If there was a contender for the greatest Russian opera, Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov would be it, regardless of how many versions there are. Though there is an immense amount of fondness for Eugene Onegin and Queen of Spades too. This San Francisco production is mostly impressive, not the best production of Boris Godunov around nor did it intend or need to be. The chorus did seem rather under-directed and at times dramatically aimless, with the Coronation scene being particularly static. The sets however at least have a sense of time and place, and while stark colour-wise at times they do still look good and don't become a nuisance for the performers too much(well apart from perhaps the slope in the Death scene). The costumes are evocative, especially for Boris, and the lighting matches the sometimes regal but often dark nature of the opera beautifully. The staging doesn't always work, but a lot of it manages to have emotional impact and dramatic power, Boris' Death scene, one of the best in all opera in my opinion, is just riveting and the Simpleton's role being expanded worked surprisingly well too. I also liked the scene with the map. The orchestra plays with intensity and pathos and sound very well rehearsed. The chorus could have been better served dramatically but there is no denying how great they sound, while the conducting is always alert and sympathetic. Samuel Ramey may be past his best vocally with some unsteadiness and not as much as elegance as before, but there is evidence of that hauntingly velvety tone that made his voice so appealing in his prime and he shows great musicianship and phrasing. His performance is a powerful and deeply felt one. In support the best in the cast are Andrew Bidlack's scene stealing Simpleton(can't wait to hear more of him), his voice full of ping and his acting constantly involved, and Vitalij Kowalju's noble and sonorously sung Pimen. Vladimir Ognovenko also rouses the spirits as Varlaam, Vsevolod Grivnov is a vocally sturdy Grigory if a little stolid dramatically and John Uhlenhopp imposes as Prince Shiusky. Overall, mostly impressive. 8/10 Bethany Cox
