Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov

Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov from the Royal Ballet and Opera.

Boris Godunov has been crowned Tsar of Russia in a glittering coronation, but his path to power wasn't straightforward. Years ago he ordered the murder of Dmitry, a young heir to the throne, and that decision has haunted him ever since. And his position isn't secure - a young man the same age as Dmitry sees an opportunity to oust Boris and become Tsar himself.

Mussorgsky's original version of the opera takes the form of seven tautly constructed scenes, including his fabulous Coronation Scene. Bryn Terfel returns to the role of the troubled Tsar, and Mark Wigglesworth conducts.

Recorded last month at the Royal Ballet and Opera, and presented by Martin Handley.

Mussorgsky: Boris Godunov (original version)

Boris Godunov ..... Bryn Terfel (bass baritone)
Pimen ..... Adam Palka (bass)
Andrei Shchelkalov ..... Andrii Kymach (baritone)
Grigory Otrepiev ..... Jamez McCorkle (tenor)
Prince Shuisky ..... John Daszak (tenor)
Varlaam ..... Alexander Roslavets (bass)
Missail ..... Alasdair Elliott (tenor)
Xenia ..... Hannah Edmunds (soprano)
Xenia's Nurse ..... Carolyn Holt (mezzo-soprano)
Hostess of the Inn ..... Susan Bickley (mezzo-soprano)
Holy Fool ..... Mingjie Lei (tenor)
Nikitich ..... Eddie Wade (baritone)
Mityukha ..... Sam Hird (baritone)
Frontier Guard ..... Freddie Tong (baritone)
Boyar ..... Christopher Lemmings (tenor)
Royal Opera Chorus
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Mark Wigglesworth (conductor)