the Moscow Kremlin. that it covers is two thousand versts, and maybe and so forget this deep affliction. (He kisses her.) cherished angel. Like lightning, death has struck The sumptuous decorations of the Moscow Tsars. it’s even longer… Now go, my child! (watches her as she goes. the one she loved. Up-stage, on the audience’s left, a terrestrial globe Exeunt Xenia and Nurse. Boris goes to his son.) (lost in thought) How fearful is the wrath of God The Nurse (gets up) and a small table at which Feodor is studying an And you, my son, still working? (seeing the map) on high, how merciless a doom awaits the guilty! Stop this, Tsarevna, my dearest one! Weep no atlas. Right, mid-stage, a carved table at which What’s this I see? Eternal gloom and darkness surround me, O longer, your grief will kill you! Xenia is sitting. Near the table, on a stool, the Feodor could one ray of hope but cheer me! My heart is Xenia Nurse sits, sewing. Right, down-stage, an armchair. The map of great Moscovia, our dominion from sick with anguish, my spirit is torn and wracked I’m wretched, nanny dear, so wretched! end to end. (pointing) I’ll show you: here is with suff’ring. (in a whisper) A secret terror Xenia (at a little table, gazing at the picture of the haunts me; some dread consumes me… In Danish Prince, her betrothed. She kisses the picture, The Nurse Moscow, here’s Novgorod, and here’s Kazan, Come now! Think no more of him! Maiden’s Astrakhan, the Caspian, yes, the Caspian, and contrite prayer I implore saints and angels to weeps and laments.) bring me release from all my torment. Though 4 tears are dew upon the grass; once the sun shines here’s the endless forest-land of Perm, and here’s Ah, my dear betrothed, sweet prince, my well- seated in royal splendour, Tsar of Russia, I kneel beloved, you left me for ever, you forsook your it soon is dry again! There’s all the world to Siberia. choose from! We’ll find another prince, such a before them, and in tears appeal for consolation. bride to be, and you lie forsaken in your cold Boris handsome one, such a wonderful one. You’ll But God condemns and sends rebellion, plots grave, in your cold grave so far away. How well explained, my son! As from on high soon forget Ivan and live in happiness. and intrigues, conspiracies in Poland. Death, Feodor (studying a map) with all before you you’re able to survey our disease, and villainy surround me; pestilence and Volga, its affluent, Oka… Kliazma, (here is Xenia kingdom: its frontiers, rivers, cities. Work hard, famine have ravaged my kingdom. Vladimir on Kliazma), and here’s Kama, Oh! no, no, nanny dear! I’ll be true to him even Feodor! A time will come (who knows, it may be Impoverished, destitute, Russia groans. And all Sheksna, Mologa, affluents of the Volga. Now though he’s dead. Where are you my beloved? soon) when you, you shall inherit this realm of who suffer this vengeance of heaven believe in the towns: Tver, Yaroslavl, Uglich, Kostroma, My sweetheart hear me calling… Where are you ours… Work hard, my son! (Feodor goes up-stage their hearts I am guilty. They lay the blame on Nizhny. Here is Astrakhan. Here’s the Volga’s Ivanushka, where? and resumes his work. Boris sits at the table and me for their sorrows, the name of Tsar Boris estuary. Goodness, how broad it all is! What a Boris ponders, examining the rolls of paper and rouses their hatred. And even sleep has fled for lot of islands! My Xenia, don’t weep beloved child, though left parchments.) now every nighttime a child appears, his face 5 before your wedding as a widow, your weeping I stand supreme in power. Five years and more congealed with blood. Sobbing in anguish, Xenia (overcome by grief ) and distress are all in vain. my reign has been unchallenged. clenching his fists, he begs me for mercy, (dully) Where are you my beloved, have you left me And yet I grieve, within my sad, tormented soul! but mercy was denied him! Freshly his wound is alone for ever? To mourn in sadness, to pine in Xenia In vain the wise astrologers foretell long life and gaping, loudly he cries as death enshrouds anguish, for your sake my darling Ivan, you my O my good lord, don’t let these foolish tears of years of glory free from turmoil. him… (He rises abruptly and sinks down again prince of princes, my joy, my heart’s desire. mine distress you. A maiden’s grief is surely but a Nor life, nor power, nor transient lure of glory, heavily.) O God above, pity me! (Enter the Boyar (weeps) trifle compared with your great burden. nor praise from the crowds can cheer my aching in attendance, who makes a deep obeisance with Feodor (drawing) Boris (caresses Xenia) heart. My children might have brought me arms extended.) Caspian sea here, Volga’s estuary. Right at the My Xenia, beloved daughter! Go to your consolation. I planned a feast to greet my 6 What is it? Where’s your tongue? Speak! 38 39 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 40

Boyar would cheerfully have burnt you at the stake for by all throughout your realm, and every subject Shuisky Most mighty lord and Tsar, outside Prince less! Yes, and stretching out his royal sceptre, is devoted to your throne, But though it pains Have mercy, most mighty lord and Tsar! Vassily Shuisky craves audience. have fanned the leaping flames, stirred the me, mighty Tsar, to voice my thoughts, although Boris glowing embers, and sung in thanks a holy it rends my loyal heart to have to say it, yet am I Boris Listen, prince! (blundering) Twelve years ago anthem… But we are kinder, and suffer patiently bound in truth to tell you (Boris stands still.) that Shuisky? All right! Go say we’re glad to see his when that atrocious crime was ordered… your arrogance and treason… if this wretch who now proclaims himself against highness and wait to hear his tidings. (correcting himself ) when that poor child, the you (Feodor listens in awe to Shuisky’s speech.) Shuisky (angrily) royal Prince, met his death, his body lay Boyar (rises and whispers in the Tsar’s ear) should raise a force and cross into our land, the Tsar! unburied in the square, befouled with blood Last night one of Pushkin’s serfs informed people may well rally to his name: Dimitri, the stains, striking pity and wrath in the hearts of against him, and testified that Shuisky and his Boris (derisively) Tsarevich killed at Uglich! master, with other noblemen, sat in secret Yes? What is it, worthy Prince? those who’d witness’d it in Uglich and rousing Boris (jumping up) them to vengeance… Was he who died… that conversation half the night; at dawn a messenger Shuisky (submissively) Dimitri… (to his son) Tsarevich, wait outside! from Krakov brought them news… infant not… Dimitri? Tsar! (coming close to Boris) I bring… tidings, Feodor Boris (angrily) and most important ones relating to your Shuisky O, my good lord, consent that I may stay beside Yes! Arrest the man! (Shuisky enters.) Aha, Prince throne… you, that I may know the danger that is Shuisky! Boris threat’ning Russia’s throne. Boris Shuisky Which only yesterday, a secret messenger Vassily Ivanich! By God and by the Cross I now Boris (paces the room in deep perturbation) beseech you: be frank with me! Come, let me Most mighty Lord and Tsar, my homage! conveyed to you at Pushkin’s from your No, no!... you cannot stay! (angrily) Tsarevich! accomplices, the traitorous boyars? know the truth; you know me, I’m merciful. Boris (with a start) Tsarevich! Be obedient! (Exit Feodor. Boris follows Your many lies, your former acts of treason, I Ah, the demagogue himself, the worthy one to Shuisky (boldly) Feodor, behind whom he carefully closes the door, can forgive. But if you try deceit, I swear to you, lead the brainless rabble, the spokesman of my Yes, mighty Tsar! From Poland comes news of a then goes briskly towards Shuisky.) Take measures I’ll order such a fearful death, yes, such a death sly, seditious boyars, wiliest of traitors to your pretender. The king, the lords, and Pope support straightaway, so that the frontier between Poland that Tsar Ivan the Terrible will shudder in his Tsar! Brazen liar, thrice foresworn and ever lying, his claim! is garrisoned, so that not a living soul may cross coffin!… Now answer me! to violate this land… Now go! (suddenly hypocrite and knave, adulator, you Judas, you Boris (anxiously) detaining him) No… remain,… remain Shuisky! Shuisky rogue disguised as boyar, impostor, snake! Say what name it is with which he dares to Whoever heard at any time, of buried children You don’t believe me, Tsar. You treat me with Shuisky march against me. (rising) Come, say what name who rise up from their coffins to march against mistrust and, doubting still my loyalty, you Under Tsar Ivan, (may God Almighty grant him this wretch usurps… What name?… the Tsar, the Tsar anointed, elected by the people threaten punishment and torture. I fear no mercy!) Prince Vassily Shuisky was esteemed Shuisky (insinuatingly) and crowned in the cathedral by the Patriarch… death, but only your displeasure! (He draws near according to his lineage. Believe me Tsar, your throne is free from danger. (laughing wildly, and grasping Shuisky by the to Boris and speaks in a low tone, observing him. Boris (Boris paces the room restlessly.) Your charity, your collar) Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha… What? You frown? There is twilight on stage.) In the church at What? Why, Tsar Ivan Vassilich the Terrible kindness and your mercy have made you loved Why aren’t you laughing, eh? Uglich, before the people, five days and more, I 40 41 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 42

viewed the body of the child. And by his side it comes to me… I hear it groaning… Go… Mitiukha Ivanushka arise, pray to God Almighty. were thirteen other corpses, disfigured terribly, Go… (as if driving away a ghost) Not I... the But they sang for the Tsarevich: ‘May his soul Pray to Christ in heaven: Christ our Saviour. their clothing fouled with bloodstains, and their others were to blame... Go, leave me, child! Not rest in heaven.’ Send us sunlight, send us moonlight, flesh already showing traces of corruption. But I… not I… it was the people! Leave me, Send us sunlight… moonlight… Men all the while the royal child looked peaceful, child!… Ugh! (In terror he hides his face in his Really? It’s all a bit confusing. Is he living then? Urchins pure and radiant. Glistening hideously, the hands and falls to his knees by the chair.) God Why of course he is, you idiots! Dimitri’s alive Greetings, greetings good simpleton Ivanich! wound was gaping. Yet on his lips, so chaste and above, who desireth not a sinner’s death, have all right! You’ll soon find out he is! Boris will live Rise and salute us, show how deeply you can so guiltless, (Boris mops his face and returns to his mercy on me, on the soul of guilty Tsar Boris! to know it! For they say his army’s not far off. bow, then take off your hat. What a heavy hat! seat.) I saw how wond’rously he smiled still; it He comes to claim his rightful throne. He’ll (They tap his metal hat.) Ting, ting, ting. Make it seemed as if he lay there in his cradle sound St Basil scene quickly put to flight the troops of Tsar Boris. ring! asleep. His arms were folded and in one hand he A square in front of the Cathedral of St Basil the And soon we shall see him upon his ancestors’ grasped a childish toy of his… Blessed in Moscow. A crowd of poor people roving. Simpleton throne, the Tsar whom we long for. He’ll save us Women are seated up-stage, sideways, in the I found a shiny kopek today. all. To death with traitors, and to death with Boris (hoarsely) direction of the side door of the Cathedral. Police Tsar Boris! Urchins Enough, Prince!… Ah! (Boris grips the arms of his officers appear now and then among the people. Nonsense! If you’ve got one let us see! chair and waves Shuisky away. Exit Shuisky, Enter, headed by Mitiukha, a group of men, Old Men watching Boris, who drops back into his seat.) coming out of the Cathedral. Quiet, quiet, are you crazy? You’ll only end up Simpleton (looks for his kopek) 7 Ugh! Give me air! I suffocate in here… I felt as Men swinging on the gallows. (showing it) Look! if the blood had rushed into my brain and slowly 8 What, has the service finished? Yes! and he was (They scratch their heads, look round, and start Urchins then subsided. Oh, cruel conscience, how cursed once again. Who is he though? That again pacing the stage.) Whisht! (They snatch the coin from him and run savagely you punish. (The stage is in darkness: the Grishka boy, Grishka Otrepiev. Fancy! away towards the women.) clock starts working. Dully) Now I know if you Urchins (behind the scenes) Mitiukha are stained, then nothing can preserve you from Trrr, trrr, trrr, trrr! Your hat’s made of tin! La, la, Simpleton (weeping) Out among them comes the deacon, that great damnation; your soul will burn, your heart is la, Trrr! Ah, ah! Ah! Ivanushka’s new kopek has gone! Ah, big one, that fat one, and he shouted: ‘Grishka filled with poison, it throbs and throbs within ah! Come and give it back to him! Ah, ah! (Enter the Simpleton, in fetters, and after him the you, (dully) and hammer-strokes ring in your Otrepiev, anathema!’ urchins. Some of the people drive away the urchins, ears with curses and revilement… You’re choked Men (From the Cathedral the Imperial retinue comes who scatter. The Simpleton sits on a stone, starts by something… stifled… you feel your head is That’s nonsense! You’re just joking! Or else out. Boyars distribute alms.) mending his footwear, and sings, swinging his body. splitting… and then… in blood… the murdered you’ve lost your senses. It’s true we tell you! People (Women and children on the Cathedral After a time the Urchins start creeping around child appears!… (The clock strikes eight. A pale That’s exactly what he said: ‘Grishka Otrepiev, steps, men on the stage.) him.) ray of moonlight illuminates the dial and the he declared, anathema!’ Ha ha ha, well, let him. 9 Merciful, gracious Tsar give alms for Our Lord’s moving figures.) There… just there!… What is If Grishka now is cursed; what’s that to our Simpleton sake; kind father, give us alms for Our Lord’s it?… See, it moves!… It’s quivering… it grows… Tsarevich! Can he be Grishka? It’s certain. Moonlight’s shining, the kitten’s whining; sake. (Boris appears, followed by Shuisky and 42 43 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 44

boyars.) Look, there’s the Tsar. (kneeling) Tsar, Simpleton Shuisky (startled ) Boris gracious Tsar, give alms for Our Lord’s sake! No, Boris, I can’t, I can’t Boris! I must not pray Oh! really, your lordships! May God forgive you! Go, go! Merciful Tsar, give alms and bread to your for a Tsar Herod. The blessed Virgin won’t allow How could I, Prince Vassil Ivanich Shuisky, Shuisky children who starve, for Our Lord’s sake! it. (He looks round, perplexed, and sits on the stone whose only care is that for Russia’s welfare, be …leave me child!’ and resumes his mending.) thought of as a traitor to my country? It’s (The women and children follow Boris down- Tears are flowing, tears of blood flowing; calumny to say so, and slanderous! (aside) And Shchelkalov (seeing Boris) stage.) Weep, weep O soul, soul of poor Russia. for that they hate me! (coming closer to the boyars) Silence! Look… the Tsar! People Soon the foe will come and the darkness nears. Why, even now, in token of the love I bear you, Boyars Mighty Tsar, give us alms for Our Lord’s sake! Shadows hide the light; dark as darkest night. I come to bring you news. (All the boyars God above! (They step back, watching Boris.) Most mighty Tsar, have pity! (kneeling) Feed us! Sorrow, sorrow on earth; surround him.) Last night when I had left the Feed us! We are starving! Feed us! Feed us! Pity Weep, weep, Russian folk, poor starving folk. royal presence, concerned, and saddened at Boris your children; give us bread, for Our Lord’s sake! (He looks round and reverts to his mending.) seeing how distress’d the Tsar was, I found a door Leave me, child! (They bow to the ground.) half open, I look’d in. O what I saw I scarce can Boyars Death Scene tell you! Haggard, all bathed in sweat and racked O God above, Lord of mercy, protect us! Simpleton Boyars (aside, in a low voice) with terror, his body trembling, he mutter’d as if Ah, ah! (catching sight of Boris) Boris! hey Boris! Boris (coming near the footlights) 10 Sad, Shuisky is not with us. Though he’s a mad some incoherent words and noises. Rolling Go… go! Who says the child was murdered? They’ve taken my new kopek away! Ah, ah! schemer. We cannot ratify our verdict in his his eyes bright with frenzy, as if some secret It can’t be true! He lives, I tell you… But Boris (stopping in front of him) absence. torment possessed him, our sovereign lord, the Shuisky has proclaimed this evil slander, so he What makes him cry so? Tsar was weeping. Then turning pale, and Shuisky (bowing) shall hang! staring t’wards a corner, he uttered a fearful cry Simpleton Forgive me, noble boyars. The boys have stolen and run off with it. of anguish; Shuisky (appalled, and as if asking a blessing on Command that they be murdered, just as you Boyars (aside) Boyars Boris) murdered Dimitri, the young Tsarevich. Well, talk of the devil. Lies! Lies, Prince! May the Lord have mercy on your soul! Shuisky Shuisky Shuisky Boris (listens) Keep quiet, you fool! Seize hold of him at once! I fear I’ve kept you somewhat, but could not Recoiling from the ghost of the Tsarevich… Ah? (recovering his composure) I summoned you, come a single moment sooner… Affairs of my boyars. (He goes towards the throne.) I need (A commanding gesture from Boris stops him.) Boyars (appalled ) weight and urgency detained my coming. What!... the wisdom of your counsel. (He sits down.) In Boris times of woe and bitter tribulation, ’tis you, my Boyars Shuisky Don’t touch him! You holy man, pray for me. boyars, who can guide me. Fie, shame on you Vassil Ivanich; how can you …begged it begone and helplessly repeated: (Exit Boris. The Simpleton springs up. The people, deal in treacherous disloyalty at your age! The ‘Go… (enter Boris, as if trying to drive away a Shuisky (comes forward and makes a deep appalled, scatter, still watching the Tsar and his people of our land rebel. You claim Dimitri is ghost; in deep perturbation, he staggers down obeisance) suite.) alive… stage.)… leave me child… Most mighty lord and Tsar, permit your most 44 45 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 46

unworthy slave and councillor to beg a favour of incantations, in vain he bathed his eyes in hope Boris (coming to) heart) Protect your gentle sister, guard her well, you… Here, awaiting at the door, Pimen the of sight with waters brought from holy My son must come at once! Oh! death is near: my son; she has but you to give her help and hermit humbly craves permission to gain fountains… all vainly! And thus he grew so used shroud me! guidance, dearest Xenia, our cherished angel. admittance to your majesty. He’s virtuous and to dark, that in his dreams at night the sights he (very solemnly, in rapt prayer, his voice gradually (The boyars sit Boris in a chair. Shuisky rushes out holy, all know him and revere him; he wishes to once had known appear’d no longer: his weakening) God above! God above, behold I to fetch the Tsarevich; others to fetch the Patriarch disclose some great secret to you. dreaming was but hearing… Once, while deep pray, a sinful father’s humble tears! I pray not at the Chudov Monastery. Only five of them in sleep a voice spoke… yes, a child’s voice call’d selfishly, not for myself, O Father!… (placing Boris remain around Boris. Feodor rushes in and falls out to him, how clearly it call’d: (Boris shudders, both hands on Feodor’s head) Saviour, Lord of So be it; go summon him. Perhaps his message into the arms of Boris.) will bring me consolation and calm the suff’ring listens in deep perturbation, and grows more and mercy, from on high send down Thy saving of my weary tortured soul!… more restless.) ‘Rise, grandfather, rise and go to Boris (clasping his son) grace and love on those innocents, my children, Uglich town and visit there the great cathedral. Now leave us here, let all withdraw! (Exeunt all ) young and helpless… Angels and Cherubim! You (Shuisky re-enters, followed by Pimen. Pimen (Boris rises in his seat and mops his brow.) Kneel 12 Farewell, my son. I am dying… This day you’ll who guard o’er the Deity… (clasping his son as if appears, observes the assembly, remains standing at down and pray beside my little tombstone; for, reign here in my place. Don’t ask of me by what to protect him) I beg you, spread your wings to the door, watches Boris closely and then goes grandfather, I am Dimitri, Tsarevich. The Lord dark path I came to Russia’s throne… that’s shield my children, protect my son and daughter towards him.) has chosen me to dwell among his angels and past… you need not know. (solemnly) You’ll from harm and sin and from temptation… Pimen henceforth to work great miracles for Russia’… reign henceforth as lawful ruler, you are my first- (draws him close to his breast and kisses him. 11 A humble hermit, who has no thoughts for (Boris sinks back into his seat.) He roused born, my son, and true successor. Feodor! my Behind the scenes, long-sustained bell strokes and secular concerns, is bold enough to crave a himself... and pondered, then he called his well-belov’d Tsarevich! Our kingdom is in death knell ) Hark! ’tis the knell of death!… hearing... grandson and started on the journey. No sooner danger; see that you defend it. Beware! Fear the Choir of Monks (behind the scenes) had he knelt beside the tombstone, (Boris, in pretender! The name he took strikes terror in my Weep ye, weep ye, sons of men, for his course is Boris (perturbed) deepest agitation, listens intently.) than he was heart. You must contend with treach’rous Speak freely, holy man, all are waiting… tell run, his eyes are forever closed, and his lips are heal’d of blindness, his eyes were filled with tears, subjects, rebellious armies... famine, plague… silent. Weep ye, Alleluia! your story. with silent, freely flowing tears, for all was clear (clutching his heart) Listen, Feodor! Put no trust Pimen now: he saw the light, his grandson and the in the cunning advice of boyars; keep careful Boris My story will be short and simple and tells the grave… watch upon their secret intrigues with Lithuania; The fun’ral dirge! Clothe me… a robe of sack- condemn hateful treason severely, be merciless cloth… as monk I meet my end… wond’rous tidings of Heaven’s providence and Boris (With a loud shriek he carries his hand to his and strong; study the thoughts of your people, mercy... One evening, when all was still, there heart. The boyars rush to his assistance. Exit Pimen Feodor use their simple wisdom. Be the guardian and came to me a shepherd, already old and wizen’d, quickly.) O my lord, take comfort for God will help us… prop of Russia’s holy faith; hold in awe God’s who told me of a wond’rous revelation. From Ah! Help me! Help me! I stifle! Ah! (He falls blessed saints and his angels. (warmly) Keep your Boris early childhood, he told me, he’d been blind, swooning, held in their arms.) and since that time, had not known light from conscience pure and innocent, Feodor; the No, no, Feodor: death’s knell has struck… darkness, both seem’d alike. No remedy could (The boyars talk in whispers. A few rush out for strength it gives you will guide you and carry Choir of Monks (drawing nearer) cure him; in vain he tried all herbs and help. General confusion) you onward to salvation. (carries his hand to his I see a little child who breathes his last, I stand 46 47 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 48

weeping, I mourn, he struggles, he writhes and seat.) Your Tsar commands… Mercy! Death! sobs, in vain imploring, praying: but there is no (spoken very weakly) Forgive me, Lord! (to the salvation… boyars, pointing to his son) There, there’s your Tsar, Tsar… Forgive me… (in a whisper) forgive me…

Boris (in deep agitation) Vaughan Stephen Mercy! Mercy! Mercy, Lord! with prayer I’ll (Boris collapses and dies. Deep silence. The boyars expiate my sin! O cruel death, your agony stand as if stunned, heads down, hands crossed, torments me! (The boyars and choir of monks enter struck motionless during the Tsar’s last words.) by the main door.) Await my orders… your Tsar Boyars (in a whisper) commands (Clutching his breast he falls into his He’s dead.

© Oxford University Press 1968 Reproduced by permission

John Tomlinson as Boris and Mark Curtis as the Simpleton in Opera North’s production of Boris Godunov. 48 49 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 50 Mark Ellidge Mark

John Tomlinson Stuart Kale Clive Bayley Joan Rodgers

50 51 CHAN 3007 BOOK.qxd 15/10/07 10:17 am Page 52 Sue Adler Sue Clive Barda Clive

Susan Parry Yvonne Howard Mark Curtis Matthew Best

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Opera in English on Chandos Opera in English on Chandos

CHAN 3004 CHAN 7023/4

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Opera in English on Chandos Opera in English on Chandos

CHAN 3000(2) CHAN 3006

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Producer Brian Couzens Sound engineer Ralph Couzens Assistant engineers Richard Smoker & Ben Connellan Editor Jonathan Cooper Recording venue Leeds Town Hall; 8–10 June 1997 Front cover John Tomlinson in Opera North’s production of Boris Godunov. Photo by Stephen Vaughan Back cover Photo of Paul Daniel by Clive Barda Paul Daniel Design D.M. Cassidy Booklet typeset by Dave Partridge Booklet editor Kara Lyttle Copyright OUP P 1998 Chandos Records Ltd C 1998 Chandos Records Ltd Chandos Records Ltd, Colchester, Essex, England Printed in the EU

58 CHAN 3007 Inlay.qxd 15/10/07 10:23 am Page 1 MUSSORGSKY: BORIS GODUNOV HIGHLIGHTS - Soloists/Opera North/Daniel GODUNOV HIGHLIGHTS - Soloists/Opera MUSSORGSKY: BORIS MUSSORGSKY: BORIS GODUNOV HIGHLIGHTS - Soloists/Opera North/Daniel GODUNOV HIGHLIGHTS - Soloists/Opera MUSSORGSKY: BORIS bit CHANDOS DIGITAL CHAN 3007 20

Modest Mussorgsky (1839–1881) Highlights Boris Godunov (based on the initial version of 1869) Libretto by the composer, based on Pushkin’s historical tragedy of the same name and Karamzin’s History of the Russian State English translation by David Lloyd-Jones Prince Shuisky...... Stuart Kale tenor Boris, Tsar of Russia ...... John Tomlinson bass 1 - 2 Coronation Scene 8:04 Varlaam, a vagabond monk ...... Clive Bayley bass Xenia, Boris’s daughter ...... Joan Rodgers soprano 3 Feodor, Tsarevich ...... Susan Parry mezzo-soprano Varlaam’s Song 2:30 The old Nurse...... Yvonne Howard mezzo-soprano 4 - 7 Simpleton ...... Mark Curtis tenor Apartments Scene 27:59 Pimen, monk and chronicler ...... Matthew Best bass Boyar ...... Brian Cookson tenor 8 - 9 St Basil Scene 11:16 Mitiukha ...... Edward Thornton baritone Shchelkalov ...... Stephen Dawson baritone 10 - 12 Death Scene 24:20 TT 74:43 Chorus of Opera North Martin Fitzpatrick chorus master Choristers of Leeds Parish Church Simon Lindley chorus master English Northern Philharmonia David Greed leader HN3007 CHAN HN3007 CHAN CHANDOS CHANDOS Paul Daniel DDD

CHANDOS RECORDS LTD. p 1998 Chandos Records Ltd. c 1998 Chandos Records Ltd. Colchester . Essex . England Printed in the EU