Khovanshchina receives a rare star-studded treatment in this compelling performance from Hamburg. Nicolai Ghiaurov, long admired for his Boris Godunov, brings his signature blend of regal authority and underlying menace to the title role, crafting a character who is both imposing and deeply human.

Christa Ludwig makes the most of Marfa's music, and while the role doesn't fully showcase the breadth of her sumptuous mezzo-soprano, she brings expressive clarity and subtle nuance to the Russian text. Bernd Weikl nearly steals the show with a heartfelt and beautifully sung account of Shaklovitij's aria, offering a rare moment of introspective warmth. Wiesław Ochman brings burly lyricism to Andrej, and Martti Talvela's stately bass makes an elegant counterweight to Ghiaurov's rougher dramatic edge.