Rimsky-Korsakov: The Golden Cockerel (DVD) – Dmitry Ulyanov, Nina Minasyan

Composer: Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov
Artists: Dmitry Ulyanov, Nina Minasyan, Andrey Popov, Margarita Nekrasova, Mischa Schleomianski, Orchestre et Chœurs de l’Opéra National de Lyon
Conductor: Daniele Rustioni
Director: Barrie Kosky
Video Format: NTSC 16:9
Sound Format: PCM Stereo / DTS 5.1
Language: Russian
Subtitles: English, German, French, Japanese, Korean
Region: All Regions
Number of Discs: 1
Studio: Naxos
Release Date: August 12, 2022
Run Time: 128 minutes

Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Golden Cockerel (Le Coq d’Or) is based on a Pushkin folk tale, but the opera’s Orientalism, comedy and sultry elements go far beyond its original influence. The composer saw in the story of a Tsar, punished for his cowardice and despotism, an opportunity to employ satire to condemn Russia’s autocratic ruler, Nicholas II. 

This new production premiered in May 2021 and was staged by the Australian director, Barrie Kosky, a specialist in Russian opera. Critics hailed the “glorious” singing of Dmitry Ulyanov and the “exquisite” performance of Nina Minasyan calling the event “a triumphant evening for all concerned” (Bachtrack.com).

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