Loading…
- Mussorgsky, Modest
- Rimsky-Korsakov, Nicolai
Duration: 7 minutes
Description: Modest Mussorgsky (1839–1881) composed Boris Godunov between 1868 and 1872, but following the composer’s death, his friend and fellow composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844–1908) undertook a comprehensive revision and reorchestration of the opera to make it more acceptable to contemporary audiences. Around 1889, Rimsky-Korsakov first reorchestrated the Introduction and Polonaise from Act III as an independent concert piece before incorporating it into his complete revised edition of the opera, published in 1896. Set in the Polish court of Sandomierz, the scene introduces an atmosphere of aristocratic splendor as the ambitious False Dmitry courts the noblewoman Marina Mniszech, with the stately Polonaise providing a brilliant display of ceremonial elegance that contrasts sharply with the political intrigue to follow. Although Mussorgsky’s original version of the opera has largely replaced Rimsky-Korsakov’s revision in modern staged performances, the Introduction and Polonaise in Rimsky-Korsakov’s sumptuous orchestration has retained an enduring place in the symphonic repertoire, admired for its brilliant orchestral color and regal grandeur. Instrumentation: 3(3rd dPicc).3.3.3: 4.2+2(Crnt).3.1: Timp: Perc(3-4): Hp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set). Reprint edition.