Dynamic continues its collaboration with the Fondazione Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, which has already led to successful releases such as, for example, Die Feen (CDS 217/1-3) and Cherevichki (CDS 287/1-3).
This time it is Tchaikovsky's early but fascinating work Oprichnik that has been rediscovered, the Russian composer's first, real, convincing step of his theatrical career. Oprichnik pleased many people but not its author, who, despite having worked at it with enthusiasm, after seeing the first performance at the Mariinskij theatre of St Petersburg, found it "without action, without style and inspiration". Too stern an evaluation, indeed, but one which reflects Tchaikovsky's tormented soul.
Oprichnik is a powerful, dramatic work and, although it lacks the introspection of more mature operas, it has wonderful melodic passages, and intense and captivating arias and duets.
Gennadi Rozhdestvensky, on the podium, leads a cast of experienced singers.
Cast
Prince Zemchuznj Vassily Savenko
Natal'ja Elena Lassoskaya
Molchan Mit'kov Dmitri Ulianov
Morozova Bojarina Irina Doljenko
Morozov Andrej Vsevolod Grivnov
Basmanov Alezandra Durseneva
Prince Vjaz'minskij Vladimir Ognovenko
Zachar'evna Cinzia De Mola
Conductor
Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
Orchestra
Orchestra of the Lyric Theatre of Cagliari
Chorus
Chorus of the Lyric Theatre of Cagliari
Chorus master
Paolo Vero