Wow, great clip! This is definitely one of the best performances of Boris that I have ever heard and the high F#'s sound quite effortless. Thank you for sharing this great performance.
What I like most about this performance is that Reizen gives an air of intelligence and thoughtfulness to Boris. Too often, I see bassos that portray him as just wildly superstitious and rather brutish. That's not at all how I see the character--historically, Boris was quite clever and intellectual.
How did all Reizen and the other great Russian basses, virtually all of whom had big, dramatic voices, develop that marvelous mezza voce? Particularly on high notes?
On first sight you have a point. But then on second thought here is a man basically .....thinking. .Deep in thought. So should he throw himself all over the stage, or perhaps more intelligent to do what a man alone and deep in thoughts really does. Which is mostly nothing. That is why great acting should not be confused with activity just to be active.
@vhan2007 Well said. The greatest singers in the world including this man, used their voices to do the acting. Every word he utters paints a picture. Tks for posting.
In terms of musicianship, pure vocalism, and exquisite acting, this role alone is enough to establsh Mark Reizen as the greatest bass in Russian/Soviet history. I know that's a bold assertion, but I actually do feel that way. Who is as good? Who is better? Absolutely perfecting singing and acting!
Great! My grandfather introduced me to Reizen when he played some old LP of his. This monologue was on it among the others. Too bad there is such a mess surounding Mussorgsky score&Rimsky-Korsakov alterations, I almost got headache just by trying to found out how much the opera today is original score from Mussorgsky and just how much was it edited.Bah,I guess I'll have to read more about it if I would like to have any idea what really happened...Well at least I can listen without much ponder
I do not worry much about versions, as long as I like the singing. Reizen did sing the "Musorgsky" version of Godunov in the1928 production in Leningrad, (Mariinsky-Kirov) and he knew a lot about the versions. He was part of the commitee at the Bolshoi in 1946, when a new production of Boris was considered and the controversy was : "What version".
Not to take anything away from the great Chaliapin, but I actually prefer Reizen in this role. Listing to this from a purely musical point of view, it is superb. He was a formidable musician. Chaliapin was a great melodramatic actor, but his musicianship could not compare to this. Великолепно!
The beuaty of Youtube - I had never heard of this singer - wow - what a find - this is singing of the highest order - great vocalization with impassioned interpretation of the text (even thought I don't know exactly what he is saying). If he is still alive - BRAVO Mr. Reisen!
Mark Reizen lived 1895-1992. One of the celebrated basses of the Bolshoi. Also a great performer of songs, some examples on these pages. The beautiful velvety voice, in the service of a highly intelligent artist.
Like Wotan's monologue - a glimpse into the soul of a great, tragic figure. Can only be pulled off by the most elevated artists, and here is one who is at the pinnacle of art - a master, a genius. Again, thank you.
With Chaliapin and Reizen you got it all. Two completely opposite artists, Reizen is all about holding it inside creating a great dramatic intensity, and giving that incredible timbre, power, and tessitura. Chaliapin an all extroverted genius showman, crazy artist that can freeze you to death. A totally different voice a little higher but fitts his character too...
Excellent. While his physical acting is more restrained than Chaliapin's, there is a kind of internal intensity here that is deeply musical and artistic. He is actually a more disciplined singer than Chaliapin, who could be all over the map vocally sometimes.
You are quite right. As has been said about his Boris, it is of great depth of characterisation, while at the same time stubbornly singing all the notes of the role!
A propos de Chaliapin, do you happen to know if there are any more Chaliapin clips out there that have not yet been posted? There seem to be very, very few.
In other words, not just a great singing actor but also a true musician. By the way did he sing in the premiere of Shostakovitch's 14th Symphony with Vishnevskaya? I know he recorded it with her
I've now found the name Mark Reshetin as the bass who sang with Vishnevskaya in this work, perhaps a different spelling of the name? or another singer.... any idea?
Mark Stepanovich Reshetin, bass, born 1931 was a soloist of the Bolshoi Opera 1956 to 1977. He had the title People's artist of the Russiam Republic in 1972. Very good singer!
Wow, great clip! This is definitely one of the best performances of Boris that I have ever heard and the high F#'s sound quite effortless. Thank you for sharing this great performance.
76Basso 1 year ago
What I like most about this performance is that Reizen gives an air of intelligence and thoughtfulness to Boris. Too often, I see bassos that portray him as just wildly superstitious and rather brutish. That's not at all how I see the character--historically, Boris was quite clever and intellectual.
BorisGodunov 2 years ago
Remarkable singing. As good as any ever was.TY Dandy!
paulostroff99 2 years ago
An excellent basso! TY!
CanadaPisces 2 years ago 3
How did all Reizen and the other great Russian basses, virtually all of whom had big, dramatic voices, develop that marvelous mezza voce? Particularly on high notes?
stevevandien 2 years ago 2
Stunning! Has there ever been better? Bravo!
paulostroff99 2 years ago
Well, don't know about that praised acting... looks quite woody to me. But singing is great.
SamiTheVoice 2 years ago
On first sight you have a point. But then on second thought here is a man basically .....thinking. .Deep in thought. So should he throw himself all over the stage, or perhaps more intelligent to do what a man alone and deep in thoughts really does. Which is mostly nothing. That is why great acting should not be confused with activity just to be active.
Thanks for your coment.
vhan2007 2 years ago
@vhan2007 Well said. The greatest singers in the world including this man, used their voices to do the acting. Every word he utters paints a picture. Tks for posting.
AmhranaiAlainn 1 year ago
In terms of musicianship, pure vocalism, and exquisite acting, this role alone is enough to establsh Mark Reizen as the greatest bass in Russian/Soviet history. I know that's a bold assertion, but I actually do feel that way. Who is as good? Who is better? Absolutely perfecting singing and acting!
EdmundStAustell 2 years ago 8
@EdmundStAustell Totally agree. Reizen knew the true art of singing that has been absent from the world stage (of opera) now for over half a century.
AmhranaiAlainn 1 year ago
Supernatural. Thank you.
I wonder who the conductor is...
Thank you
vstasov 2 years ago 5
Great! My grandfather introduced me to Reizen when he played some old LP of his. This monologue was on it among the others. Too bad there is such a mess surounding Mussorgsky score&Rimsky-Korsakov alterations, I almost got headache just by trying to found out how much the opera today is original score from Mussorgsky and just how much was it edited.Bah,I guess I'll have to read more about it if I would like to have any idea what really happened...Well at least I can listen without much ponder
markovican 3 years ago
I do not worry much about versions, as long as I like the singing. Reizen did sing the "Musorgsky" version of Godunov in the1928 production in Leningrad, (Mariinsky-Kirov) and he knew a lot about the versions. He was part of the commitee at the Bolshoi in 1946, when a new production of Boris was considered and the controversy was : "What version".
vhan2007 3 years ago
Gorgeous voice, so full of gravitas. Thank you for posting!
Imogenn 3 years ago
What a voice and what an artist. That is one of the all-time Greats: still undefeated after all these years.
GottlobHotter 3 years ago 3
Stunning. A gift to see him in this role. Thank you.
jkircher314 4 years ago 4
Not to take anything away from the great Chaliapin, but I actually prefer Reizen in this role. Listing to this from a purely musical point of view, it is superb. He was a formidable musician. Chaliapin was a great melodramatic actor, but his musicianship could not compare to this. Великолепно!
stefakamelpash 4 years ago 10
Unsurpassed.
796824 4 years ago 4
He's very impressive.
Hans NL
qklq42 4 years ago 3
did he sing any of the great verdi roles?
acduckett 4 years ago 2
Yes, and quite well too:
On record:
Vespri Siciliani - O tu Palermo
Simon Boccanegra - Il Lacerato spirito
The above two were recorded in both Russian and in Italian
Don Carlo - Ella Giamai m'amo
Other Western operas:
Barber of Seville - complete, also Basilio's aria in italian. He was a celebrated Basilio on stage.
Faust - complete - one of the most exciting Mephistopheles on record.
Also recorded a resounding Wotans Abschied fro Die Walkure
vhan2007 4 years ago
Treasure between jewels!!!Thanks,Monsieur...ou madame ...Vhan,for to give us this magnificent exponent of the supreme Art1
he was,with chaliapine,one of the best actor-singers of all time!
Ankhsnammon
Ankhsnammon 4 years ago
The beuaty of Youtube - I had never heard of this singer - wow - what a find - this is singing of the highest order - great vocalization with impassioned interpretation of the text (even thought I don't know exactly what he is saying). If he is still alive - BRAVO Mr. Reisen!
cantorandopera 4 years ago
It's about time :=)
Mark Reizen lived 1895-1992. One of the celebrated basses of the Bolshoi. Also a great performer of songs, some examples on these pages. The beautiful velvety voice, in the service of a highly intelligent artist.
To many, one of the greatest of the century.
vhan2007 4 years ago
Like Wotan's monologue - a glimpse into the soul of a great, tragic figure. Can only be pulled off by the most elevated artists, and here is one who is at the pinnacle of art - a master, a genius. Again, thank you.
jkircher314 4 years ago
With Chaliapin and Reizen you got it all. Two completely opposite artists, Reizen is all about holding it inside creating a great dramatic intensity, and giving that incredible timbre, power, and tessitura. Chaliapin an all extroverted genius showman, crazy artist that can freeze you to death. A totally different voice a little higher but fitts his character too...
hologramlink108 4 years ago
Excellent. While his physical acting is more restrained than Chaliapin's, there is a kind of internal intensity here that is deeply musical and artistic. He is actually a more disciplined singer than Chaliapin, who could be all over the map vocally sometimes.
stefakamelpash 4 years ago 2
You are quite right. As has been said about his Boris, it is of great depth of characterisation, while at the same time stubbornly singing all the notes of the role!
vhan2007 4 years ago
A propos de Chaliapin, do you happen to know if there are any more Chaliapin clips out there that have not yet been posted? There seem to be very, very few.
stefakamelpash 4 years ago
As far as I know there is very little viceo of Chaliapin, just from Don Quijote. There is of course plenty sound recordings, most an CD.
vhan2007 4 years ago
In other words, not just a great singing actor but also a true musician. By the way did he sing in the premiere of Shostakovitch's 14th Symphony with Vishnevskaya? I know he recorded it with her
CzarDodon 4 years ago
I do not know of him singing or recording this work.
vhan2007 4 years ago
I've now found the name Mark Reshetin as the bass who sang with Vishnevskaya in this work, perhaps a different spelling of the name? or another singer.... any idea?
CzarDodon 4 years ago
Mark Stepanovich Reshetin, bass, born 1931 was a soloist of the Bolshoi Opera 1956 to 1977. He had the title People's artist of the Russiam Republic in 1972. Very good singer!
vhan2007 4 years ago
You certainly know your Bolshoi singers :-) thanks.
CzarDodon 4 years ago 2
Have you ever heard of Serguei Petrovitch Danielian, liricodramatique tenor Narodnii artist, sang at the bolshoi too
hologramlink108 2 years ago
Indeed a treasure. That is why I posted it
vhan2007 4 years ago
Many thanks for posting this. A treasure. Did not know it existed.
jkircher314 4 years ago 2