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.

Artists

Vassily Savenko (Prince Zhemchuzhny), Elena Lassoskaya (Natalia), Dimitri Ulianov (Molchan Mitkov), Irina Doljenko (Boyarina Morozova), Vsevolod Grivnov (Andrei Morozov), Alexandra Durseneva (Basmanov), Vladimir Ognovenko (Prince Vyazminsky), Cinzia De Mola (Zakharyevna)

Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro Lirico di Cagliari, Gennadi Rozhdestvensky