Prince Igor is somewhat fragmented in terms of story, due to it being incomplete at the time of Borodin's death, perhaps a large part as to why it's not performed often. The characters are interesting however and Borodin's music (the most famous being the Overture, Vladimir's cavatina and especially the Polovtsian Dances) is glorious.
The DVD/video competition is scarce, but is a very solid one with all the productions (the Russian film version, Mariinsky, Met's and this, the Bernard Haitink-conducted performance is also well worth watching) having a huge amount to recommend, all of them doing wonders with a problematic but interesting opera that deserves to be better known. This 1981 production ties with the Mariinksy production as the best available, let down only by some too dark picture quality and Vladimir Sherbakov's rather dramatically dull and slightly strained Vladimir (as a consequence of the role being reduced due to the omission of the act depicting the escape of Igor and the conflict of Vladimir of leaving or staying with Konchakovna).
Visually, the production is very classical and traditional and all the better for it, with very evocatively designed costumes, atmospheric lighting and incredibly handsome sets. The video directing is dynamic and unobtrusive, showing an expansive view of the action (allowing one to fully enjoy the spectacle of the Polovtsian Dances) while not trying to do too much or too little. The production is very compellingly staged, with a great knack for atmosphere (a great job is done with Act 2), intense but also sensitive interaction between the performers (Khan Konchak and Konchakovna's being particularly well done) and making the story cohesive. The Polovtsian Dances are spectacular in spectacle and electric in choreography, and of the DVD competition only the Mariinsky production is up to its level in quality.
Musically, it's superb and has few if any flaws. The orchestral playing is rich in sound and has such beautiful tone throughout, with lots of dramatic intensity, sensitive nuance and energy. The chorus are stirring and blow off the roof in a thrilling way in the Polovtsian Dances, without over-singing, while the dancing dazzles in how spirited it is. Konchak's tribe are very colourfully portrayed. Mark Ermler's conducting is some of the most idiomatic and consistently alive to drama of all of the productions available, while the sound is pretty darn good for mono. With the sole exception of Sherbakov, the performances are as good as you would expect.
Evgeny Nesterenko warrants particular mention for his tour-de-force portrayal in the title role, his voice is full and resonant and the acting noble and heroic. Elena Kurovskaya provides some truly expressive singing as Yaroslavna, and has a very poignant and elegant stage presence. Alexander Vedernikov is a confidently sung and deliciously evil Galitsky, clearly enjoying himself in the role without resorting to histrionics. The Skula and Yeroshka are amusing too, and help make Act 1 enjoyable as well as appropriately tense. Boris Morosov is mostly likely the best Khan Konchak on DVD, possessing a dark, sonorous but never woolly voice and a magnetically dominant stage presence, while Tamara Sinyavskaya's Konchakovna is superbly sung and seductive without being diva-ish.
Overall, this Prince Igor from Bolshoi while not quite flawless is worth treasuring and is the best of a solid DVD competition. 9/10 Bethany Cox
The DVD/video competition is scarce, but is a very solid one with all the productions (the Russian film version, Mariinsky, Met's and this, the Bernard Haitink-conducted performance is also well worth watching) having a huge amount to recommend, all of them doing wonders with a problematic but interesting opera that deserves to be better known. This 1981 production ties with the Mariinksy production as the best available, let down only by some too dark picture quality and Vladimir Sherbakov's rather dramatically dull and slightly strained Vladimir (as a consequence of the role being reduced due to the omission of the act depicting the escape of Igor and the conflict of Vladimir of leaving or staying with Konchakovna).
Visually, the production is very classical and traditional and all the better for it, with very evocatively designed costumes, atmospheric lighting and incredibly handsome sets. The video directing is dynamic and unobtrusive, showing an expansive view of the action (allowing one to fully enjoy the spectacle of the Polovtsian Dances) while not trying to do too much or too little. The production is very compellingly staged, with a great knack for atmosphere (a great job is done with Act 2), intense but also sensitive interaction between the performers (Khan Konchak and Konchakovna's being particularly well done) and making the story cohesive. The Polovtsian Dances are spectacular in spectacle and electric in choreography, and of the DVD competition only the Mariinsky production is up to its level in quality.
Musically, it's superb and has few if any flaws. The orchestral playing is rich in sound and has such beautiful tone throughout, with lots of dramatic intensity, sensitive nuance and energy. The chorus are stirring and blow off the roof in a thrilling way in the Polovtsian Dances, without over-singing, while the dancing dazzles in how spirited it is. Konchak's tribe are very colourfully portrayed. Mark Ermler's conducting is some of the most idiomatic and consistently alive to drama of all of the productions available, while the sound is pretty darn good for mono. With the sole exception of Sherbakov, the performances are as good as you would expect.
Evgeny Nesterenko warrants particular mention for his tour-de-force portrayal in the title role, his voice is full and resonant and the acting noble and heroic. Elena Kurovskaya provides some truly expressive singing as Yaroslavna, and has a very poignant and elegant stage presence. Alexander Vedernikov is a confidently sung and deliciously evil Galitsky, clearly enjoying himself in the role without resorting to histrionics. The Skula and Yeroshka are amusing too, and help make Act 1 enjoyable as well as appropriately tense. Boris Morosov is mostly likely the best Khan Konchak on DVD, possessing a dark, sonorous but never woolly voice and a magnetically dominant stage presence, while Tamara Sinyavskaya's Konchakovna is superbly sung and seductive without being diva-ish.
Overall, this Prince Igor from Bolshoi while not quite flawless is worth treasuring and is the best of a solid DVD competition. 9/10 Bethany Cox
