Boris Godunov

Includes the original Russian text and, for the first time, an English translation of that version. “Antony Wood’s translation is fluent and idiomatic; analyses by Dunning et al. are incisive; and the ‘case’ they make is skillfully argued. . . . Highly recommended.”—Choice

Caryl Emerson and Robert Oldani take a comprehensive look at the most famous Russian opera, Modest Musorgsky's Boris Godunov.

English National Opera Guides are ideal companions to the opera. They provide stimulating introductory articles together with the complete text of each opera in English and the original. This famous opera has had a checkered 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 for40 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."

A comprehensive opera-guide, featuring Principal Characters in the Opera, Brief Story Synopsis, Story Narrative with Music Highlight Examples, and Burton D. Fisher's insightful and in depth Commentary and Analysis.

An epic drama set in the early seventeenth century as Russia descends into civil war. "Howard Colyer's extremely effective and pared-down style constantly adds energy to this adaptation of Pushkin's greatest play even as it cuts." Jon Wainwright, The Public Reviews.

Caryl Emerson and Robert Oldani take a comprehensive look at the most famous Russian opera, Modest Musorgsky's Boris Godunov.

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 "e;Boris problem"e;: 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

"Boris Godunov" is a play that follows the rule of Tsar Boris Godunov, comprising 25 short scenes. It is an action-packed play, with political intrigues, mysterious deaths, romance, treachery, and murder cover every step. In a way, Pushkin modelled "Boris Godunov" on Shakespeare’s "Henry IV", portraying in great and realistic detail the Russian aristocracy and tsardom at the time. A vengeful play, well-written, and historically accurate, it is recommended reading for all fans of Pushkin and Russian literature. The play was made into an opera by Modest Mussorgsky. Deservedly labelled "the best Russian poet", Pushkin’s short life (1799-1837) did not prevent him from ushering Russian literature into its modern era. A master of the vernacular language and multifarious and vivid writing style, Pushkin’s oeuvre was of great influence to a whole legion of Russian writers and literary styles. Among his best-known works are the narrative poems "Ruslan and Ludmila" and "Eugene Onegin", the drama "Boris Godunov", several novels, short stories, and fairy tales.