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

Mark Reizen (1895-1992)

Since my previous video upload of Dosifey's aria (from the 1959 Mosfilm "Khovanshchina") was disfigured by excruciating cuts, I thought that I might remedy the situation by posting an alternate Reizen performance of the aria in its entirety (this time with the Rimsky-Korsakoff orchestration).

Recorded in 1953, he is accompanied here by the Bolshoi Theater Orchestra, led by Vassiliy Nebolsin. Needless to say, Reizen's Dosifey was without peer in the 1940's and 50's, and remains unchallenged today. For those interested in a complete performance of the role, I would recommend his 1946 recording with Boris Khaikin, available on the French label Lys.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Mark
• Reizen
• Марк
• Рейзен
• Ukrainian
• Jewish
• bass
• basso
• Khovanshchina
• Russian
• opera
• aria
• Dosifey
• Dosifei
• Modest
• Mussorgsky

[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.

[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.

[canagalilaeae]

Maybe the best bass ever

[porzt]

you can feel the power of a natural genius