Brilliant Classics: 93926

Another outstanding recording from the golden era at EMI. Made in 1952, and produced by Walter Legge, it was the first of two that featured Boris Christoff in the title role. The second version, though fine and in stereo (conducted by André Cluytens), never dislodged the first recording from the top of the critics’recommended list. The reasons for this are twofold – firstly the conducting of Issay Dobrowen is simply superb, and secondly, because of Christoff ’s portrayal of Boris, and coincidental, two other roles. In these he adopts clearly delineated characters and voices – never sounding like one singer performing three roles in the same voice. For Boris he provides the superlative portrait of the tortured Tsar, but the anguish never spills over into histrionics. Another jewel in the crown is the young Nicolai Gedda – an ardent and fresh Grigory. The orchestral playing from the French forces sounds more Russian than on many recordings that have followed – a tribute to the conductor, Issay Dobrowen.

‘Dobrowen’s lean, vivid, acutely shaped direction, … taut rhythms and fastish tempos, is as vital as any version since. Its other main attribute is, of course Christoff … if that were not enough, there is the beauty and ardour of the young Gedda … the digital transfers bring out the excellence of the original engineering. So this version really is essential listening for admirers of the work.’ Gramophone