Boris Godunov

By Modest Mussorgsky (1869 version)
San Francisco Opera, USA

Conductor: Vassily Sinaisky

Sets: Goran Wassberg
Costumes: Kari Gravklev
Movement: Duane Schuler

Cast: Samuel Ramey, Vladimir Ognovenko, Vitaly Kovaliow, John Uhlenhopp, Andrew Bidlack

“The performance thrives on a spirit of unadorned ferocity. It is not always easy going. Even under the best of circumstances, “Boris” is a challenge to follow just on a narrative level – the printed synopsis is a necessary lifeline – and the use of Mussorgsky’s first approach to the subject tends to further hone its sharp edges. But the rewards are great…” (San Francisco Chronicle)

Photos: Terrence McCarthy