BORIS GODUNOV

One of the pinnacles of the Russian operatic canon starring an extraordinary cast

German bass René Pape reprises his acclaimed portrayal of the title role of Mussorgsky’s Russian historical drama BORIS GODUNOV, which is presented for the first time at the Met in its original 1869 version. Without the Polish act and its sexual and political machinations, we are left with a thoroughly cogent tale in seven tight scenes of a Tsar’s emotional and political descent into madness by his murderous act which took place before the start of the opera: the order to assassinate the heir apparent that cemented Boris' ascendency to the throne. In this version it is Boris and the Russian people who emerge as the opera's co-protagonists. Running just over two hours, Stephen Wadsworth’s production is riveting and cinematic, brilliantly capturing Boris’s inner turmoil and the hope and suffering of the oppressed Russian people. Maestro Sebastian Weigle takes the podium to lead an outstanding ensemble cast.

“A significant milestone … conducted with cool, efficient clarity and seriousness by Sebastian Weigle …” (The New York Times)

“René Pape integrated his singing and his body language, a centered voice and frantic movements, into a compelling performance that created the sense of fateful tragedy.” (New York Classical Review)