Metropolitan Opera Archives

Orchestration by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Translation by M.Delines, E. Palermi, G. Pardo
Synopsis of Scenes
Act I, Scene 1: The wall of Novodievitchi Convent, in the Great Environs of Moscow
Act I, Scene 2: A cell in the Convent of Miracles
Act I, Scene 3: The square between the two Cathedrals of the Assumption and of the Archangels
Act II, Scene 1: An inn on the frontier of Lithuania
Act II, Scene 2: Apartments of the Czar in the Kremlin at Moscow
Act II, Scene 3: Garden of the Castle of Michek
Act III, Scene 1: The forest of Kromy
Act III, Scene 2: Hall of the Duma in the Kremlin
Chaliapin always sang Boris in Russian.

Review 1:

Review in the New York Herald

Chaliapin Sings Impressively as the Tragic 'Boris'

Dominates With Forceful Portrayal as in Earlier Performances

Moussorgsky's somber opera "Boris Godunov," with Feodor Chaliapin in the title role, packed the Metropolitan Opera House last evening for the third time this season. As in previous performances Mr. Chaliapin dominated the stage with his forceful, convincing portrayal of the ghost-haunted, remorseful usurper. Again, the sheer force of his dramatic methods brushed aside melodic lines and altered rhythm to suit his mood. His speech to the assembled people in the first act was rendered in noble, fluent legato.

Mr. Chaliapin's associates have not changed since the second performance except in one instance, Miss Flora Perini appears as Marina, Edward Johnson as Dimitri, Leon Rothier as Brother Pimen, but Giordano Paltrinieri replaced Mr. Bada as Schuisky. Miss Dalossy as the modest daughter and Miss Kathleen Howard as the nurse completed the family circle. Mr. Papi conducted capably and Giulio Setti was responsible for excellent work by the chorus.

Search by season: 1922-23

Search by title: Boris Godunov,

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