Modest Musogskis opera follows Boris Godunov‘s rise to power, his troubled reign, and the personal and political consequences of his actions. First unwilling to accept his position as tsar of the Russian empire, Boris develops a thirst for power, that slowly leads him to madness. His guilt over the mysterious death of a rival heir and the ensuing chaos and unrest that threatens his rule lead him to his unevitable end.
Inspired by Alexander Pushkins novel, Musorgksi wrote one of the most powerful operas, with its grand choir scenes and perhaps one of the most famous leading roles for bass. After Finnish legends such as Marti Talvela and Matti Salminen, it is now Mika Kares‘ turn to shine.
Nicola Raabs production sees tsar Boris in the proverbial glass cage – high above his people without being able to connect to their lives. The dramatic intensity, with the use of Russian folk elements enhance the music’s emotional drive. With a musical breadth ranging from simple children’s songs to exhilarating passion, from musical jokes to fervent prayers and a uncompared progression from the demonic to heavenly, Musorgski always finds a way to let the audience into the complex emotional realm of Tsar Boris.
With Mika Kares debuting in without a doubt one of the most important roles in the artistic life of a bass, Boris Godunow will be nothing but grand.
