Boris Godunov review – a harrowing portrayal of the tsar's descent into madness.
The opera opens with a brutal scene: a figure with a doll-like head is seized and slain by hooded men. It sets the tone for Richard Jones' production, which is a relentless study of power and its destructive nature. The dark atmosphere is dominated by Mussorgsky's score, characterized by low voices and dense, heavy orchestration.
Conductor Mark Wigglesworth masterfully maintains the pace, contrasting the most overblown passages with finely blended high woodwind sections, creating a musical chiaroscuro that underscores the drama. Pacing is crucial in this opera, as it pushes inexorably towards crisis.
The production takes place in a single set: a cavernous charcoal-grey box with a bright yellow chamber above, where the chorus breaks out into movement and the Boyars perform their rituals. Bryn Terfel, in the title role, delivers a wild-eyed performance that is both captivating and terrifying, barking at times as he navigates the complexities of power.
Terfel's voice remains supple and rich, but his portrayal of Boris Godunov is multifaceted – troubled, human, and ultimately heartbreaking. In a supporting cast filled with impressive performances from Palka, Kymach, Berry-Roe, Roslavets, McCorkle, and Bickley, Terfel stands out as the standout.
Overall, this production of Boris Godunov is a harrowing portrayal of power's destructive nature, and Bryn Terfel's performance is both captivating and unforgettable.
The opera opens with a brutal scene: a figure with a doll-like head is seized and slain by hooded men. It sets the tone for Richard Jones' production, which is a relentless study of power and its destructive nature. The dark atmosphere is dominated by Mussorgsky's score, characterized by low voices and dense, heavy orchestration.
Conductor Mark Wigglesworth masterfully maintains the pace, contrasting the most overblown passages with finely blended high woodwind sections, creating a musical chiaroscuro that underscores the drama. Pacing is crucial in this opera, as it pushes inexorably towards crisis.
The production takes place in a single set: a cavernous charcoal-grey box with a bright yellow chamber above, where the chorus breaks out into movement and the Boyars perform their rituals. Bryn Terfel, in the title role, delivers a wild-eyed performance that is both captivating and terrifying, barking at times as he navigates the complexities of power.
Terfel's voice remains supple and rich, but his portrayal of Boris Godunov is multifaceted – troubled, human, and ultimately heartbreaking. In a supporting cast filled with impressive performances from Palka, Kymach, Berry-Roe, Roslavets, McCorkle, and Bickley, Terfel stands out as the standout.
Overall, this production of Boris Godunov is a harrowing portrayal of power's destructive nature, and Bryn Terfel's performance is both captivating and unforgettable.
The atmosphere is so dark and intense, it feels like you're watching a psychological thriller instead of an opera 
Mussorgsky's score is insane, the way Mark Wigglesworth conducts it, it just pulls you in and doesn't let go 
I loved Bryn Terfel's performance, he's just so committed to this character, you can feel his pain and desperation 
And that set design? Wow, I've never seen anything like it, the way they used light and shadow to create this sense of unease... it was chilling 
. The set design looks kinda creepy too, all grey and boxy... like something out of a Soviet-era horror movie. But hey, at least they're tackling some heavy themes, right? Power corrupts, and all that jazz 
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the supporting cast was also super talented, especially palka & berry-roe 
what did u think of the opera? 