Mark Reizen- Dosifey's aria from Khovanshchina (1953 rec.)

[dilvishselar]

At my opinion Mark Osioivich Reizen, was the best bass that ewer been.

По моему мнению Марк Осипович Рейзен, был лучшим басом из когда либо живших.

[Bassoturco]

Magnificent heavy bass. This part is written for a lighter bass or a low bass-baritone... a cantante,

like Chaliapin or Pinza. Khovantchev is for a heavy dark basso, exactly like Reizen and there must be a contrast between Dosifej and Khovantjeff, like between Filippo and the Inquisitor in Don Carlos. My opinion of course!

[khankonchak]

Well, Reizen actually WAS a basso cantante, not a "heavy" dramatic or profondo bass. His voice was weightier than that of Chaliapin (or Pinza), but the latter classification requires a "cavernous", granitic quality that he simply did not possess. This becomes particularly evident when comparing Reizen's voice to such profondos as Mikhailov and Shtokolov. Keep in mind that Slavic basses have often had heftier, darker voices than their Western counterparts, regardless of their fach.

[khankonchak]

As to Reizen's suitability for the role of Dosifey, just take a look at Vera Stroyeva's 1959 film of Khovanshchina. My own channel includes two clips featuring his scenes, and my Youtube friend vstasov has uploaded the film in its entirety. Reizen's voice and physical presence are nothing short of electrifying; the great bass simply exudes authority, and I challenge anyone to suggest a more commanding and zealous Dosifey.

[canagalilaeae]

Maybe the best bass ever

[porzt]

you can feel the power of a natural genius