Magnificent performance...Russian singing at its best !
05/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When looking for a highlights cd of Tchaikovsky's second most popular opera, I came across this excellent performance. The singing is the main draw here with Larin, Hvorostovsky, and Prokina setting the standard for their roles. Obratsova too delivers a fine performance in her big aria, and Tomsky and Domashenko round out an unequaled team. These wonderful voices are slightly forward balanced but this is a minor complaint when the singing is so magnificent. Orbelian conducts with sensitivity and the chorus is excellent. My only regret is not buying to complete performance, but this cd packs a full 78 minutes of pure pleasure...highly recommended"