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At the dawn of the 17th century, the people of Russia mourn the demise of the tsarevitch Dimitri and call for a sovereign and an end to their former misfortunes. When a pretender to the throne presents himself, the people, credulous and versatile, acclaim him and revolt against the tsar Boris, a pathetic figure tormented by his murder of the martyred Dimitri, who “begs the grace of tears,” before his staggering death brought on by the crime that haunts him. Only the innocent hasten the future of the empire: “Run, bitter tears […]. Soon the enemy will come to let gloom settle in […]. Cry, people of Russia, people of hunger.”
Musorgsky transposed this chronicle from Russian history from Pushkin in an unequalled masterpiece. For the first time in opera, the chorus is the main character in a crashing dramaturgical intrigue of contrasting atmospheres reminiscent of Shakespeare. Unconcerned with the beauty of form in itself, the composer breaks classic harmony, adjusting the music to the words with a completely new and profoundly moving melodic discourse, much admired by Debussy: “Never has a more refined sensibility been translated by such simple means.”
Collection of musical instruments for Music Fund
'The instruments you're attached to are worth more than you know.'
In association with Music Fund, La Monnaie is organising a collection of instruments on the occasion of the performances of Boris Godunov. Once they have been repaired or restored, the instruments will be sent to developing countries and areas of conflict.
>> www.musicfund.be
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introduction