Well, I definitely agree with you that most of the children I have seen in the role are complete blanks. While I still feel this isn't the best choice for the role, I do think Brian Asawa is a wonderful singer and artist and I do apologize if my remarks seemed offensive.
I had wondered if a countertenor had ever sung the role of Fyodor. I've heard a really good mezzo in the role, also a not so good mezzo, and an actual boy soprano. I think Asawa does quite well vocally. He's small in stature also, so his height doesn't intrude on the ilusion that he's portraying a young boy.
I'm sorry, but, the quality of his singing aside, I think it is absolute ludicrous to have a man obviously past his 30th year performing the role of Fyodor, He looks as if he would have arrested development to be singing the silly clapping song. By the way, I assume that the authoritative but vocally spent Nurse is Helga Dernesch. And Boris is John Tomlinson. I wish Asawa no ill, but this is, to me, embarrassing.
@Richiesutherland After seeing a grown woman with makeup and female hairstyle, who is obviously over forty, singing this role, I'll opt for Asawa any day. I've heard mezzos who are quite wonderful in this role, though. I've heard boy sopranos in the role also, and none have had a real understanding of the role.
Well, I definitely agree with you that most of the children I have seen in the role are complete blanks. While I still feel this isn't the best choice for the role, I do think Brian Asawa is a wonderful singer and artist and I do apologize if my remarks seemed offensive.
Richiesutherland 1 year ago
@Richiesutherland Your remarks weren't offensive at all. All opinions are welcome with me.
arpeggio1358 1 year ago
I had wondered if a countertenor had ever sung the role of Fyodor. I've heard a really good mezzo in the role, also a not so good mezzo, and an actual boy soprano. I think Asawa does quite well vocally. He's small in stature also, so his height doesn't intrude on the ilusion that he's portraying a young boy.
arpeggio1358 1 year ago
I'm sorry, but, the quality of his singing aside, I think it is absolute ludicrous to have a man obviously past his 30th year performing the role of Fyodor, He looks as if he would have arrested development to be singing the silly clapping song. By the way, I assume that the authoritative but vocally spent Nurse is Helga Dernesch. And Boris is John Tomlinson. I wish Asawa no ill, but this is, to me, embarrassing.
Richiesutherland 1 year ago
@Richiesutherland After seeing a grown woman with makeup and female hairstyle, who is obviously over forty, singing this role, I'll opt for Asawa any day. I've heard mezzos who are quite wonderful in this role, though. I've heard boy sopranos in the role also, and none have had a real understanding of the role.
arpeggio1358 1 year ago
Boris Godunov was not Mussorgsky's only opera. It was his only completed opera and his masterpiece, but not his only opera.
romino707 2 years ago
Really? I was misinformed then. I will change the description of the video immediately. Thanks... Enjoy the music! :)
lalagonegaga 2 years ago
I am so amazed with ASAWA! And happy he's breaking rules and grounds for all countertenors!
BetuliaLiberata 2 years ago