MusicDVDs

The latest release reviewed

RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: MLADA
Soloists: Nina Ananiashvili, Oleg Kulko, Maria Gavrilova, Gleb Nikolsky, Galina Borisova, Kirill Nikitan, Yulia Malkhassiants. Bolshoi Chorus & SO. Conductor: Alexander Lazarev Warner Music Vision ****

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's operas are not well known outside Russia, but they are mainstream there and have been staple productions at the Bolshoi for many years. Mlada, a tale of love and murder in ancient Baltic regions, was first produced in 1872, and the composer revised the score thoroughly in 1889 after seeing Wagner's Ring for the first time. Rimsky-Korsakov incorporated many of Wagner's ideas of music drama. The resultant opera is a spectacular fusion of singing, drama and dancing, with some of the composer's most colourful music. It really comes to life when given a lavish stage production, such as it gets here from the combined forces of the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet. The singing may occasionally lack refinement, but is committed and enthusiastic with some great ensembles and choruses, while the dancing is up to the highest standards of the Bolshoi. www.wmg.com  

© 2008 The Irish Times