Dargomyzhsky - Rusalka - Complete Opera

Premiere in 1856. Opera in 4 acts by Alexander Dargomyzhsky. Libretto by composer, based on an incomplete story by Pushkin. The opera is seldom staged outside Russia, which is a pity. It’s prevailing use of the number system and ensemble shows that Russian opera of the day was still heavily influenced by the Italian model. Even so, it’s distinctive subject matter and portrayal of Russian village life using much local color in the score helped set Russian opera on a nationalistic course. The role of the Miller is a bravura Russian bass role, created by the great Osip Petrov. It has been red meat to all the great Russian/Ukrainian basses ever since, many of whom have recorded the Miller’s aria and Mad Scene, almost as a matter of duty. The present recording was made in 1983 with a marvelous cast and conductor. The audio here was taken from a CD release by the Relief label. Currently, this same recording is available on Brilliant Classics, but only in Europe at this time. CAST: The M