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SPINE OF OUTER CARDBOARD CASE SHOWS MINOR WEAR FROM LONG LIFE ON ATTIC SHELF -- DISCS, LIBRETTO, & JEWEL CASE ARE IN MINT CONDITION.
PRINCE IGOR, OPERA BY ALEXANDER BORODIN3 CD BOXED SETKIROV OPERA AND ORCHESTRA / MARIINSKY THEATRE, ST. PETERSBURGCONDUCTED BY VALERY GERGIEVKIT / GORCHADOVA/ GRIGOIAN / BORODINA et al.
Borodin was a dilettante in the very best sense of the word; he wrote this sprawling, complicated opera with its incredible melodic splendors in his spare time. Unfortunately, he never quite decided where he was going with it, and various other composers have tried assorted fixes to make it work dramatically. This version has a splendid cast singing an uncredited ("at the initiative of Artistic Director Valery Gergiev") cut-and-paste score-- with a handy three-page guide to who wrote or orchestrated what--that is missing some familiar moments but makes more dramatic sense. It's also resplendently sung by some of the finest voices from the glory days of the Kirov (right after the fall of Communism, just before the singers discovered Western contracts and pay scales), including Galina Gorchakova at her best, and it's tautly conducted by Gergiev.
Nicely directed by Valery Gergiev, that performing edition is completed by a very interesting booklet including lyrics in russian and in front english texts. Easy to follow and we are in the heart of action. I think it's necessary to listen that opera in original language. Borodin gives us a very joyfull present through a so romantic and powerful music. Very good choirs, a real "russian" orchestra, very good soloists. A reference version.
Outstanding performance. Gergiev has a great feel for the composer and music. Anyone who loves late Romantic Russian music will enjoy this.
Excellent sonics, as always with Philips.
