Rimsky-Korsakov: The Maid of Pskov

The two composers in question are Modest Mussorgsky and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, and the "twin operas" are "Boris Godunov" and "The Maid of Pskov", also known as "Ivan the Terrible". The time when the composers lived together was 1871/72. Rimsky was the first to finish his work, and he was also the first to get it performed (in 1873), while Mussorgsky had to wait one year longer, but when Diaghilev introduced both operas to the West at the beginning of the 20th century, he presented them in reverse order, and "The Maid of Pskov" seemed but a feeble imitation of "Boris". Outside Russia it never caught on. Nor did any of Rimsky's other 14 operas, not even his last, "The Golden Cockerel" (usually known by the French name under which it was produced by Diaghilev, "Le Coq d'or").

Inside Russia, however, especially in St. Petersburg, "The Maid of Pskov" was never forgotten, although it was always ranked below "Boris Godunov". And this is probably how it is: "Boris Godunov" is a masterpiece of the highest rank, to many the greatest of Russian operas, and if Rimsky's "Maid of Pskov" cannot match "Boris", no other opera can. "Boris" apart, however, "The Maid of Pskov" is still a very attractive example of a history-based opera, the genre so beloved by 19th-century Russians, and of high musical merit. Whoever likes this kind of opera will also appreciate "The Maid of Pskov" with its magnificent choruses (especially the so-called "Veche" scene, which certainly is on par with "Boris Godunov"), with Olga's Arietta in the second act, with the soliloquy of the guilt-ridden Tsar Ivan in the last act and with the end, when Ivan bows over the dead body of his illegitimate daughter with the chorus singing a touching hymn and the orchestra transfiguring the scene in a climactic postlude.

Unlike "Boris Godunov", "The Maid of Pskov" contains some genuine love interest, and the female roles are more rewarding. Of course it is strikingly unoperatic that the two characters dying in the course of the action are just shot dead and fall silent without as much as a single moan.

Gergiev's recording with soloists, chorus and orchestra from the Mariinsky (or Kirov) Theatre in St. Petersburg maintains the high standard set by this outstanding opera conductor in previous recordings of other Russian operas. It adheres to the composer's score (in its final 1895 version) quite faithfully. The optional prologue (also known as "Boyarïnya Vera Zheloga") and the extra aria for Ivan, devised for Shalyapin in 1898, are omitted. The opera was recorded live; thus, one hears the otherwise silent crowd trooping onto the stage at the beginning of the "veche" scene.

Still, it is quite a pity that this recording is not available on LD. The reviewer has seen "The Maid of Pskov" twice on the Mariinsky stage and he was greatly impressed, even deeply moved.

The story is centered about the illegitimate daughter of Ivan the Terrible. It begins with the townsfolk hearing that their "little father" Ivan has awoke on the wrong side of bed and is in the process of wiping out Russian towns he thinks aren't loyal. Like Boris Godounov (the most original and arguably the greatest Russian opera) the opera succeeds in showing a very human side of the Tsar. The magic begins when Ivan looks into his daughter's eyes and sees his lover from youth (now dead).

Everyone in this cast is great. Vladimir Ognovienko (bass) is impressive as Ivan and his interchanges with Galina Gorchakova (soprano) as Olga his daughter (the maid) make this recording a great success. Vladimir Gaiusin (tenor) is a truly wonderful Mikhail and has an excellent duet with Olga. However, the voice and rich character provided by Gennady Bezzubenkov (bass-baritone) carries the bulk of the opera as Price Yuri of Pskov and stepfather to Olga. Having the Philips label guarantees great audio. This is a live performance from the Kirov and therefore has convincing dramatics. And since Russian audiences don't clap, cough, or sneeze until the end of a performance it has the impact of a studio recording.

Most of the Russian opera repertory is just beginning to see the light of day in the western world. This is great for opera lovers because of the selection and depth. The Maid of Pskov is a perfect example. It is, in many ways, as good or better than much in the Italian and French repertory. Buy it! You will play it time and again.