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Pique Dame
The forces of the Bolshoi Opera bring unmistakable Russian authenticity and virtuosity to this performance of The Queen of Spades, recorded during their appearance at the Montreal World Expo. The result is a stirring and idiomatic account of Tchaikovsky's dark masterpiece, steeped in vocal and dramatic intensity.
Galina Vishnevskaya is a captivating Lisa, blending the vocal innocence she brought to Tatyana with the emotional fire of her Tosca. Zurab Andzshaparidze, a Bolshoi regular, gives a superb performance as Gherman, marked by ringing tone and psychological insight. Irina Arkhipova nearly steals the show with her commanding rendition of Polina's aria, while Elena Obraztsova adds distinction with a brief but memorable appearance as the Governess.
The sound is slightly distant, and a faint buzz appears occasionally, but these minor flaws do little to diminish the overall impact of this rare and powerful performance.
Track List
Act I, sc. i
Tracks 1 - 6
Act I, sc. ii
Tracks 7 - 12
Act II, sc. i
13. Track 1
14. Track 2
15. Track 3
16. Track 4
17. Track 5 (continued)
14. Track 2
15. Track 3
16. Track 4
17. Track 5 (continued)
Act II, sc. ii
Tracks 18 - 21
Act III, sc. i
Tracks 22 - 23
Act III, sc. ii
Tracks 24 - 25
Act III, sc. iii
Tracks 26 - 29
Customer Reviews
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4.0
Based on 2 reviews
✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Great Performance, Recessed Sound!
Once one gets used to the voices being slightly recessed, this is an impressive performance. Vishnevskaya fully lives up to her reputation as an passionate singing actress with her intense, obsessed Lisa. There have been prettier voices in this music, but none more determined. Andzshapadidze is an exciting Hermann whose obsessions first with Lisa and then the secret of the three cards lead to his destruction. His top B at the end of the first scene is one for the record books. Levko sings the Countess beautifully and Arkhipova makes Pauline's romanza in the second scene a highlight of the performance. Mazurok is a handsome Yeletzsky; his aria is one of the most beautiful Tchaikovsky ever wrote. Khaikin leads this spooky, marvelous score very well.Aside from a clumsy sidebreak (inevitable with discs this long), this is a good set. If you love this opera as I do, you must acquire this performance.
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✓ Verified Buyer
United States
Good Performance
Very good performance. The sound is impaired by audience noises and there is a echo of the singers. Sounds like it was a hand held microphone in the audience or orchestra pit. However the singers excellent.
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