My only disappointment with this release is that the entire opera isn't here. Whether that's the way it was performed or whether the Inn Scene and the second part of the Polish act disappeared over the years I don't know. But what remains is first-rate. Boris goes well in German and the diction from everyone including the chorus is extraordinarily clear.Adam sings Boris very well, sounding more like a baritone than a bass which is appropriate as the tessitura of this version is a bit higher than the traditional one. Walter Pietsch sings Pimen beautifully and the Grigory, Rolf Apreck, is just as good. Too bad so much of his role is missing. Kuhse shows again what a fine singer she was. Her Marina is also a casualty of the missing music. Schreier sings the brief, but important role of the Simpleton like a Schubert lied: beautiful and heartbreaking. The sound is excellent and Kegel conducts with strength and conviction. The colorful Shostakovich orchestration is used here, yet another reason to acquire this.

Enjoyed this very much. Uses Shostakovich version. Good singing and sounds ok in German.