Boris Godunov
“Boris Godunov” by Modest Mussorgsky, published by Overture Publishing in 2011, is a significant work that explores the complexities of the opera’s interpretation. This edition, comprising 112 pages, presents insights from various scholars, including Professor Laurel E. Fay, who discusses the opera’s performance history and the impact of different editions. The text delves into the unique Russian character of the opera, as highlighted by Alex de Jonge, and examines the historical context surrounding Pushkin’s play, which had been banned for decades.
Readers will find a collection of essays that analyze the drama and music of “Boris Godunov,” addressing themes such as the role of the Russian people as the protagonist and the contrasting interpretations by Rimsky-Korsakov and Mussorgsky. The edition also includes a transliterated Russian libretto and an English translation by David Lloyd-Jones, providing a comprehensive view of this important work in the realm of opera and classical music. This scholarly approach makes it a valuable resource for those interested in music, opera, and the historical significance of Mussorgsky’s composition.
Official synopsis Publisher
This famous work has had a chequered performance history, and Professor Laurel E. Fay points out that the interpretation of the opera depends on which edition is used. Robert Oldani introduces the “Boris problem”: Pushkin’s play was not an obvious choice for a young composer, since it had been banned for forty years, and it is the Russian people, rather than any single character, who is the protagonist. Alex de Jonge examines its uniquely Russian character and notes the unsettling parallels of the history of old Russia with today. Nigel Osborne’s comparison of the Rimsky-Korsakov and Mussorgsky versions highlights their individual qualities.
Contents: Looking into ‘Boris Godunov’, Robert W. Oldani; A Historical Introduction, Nicholas John; The Drama and Music of ‘Boris’, Laurel E. Fay; Around ‘Boris Godunov’, Alex de Jonge; Boris: prince or peasant?, Nigel Osborne; Boris Godunov: Russian libretto (transliterated), Modest Mussorgsky; Boris Godunov: English translation by David Lloyd-Jones
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